Images from an Archaeological Watching Brief at Upton Towans, Hayle, January 2019 to January 2022

This collection comprises images from an archaeological watching brief at Upton Towans, Hayle, during the replacement of an electricity pylon. This work was undertaken between January 2019 and January 2022 by Cornwall Archaeological Unit, who were commissioned by Western Power. The pylon was located within the Upton Towans National Explosives Scheduled Monument area and within the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). The area of sand dunes has its earliest history as a site of mining in the 19th century. After closure of the mine the site became the National Explosives factory, reusing the mines as a source of water. The site was abandoned after the assets were sold off in the early 20th century. Extant features were identified within the track surface, being bricks from demolition material, metal fittings and the remains of a runoff drain. The remains found date from the 19th and 20th century.