Carnbrea
From Carn Brea, on a clear day, can be seen almost the whole of St Illogan Parish.
Carn Brea Castle may have started life in the 14th century as a chapel. At some time in the 18th century it was rebuilt by the Basset family as a hunting lodge. Today it functions as a restaurant, worth a visit not only for its good food but also the superb views
A view from Tregajorran Carn, on the west side of Carn Brea, looking towards the Hayle Estuary and the hills beyond St Ives. Just visible in the centre right is South Crofty mine. This, the last operational tin mine in Cornwall, closed in 1997. Plans to re-open it have recently gained approval from the Regional Development Agency.
The south side of Carn Brea slopes much more gently than the north. Carn Brea Castle is visible at the top of the Carn on the right, whilst to the left is the de Dunstanville Monument, erected in honour of Francis Basset, the most notable of the Bassets who, among his many exploits, authorised the building of Trevenson Church
In the foreground are the remains of Old Basset Stamps and beyond them, on the foothills of the Carn, are Wheal Basset Stamps.Stamps were used to crush ore from the mines. This is the area of the Great Flat Load, one of the richest sources of copper and tin in Cornwall and the where the Basset family made their fortune.
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