The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
This film is part of Free
South Croft Tin Mine
The miners of South Crofty sing for their supper.
From the collection of:
Overview
Miners at South Crofty Mine at Pool sing a cappella. First it was a copper mine but by 1873 it was also extracting tin. Set in and around what is now part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site between Camborne and Redruth South Crofty was a productive mine for over four hundred years and Cornwall's last one in operation closing in 1998. Cornish miners love to sing and a modern song entitled Cornish Lads was written by Roger Bryant and graffitied on the mine wall when it closed.
Camborne and Redruth with Portreath are one of ten metal mining industry areas with a celebrated industrial heritage. Miner's cottages and what is known as the Great Flat Lode, a shallow mineral ore vein of high grade tin exploited for over half a century. Cornish mining engineers exported innovations, experience and knowhow worldwide but as competition grew from other countries industrialising, Cornish miners migrated overseas and extensive communities now exist in the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil. They also helped to export wrestling, Rugby Union and pasties.
Related
Watch for free
South Crofty Mine on the Brink South Crofty Mine on the Brink
Current affairs 1986 1 mins Location: Pool
South Crofty appeals for subsidised survival.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.