The mountain was mined for copper ore in the early Bronze Age and dominated the world's copper market during the 1780s, when the mine was the largest in Europe . Copper was used to sheath the admiralty's wooden ships of war, in order to prevent the growth of seaweed and barnacles and to prevent boring by worms. This increased their manoeuvrability and made possible Nelson's victories.

Bygone Era

This image is available to purchase and is part of our Bygone Era Stock Photos Collection.