History

Aerial view of surface workings, Levant Mine, Cornwall © Barry Gamble

Not a Greek or Roman site - ruins of the surface workings at Levant Mine

© Barry Gamble

Life underground

Levant Mine, within the St Just Mining District, is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

The mine is a powerful reminder of the innovation of people who spent each day underground. Buildings and ruins offer a window on another world where men, women and children toiled to extract the riches of the earth from beneath the sea.

Levant through time

Historic image of Levant Mine Counthouse, Cornwall © RIC

Levant was first recorded on a map in the mid-18th century, and provided people of the local area with work and money until its closure in 1930. Take a look at our timeline to see the mine's history unfold.

Did you know?

  • Mining was once the life-blood of the St Just area
  • The average wage for a miner in 1910 was between £4 15s and £7 a month
  • In the 1960s, Levant was drained and used by Geevor Tin Mine
  • Levant's mining landscape is now a haven for wildlife such as bats

A World Heritage Site

In 2006, the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape was granted World Heritage Site (WHS) status for its outstanding historic and cultural significance. Levant Mine is a key location within the WHS.