At its peak, Morwellham was the richest copper port in Queen Victoria’s Empire.
So important was the port for the British crown that the queen herself visited it in 1856.
Then a burgeoning mining industry in the early medieval period found the quay useful.
Initially the quay transported tin ore, followed by silver and lead in the 13th century.
Later, copper deposits were discovered near Morwhellam itself and a copper mine opened.
Naturally, the quay became a convenient means of getting the copper ore to market.
The result was a 4.5 mile long Tavistock Canal, which opened in 1817.
Soon it was the largest arsenic producer in the world.
Actors in Victorian-era clothing at Morwellham Quays living museum.
Photo credit:Hans Splinter/Flickr
Photo credit:Warwick Conway/Flickr
Photo credit:Spixey/Flickr
