White Rocks

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

White Rocks

Towanroath Engine House at Wheal Coates Mine in Cornwall This was a pumping beam engine house dating from the late 19th century, partly rebuilt in the 20th century by the National Trust.

The Wheal Coates tin mine opened in 1802 and closed in 1844. It then reopened intermittently in 1872, but closed again in 1889 when the price of tin fell, making the site unviable. A further period of sporadic activity extracting copper and tin took place from 1906 until permanent closure in 1914. All the structures here are Grade II listed, and under the care of the National Trust.

The image has been scanned from a Kodak Gold 100 negative dating from August 1990. — Towanroath Engine House at Wheal Coates Mine in Cornwall Credit: Roger D Kidd

White Rocks is a striking coastal feature located in Cornwall, England. This headland juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline. The name "White Rocks" comes from the white limestone cliffs that line the edge of the headland, creating a dramatic contrast against the deep blue waters below.

The headland is popular with tourists and locals alike, who come to admire the natural beauty of the area and take in the fresh sea air. Visitors can walk along the coastal paths that wind around the headland, providing panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the open sea.

White Rocks is also known for its diverse wildlife, with seabirds nesting in the cliffs and seals often spotted basking on the rocks below. The area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its unique geology and important habitats for rare plant species.

Overall, White Rocks is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility along the stunning coastline of Cornwall.

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White Rocks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.314946/-5.23427 or Grid Reference SW6951. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Towanroath Engine House at Wheal Coates Mine in Cornwall

This was a pumping beam engine house dating from the late 19th century, partly rebuilt in the 20th century by the National Trust. The Wheal Coates tin mine opened in 1802 and closed in 1844. It then reopened intermittently in 1872, but closed again in 1889 when the price of tin fell, making the site unviable. A further period of sporadic activity extracting copper and tin took place from 1906 until permanent closure in 1914. All the structures here are Grade II listed, and under the care of the National Trust. The image has been scanned from a Kodak Gold 100 negative dating from August 1990.

Roger D Kidd

Wheal Coates Mine near St Agnes in Cornwall

Looking south-west. There were two engine houses here for crushing ore. Another was nearby to the south-west near the coast, for pumping water. The Wheal Coates tin mine opened in 1802 and closed in 1844. It then reopened in 1872 intermittently, but closed again in 1889 when the price of tin fell, making the site unviable. A further period of sporadic activity mining copper and tin took place from 1906 until permanent closure in 1914. All the structures here are Grade II listed, and under the care of the National Trust. SW6950 : Towanroath Engine House at Wheal Coates Mine in Cornwall The image has been scanned from a Kodak Gold 100 negative dating from August 1990..

Roger D Kidd

Wheal Coates Mine near St Agnes in Cornwall

Looking south-west. There were two engine houses here for crushing ore. Another was nearby to the south-west near the coast, for pumping water. The Wheal Coates tin mine opened in 1802 and closed in 1844. It then reopened in 1872 intermittently, but closed again in 1889 when the price of tin fell, making the site unviable. A further period of sporadic activity mining copper and tin took place from 1906 until permanent closure in 1914. All the structures here are Grade II listed, and under the care of the National Trust. SW6950 : Towanroath Engine House at Wheal Coates Mine in Cornwall SW6950 : Wheal Coates Mine near St Agnes in Cornwall The image has been scanned from a Kodak Gold 100 negative dating from August 1990.

Roger D Kidd

Heath at Wheal Coates

The heath at Wheal Coates is goarse and heather, and runs alongside the paths down to the mine.

Oscar Taylor

Wheal Coates

The buildings that did make up the mine at Wheal Coates, with a view out to sea beyond.

Oscar Taylor

Close up of Wheal Coates

A close up look at the building with a chimney at Wheal Coates.

Oscar Taylor

Chimney at Wheal Coates

The large chimney at Wheal Coates, viewed from next to another ruined building to shelter from the wind.

Oscar Taylor

Towanroath Shaft Engine House from cliff

A view of Towanroath Shaft Engine House nestled in to the cliff from above, with a view of the beach and out to sea.

Oscar Taylor

Towanroath Shaft Engine House from cliff

Towanroath Shaft Engine House from above on the cliff. The cliffs are covered in heather and goarse. In the background is the beach accessible by a steep path.

Oscar Taylor

Towanroath Shaft Engine House and path

The path to Towanroath Shaft Engine House is quite rocky and not for those with a fear of heights. It is surrounded by heather on both sides. This view is looking south which is the route of the less steep path up the cliff.

Oscar Taylor

Towanroath Shaft Engine House and cliffs beyond

From the path to the north of the engine house, a view south past the ruin and out to sea and along the cliffs, as well as the beach below.

Oscar Taylor

The sea at Wheal Coates

A view of the sea and small beach below Wheal Coates, viewed from the S W coastal path.

Oscar Taylor

Towanroath Shaft Engine House

From the S W Coastal Path, the north facing elevation of Towanroath Shaft Engine House.

Oscar Taylor

Towanroath Shaft Engine House and Wheal Coates from the south

A view north along the S W Coastal Path of Towanroath Shaft Engine House and Wheal Coates.

Oscar Taylor

Crams Rocks - St Agnes Head

These rocks straggle out seaward from St Agnes Head on the north Cornish coast. On the map the area around them is marked as "Crams" but the writing is in blue, suggesting that this is a water rather than a land feature. Nevertheless these rocks are in the area called Crams.

Rob Farrow

National Coastwatch St Agnes Head

Precisely what it says on the label! This little square former Coastguard lookout is now run by the voluntary National Coastwatch Institution Link

and is located high up on St Agnes Head with good views seaward.

Rob Farrow

Wheal Coates - Towanroath Engine House

This is probably one of the best known engine houses in Cornwall and has featured on a postage stamp. It was erected in 1872 for a 36 inch pumping engine that worked until about 1885. The shaft is open but covered with a metal grid and extends to 80 fathoms below the adit depth of 26 fathoms (a fathom is 6'). The adit can be accessed through a cave on the beach at low tide but I wouldn't recommend this to any casual explorer.

Chris Allen