Cornish beam engine

Steamwhisperer, aka Phil.

Do you know the history of the Cornish beam engine at the former mine site at Fryerstown.

I remember seeing it in ruins five or so years ago, then more recently with a new roof on.

I had the pleasure of meeting the old mine manager who lived opposite, up on the hill. His surname was Barrett, can't recall his Christian name, his wife's name was Ailsa.

Had afternoon tea and scones with them over a good natter.

Prior to becoming the mine manager, he worked for the railways on the track up to Bendigo and surrounds.

Sadly he is now buried in the Fryerstown cemetry, I wanted so much to go back and chat about the old days............I was too late.

Any history you can give me on the Fryerstown mine etc, would be appreciated.

Ken

I'll see what I have Ken.

Phil

Try a google on Duke of Cornwall Mine Fryerstown Victoria Cheers.

It works leads and pics and readings.J.

Hi Ken,
I have gone through all my stuff and only found a short paragraph that pretty much says nothing.
We have over 3000 pics at work but none of them are named, just numbered and nobody seems to have a reference :((
My boss has been going through them and naming what he can by cross referencing to known pics but can only do this in his 'spare' time.
He is away at the moment so I will ask him when he gets back to see if he has any.
Johns idea is the best at the moment but they are only recent pics and a bit of a story on how unsuccessful the mine was.

Phil

There is a couple in Fryerstown who manager/own the local B&B that have several boxes of glass plates (negatives) of various historic features of surrounds.

I have had a very quick look and would love to see them processed.

edit: Recalled Mr Barrett's name as being Don, so did some research and found Don was born 29 September 1915, his wife Ailsa was born 1922, and passed away in 2012. Her remains are also at the Fryerstown cemetery.

What I was after was more detail on the Cornish steam engine, eg, where was it made. I suspect it was shipped over from Corwall, but then it could have been made in Castlemaine, I just don't know.

There is very little on Google to offer more details.

Ken