The oldest of the mines in the Kit Hill/Gunnislake area was at Holmbush, the massive burrows of whcih stand immediately West of the Stoke Climsland Road. The first plans of the mine are dated to 1796. 45-inch and 36-inch pumping engines were used until 1826, when they were advertised for sale. The mine was reopened in the early 1830s. Two 50-inch pumping engines and two seam whims had been installed in 1850. In addition to copper, lead was also extracted.
Hitchens Shaft, to the North of Kelly Bray, was the earliest extraction area, while Footway, Flopjack and Wall Shafts in the valley bottom to the East represent the later workings. Hitchens Shaft retains its overall integrity. The group of engine houses, walled yard, crusher and wheelpit are an excellent survival. The aras of the mine east of the road are badly damaged. The only features meriting protection are the rotative engine houseand its associated chimney, boiler house and loadings. (1)
(1) – The Copper Industry, Vol.1, Cornwall 21, 1995
