Peacock's Chimney
Impressive isn't it!
Peacock's Chimney was constructed in 1857 to provide updraught for the boilers at Peacock's Engine house. For two thirds of its height it was made of rock - with thinner brick towards the top. It was named after William Peacock, a South Australian Mining Association director.
To make way for the modern open-cut mine in the early 1970s, the chimney and engine house were demolished in 1971, but to the credit of the National Trust and local community, the stone from the original chimney was carefully dismantled and rebuilt here in 1971.
It is one of 11 sites confirmed as a State Heritage Place in 1980.
Johnny Green stands atop the reconstructed chimney. But who was he? Answer the challenge on the screen below to get your first clue.
Mine Lookout
What a view - but it wasn't always like this!
Burra was the largest metal bearing mine in Australia back in 1850. What you see now was once an underground mine site between 1845 to 1869 with long vertical shafts and horizontal tunnels going through the ground.
After 1869 until its closure in 1877, it changed to surface mining and lower grade ore was extracted. It was worked again off and on over time as a
modern open-cut mine from 1970 to 1981 but it is now abandoned and has remained much as you see it now since 1981.
There is a sliding past/present image on a screen below the challenge which shows the changing appearance of the mine site over time!
The mine and the town of Burra, were added to Australia’s National Heritage List in 2017 for being of outstanding National heritage significance where Cornish mining technology, skills and culture were demonstrated to a high degree.
Did you see Johnny in the video? If you look closely, he is atop tall timber shears near a pump house. Can you think of a reason why he would be there? Take on the challenge on the screen below to get your next clue.
