The Wheal Martyn China Clay Heritage Centre
The Wheal Martyn China Clay Heritage Centre is a fabulous museum which gives the history of china clay extraction. China clay was discovered in Cornwall by William Cookworthy in 1746.
China Clay is found in very few places around the world and the deposits in Cornwall and Devon are some of the largest in the world. The clay is used mainly in the process of papermaking, but also in the manufacture of paints, porcelains, dyes and cosmetics.
Today, production methods for china clay have changed considerably due to changes in modern technology, but the industry still remains one of Cornwall's largest employers.
The Wheal Martyn China Clay Heritage Centre provides an interesting and educational visit into one of the most important industries in Cornwall. It has audio-visual displays and a fascinating trail through the 19th Century clay works. This has a working water wheel.
A surprisingly fun day out. This is at Carthew, St Austell, Cornwall which is easy to get to from Looe or Polperro.
This Visitor Attractions Cornwall article was created on 6th January 2010
