A unique Cornish Viaduct with integrated leat, constructed of granite in the gorgeous industrial Luxulyan valley.
Built between 1839 and 1842, this ambitious feat of engineering carries the precious water across a deep gorge. Joseph Thomas Treffry was then able to skillfully utilise its unstoppable force to power his mineral extraction and granite-stone interests throughout the valley below.
We must thank Joseph Thomas Treffry (formerly Austen) for this grandiose gesture.
The viaduct carried the leat in its granite trough and a railway (tramway) line along the top, so made a vital connection in Treffry’s bigger vision of exporting his products from ports on the North and South coasts of Cornwall.
Treffry worked the Fowey Consols Mines, which in 1813 were called Wheal Treasure, Wheal Fortune, and Wheal Chance and in 1836, Lanescot Mine. They made up one of the deepest, richest and most important copper mines in Cornwall.
He also quarried and sold the granite from the valley, which was known as Moorstone.
Treffry died in 1850, so never got to extend his railway along the canal to Par Harbour.
You can drive under the viaduct and park up for free nearby. The valley has industrial walks to enjoy, following the path of the leats to the water-powdered grinding mill, inclined plane and clay dryers.
The Friends of Luxulyan Valley have a great website with an interactive map to help you to plan your trip.
A unique Cornish Viaduct with integrated leat, constructed of granite in the gorgeous industrial Luxulyan valley.
Built between 1839 and 1842, this ambitious feat of engineering carries the precious water across a deep gorge. Joseph Thomas Treffry was then able to skillfully utilise its unstoppable force to power his mineral extraction and granite-stone interests throughout the valley below.
We must thank Joseph Thomas Treffry (formerly Austen) for this grandiose gesture.
The viaduct carried the leat in its granite trough and a railway (tramway) line along the top, so made a vital connection in Treffry’s bigger vision of exporting his products from ports on the North and South coasts of Cornwall.
Treffry worked the Fowey Consols Mines, which in 1813 were called Wheal Treasure, Wheal Fortune, and Wheal Chance and in 1836, Lanescot Mine. They made up one of the deepest, richest and most important copper mines in Cornwall.
He also quarried and sold the granite from the valley, which was known as Moorstone.
Treffry died in 1850, so never got to extend his railway along the canal to Par Harbour.
You can drive under the viaduct and park up for free nearby. The valley has industrial walks to enjoy, following the path of the leats to the water-powdered grinding mill, inclined plane and clay dryers.
The Friends of Luxulyan Valley have a great website with an interactive map to help you to plan your trip.
