Pauline Sweet has written many articles about Polgooth and its rich mining history. The Sweets, like The Mays, have been an important part of village life for many generations.  | | The original mining rail track can still be found |
During the 1980's an attempt was made by the Carn Brea Society to gain access to the northern adit in the East Rand area of Polgooth. This attempt did not prove successful but in the 90s there was more success. "In 1995 my brother Brendon contacted members of the Cornwall Mining and Caving Club," says Pauline Sweet. "The team were confident it would only take one or two weekends to clear the entrance to reveal the passage to the adit behind Brendon's home."  | | These scrapings show where the miners would have hacked away for tin |
"Hopes of quick access were dashed when several tonnes of material started to slip down the hillside bringing trees with it," remembers Pauline. The initial two weekends turned into months. The team had times when they doubted that there was even a tunnel. There were fears it had been completely filled.  | | Going underground along the mine |
"At 3.30pm on 23rd July 1995 a couple of massive rocks were removed revealing the special darkness beyond," says Pauline. The months of hard work and days of returning home tired and grimy had paid off to reveal the East Rand adit, pictures of which are on this page.  | | Looking up to the outside world |
"Later that day I went into the mine," remembers Pauline. "First impressions were of cool air, a straight tunnel I could stand upright in. There was an eerie feeling as we saw prints left by the miners of clogs or boots, and barrow tracks. The markings of the picks in the rock walls looked so fresh as though they had been done yesterday."
 | | This miners trolley was used in the mine |
Since that special day in 1995 the Sweets have shown around many groups and individuals who continue to be fascinated by the history of mining in Polgooth. | 
