We drove onto it and took some photos of what was across the water, then we went to Beaconsfield not far up the road.
At the peak of the gold rush 700 men were employed in the gold mine and 26 tonne of gold was recovered.
Back then is was written that, 'the blacks' were there in those days. Also on each side of the mine there was nothing but thick tea tree scrub and snakes.
In the town at first there were but two shops, drapery and grocery but soon more shops, hotel and so on. Beaconsfield became the richest town in Tasmania as time went on, but all good things come to and end. The past several years the town is a shadow of it's former self.
The mine closed long ago then reopened, it was in 2006 that there was a small earthquake underground which effect the mine, one man was killed and two men were trapped for days, these two were rescued unharmed physically. A book was written 'Bad Ground' about their ordeal which I have read, it was a good story and never lost my interest.
The mine closed in 2011.
This was where the action was when the trapped miners were freed.
The miners cottage.
A snow globe I made.
Margaret is is very interesting region. Mine of gold it seemed inteesting place in the past
ReplyDeleteWas a big town once, long before my time.
DeleteLovely photos and very interesting info. The book sounds very good; thankful that two of the miners could be rescued. Wishing you a nice Christmas week. xoxo Mildred
ReplyDeleteLucky the two men were found, even though a 3rd passed on.
DeleteThe coverage of the rescue was almost as dramatic as the rescue, with the death of journalist Richard Carleton and Naomi Robson's Winnebago
ReplyDeleteOh yes it was indeed Andrew, it went on for days and days as I presume you remember.
DeleteYes, was a sad time but exciting one as well..
Oh this was so interesting thank you
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Jo-Anne...I wondered if you remembered that rescue as it was on TV for days on end.
DeleteCan you imagine just how awful and frightening it must be to be trapped underground.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to imagine Rosemary, these two men were cramped together in a small area not knowing if they were going to be rescued..very brave men that lived to tell the tale, but scarred for life.
DeleteThe story of the mine is interesting, and sad, too. Mines are dangerous places all over the world.
ReplyDeleteVery dangerous places for people to work as mines, but I believe men are born miners.
DeleteIt is a nice area there. We stayed in a B&B not far from Baconsfield. I remember the mine disaster and the amazing rescue story.
ReplyDeleteOh did you stay near there. Very courageous rescue.
DeleteNice place, greeting from Belgium.
ReplyDeleteMerry Xmas
http://louisette.eklablog.com/
Thanks.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you too.