WHEAL NEPTUNE
Nestled between the villages of Goldsithney and Perranuthnoe stood Wheal Neptune. Today, little remains visible on the surface apart from some tips and a mine shaft. First worked between 1811 and 1823, this copper mine produced over 10,000 tons of copper ore during its initial period of operation. Briefly revived in 1838, it yielded a further 3,000 tons.
The mine’s infrastructure was impressive for its time, comprising 13 shafts and employing horse whims for hoisting materials. A powerful 52-inch cylinder pumping engine was installed to manage water drainage, allowing for deeper and more efficient extraction.
Wheal Neptune proved to be not only rich in copper but also remarkably profitable. Over its productive life, the mine returned an estimated £200,000 in profit, with each £5 share realizing an astonishing £1,750—a striking indicator of its success.
SAMPSON RELATIVES WHO WORKED IN THIS MINE
John Sampson 1786-18??
Son of John Sampson & Hannah Stevens/Stephens.
Tributer and tutworker.
Seems from 1818 he focussed solely on tutwork.
John Sampson 1808-1885
Eldest son of John Sampson 1786 & Grace Gundry.
Employed as a bellows boy for Mar – Dec 1821.
Thomas Sampson 1810-1862
Second eldest son of John Sampson 1786 & Grace Gundry.
Employed as a bellows boy for Nov 1821.
Gideon Gundry 1780-1841
Son of Gideon Gundry & Christian Harvey.
Brother in law of John Sampson 1786.
Engine man for cylinder pumping engine.
Thomas James 1791-1833
Son of John James & Hannah Cornish.
Brother in law of John Sampson 1786.
Tributer and tutworker.
Simon Stephens 1747-1819
Son of Simon Stephens & Hannah Williams
Uncle of John Sampson 1786.
Tributer Feb 1814-Jun 1816.
Also possible that this is a cousin of John Sampson in Simon Stephens 1773-1???
OTHER SAMPSONS
Thomas Sampson 1771-1842
Son of Richard Sampson & Sarah Rowe
Tributer and tutworker.
NEARBY SETTLEMENTS
PERRANUTHNOE 320m
GOLDSITHNEY 1km
MARAZION 2.4km
PENZANCE 6.7km
REFERENCES
Ednovean Farm
The exploring section of the site provides an overview of mining around the village of Perranuthnoe. Ednovean Farm is highly recommended as a B & B destination.
Kresen Kernow
Costs, tributers and tutwork AD662/17
Wheal Neptune, Perranuthnoe 1814-1818
minedat.org
This site provides a map location as well as photographs of ore samples.
Mining Remediation Authority
Mine plans, Wheal Neptune, Perranuthnoe
MRO/R199c
Museum of Cornish Life at Helston
Wheal Neptune Accounts Book 1821-1822
IMAGE: Below is a copy of the undated mine plan for Wheal Neptune. None of the mine buildings exist today.
