History of Fowey Consols Mine 1813 to 1867
By Jim Lewis
Fowey Consols and William West
William West's fame and fortune was built on the events at this rich mine. It was here that he built his famous Austen's engine, it was here that he installed his first man engine, and it was here that he expanded his skills out from steam engines. More importantly, Fowey Consols was where the fruitful relationship between West and the industrialist J.T. Treffry was born.
The story of William West, 'The Last Great Cornish Engineer', cannot be told without understanding the scene within which many of its most important events played out, and this is the book that tells the story of that mine.
The story of William West, 'The Last Great Cornish Engineer', cannot be told without understanding the scene within which many of its most important events played out, and this is the book that tells the story of that mine.
The Book
A Richly Yielding Piece of Ground is the definitive publication on Fowey Consols. It is extremely well researched and Hillside publications have produced a crisp styled book that makues researching a pleasure. The text is supported by a wealth of supplementary information held in tables and annexes.
Unfortunately, the book's format does not do some if its map reproductions justice; tantalising glimpses of some amazing Victorian Cartography that defied my attempts to squint at nose length to extract information from.
Second hand prices for this book are normally reasonable, and for anyone interested in Cornish Mining, Treffry (Austen), mid Cornwall history, and William West this is a book that should be on the shelf.
Book details
- Paperback: 176 pages
- Publisher: Cornish Hillside Publications
- Published: 1997

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