News that the Poldark Mine, near Helston in Cornwall, was put up for sale in March of this year after entering administration, was saddening, even more so since we were all enjoying the anticipation surrounding the news that Aidan Turner had been cast as Ross and that filming of the reboot was imminent. It seemed a cruel twist of fate that the mine and tourist attraction, which was re-named in the 70’s to reflect it’s connections to the series, was to close, just as Poldark-fever was beginning to spread it’s way throughout the public’s consciousness.
And yet, maybe this was the life-line the mine needed and the timing actually couldn’t be more perfect. Celestial forces might just be casting their spells in everyone’s favour, for just as the mine found a buyer, so did the production crew have a need for an authentic mining location.
On the 9th of June, Director for Block 2’s episodes, William McGregor posted a photo on Instagram of a Cornish half penny which he’d received as a gift from the ” gents ” at the Poldark Mine! And yes! – that does mean that the crew will be filming there soon!
William McGregor’s Cornish Half Penny
Given the rise of so-called ” TV Tourism ” ( which existed for Poldark already in the 70’s, but which is gaining momentum even more nowadays ), we would expect a surge in the number of visitors to all the Poldark locations, old and new. People are already flocking to the filming of the new series and if they’re not fortunate enough to be in Cornwall at the time the filming takes place, the very next best thing is to visit the places where everything was filmed and to experience the unique atmosphere of these special locations for themselves.
We don’t know what the future holds for the Poldark Mine as a tourist attraction. There hasn’t been any indication from the new owner that he plans to open the site again, but perhaps fate and fortune have combined at just the right moment for this particuar mine…
Steps leading down into the mine
Find out more about the mine’s history here: http://www.poldark-mine.co.uk/poldark-wendron-mining.php
Credit for the photo used above to tripadvisor.co.uk
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