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Locomotive Smelter on the Redruth and Chacewater line, Cornwall. After 1854

Locomotive Smelter on the Redruth and Chacewater line, Cornwall. After 1854


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Filename: TRURI-RYrch-1.tiff

Size: 8931 x 5689 (52MB)

Date: 8th August 2016

Source: Royal Cornwall Museum

County: Cornwall

© From the collection of the RIC

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Locomotive Smelter on the Redruth and Chacewater line, Cornwall. After 1854

Driver and fireman posing for the camera and a group of small children looking on from the vantage point of a high hedge in the background. Authorised by an Act of Parliament in 1824, the Redruth and Chacewater Railway opened on January 30th 1826, running from the Gwennap copper mines to the south coast port of Devoran, with a branch line to service the mines of Redruth. The 4ft gauge line carried minerals and goods only and generally worked profitably. It was worked by horses until 1854 when two tank locomotives, Miner and Smelter, were bought - the first steam locomotives in Cornwall. Eventually during the 1860s the two competing lines were joined to form a coast to coast railway line. The line closed in 1915. Photographer: Unknown

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TRURI : RYrch.1

Media ID 12387165

© From the collection of the RIC


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Capturing the Industrial Revolution - A Glimpse into Cornwall's Railway History

EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print from the Royal Cornwall Museum takes us back in time to witness a pivotal moment in Cornwall's industrial history. The image showcases the Locomotive Smelter on the Redruth and Chacewater line, an engineering marvel authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1824. In this snapshot, we see a driver and fireman striking a proud pose for the camera, their faces etched with determination and pride. Behind them, perched atop a high hedge, a group of small children gazes curiously at this new technological wonder unfolding before their eyes. The Redruth and Chacewater Railway opened its tracks on January 30th, 1826, connecting the Gwennap copper mines to Devoran port along with servicing nearby mines in Redruth through its branch line. Initially relying on horse-drawn carriages to transport minerals and goods efficiently, it wasn't until 1854 that two tank locomotives named Miner and Smelter were introduced – marking Cornwall's first steam-powered engines. As years passed by, these competing railway lines merged during the 1860s to form a coast-to-coast transportation network that revolutionized trade within Cornwall. However, progress eventually took its toll as changing times led to the closure of this historic railway line in 1915. Through this remarkable photograph captured by an unknown photographer from Cornish heritage (not affiliated with any

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