Poldark v Prince Charles: Historic tin mine where hit BBC series was filmed is forced to close after ‘failing to pay rent’ to the Duchy of Cornwall – but museum accuses estate of ‘feudalism’
- EXCLUSIVE: Prince of Wales takes court action over unpaid rent on lease of Poldark Mine
- David Edwards argues the open-air museum is not owned by Duchy of Cornwall
- But he admits he signed a lease agreement when he took ownership of the site
- Refusal to pay rent resulted in two County Court Judgments filed against him
A Cornish tin mine where the hit BBC series Poldark was filmed has been forced to close after the owner refused to pay rent to Prince Charles.
The heir to the throne has taken court action against the owner of Wheal Roots Tin Mine – known more recently as the Poldark Mine – over unpaid rent on the lease of the underground passages that make up much of the tourist attraction.
The Duchy of Cornwall – the body which handles Charles’ land and property portfolio – is the legally registered owner of the mineral rights at the mine, as it is at other sites around the county, according to legislation dating back to 1844.
David Edwards, 71, argues that the fact the site is no longer used for extracting resources beneath the surface, but is instead an open-air museum, means the Duchy should not have ownership.
However, he admits he signed a lease agreement when he took over the site, which lawyers for the Duchy are using to enforce the payment of rent.
His refusal to do so resulted in two County Court Judgments being filed against him, meaning he faces debts of more than £40,000 including solicitors bills.
The mine, which operates within a World Heritage Site, and has been a popular visiting spot due to its connections with the BBC drama, has been closed for three years amid the wrangling.
The mine, which operates within a World Heritage Site, and has been a popular visiting spot due to its connections with the BBC drama, has been closed for three years amid the wrangling
The heir to the throne has taken court action against the owner of Wheal Roots Tin Mine – known more recently as the Poldark Mine – over unpaid rent on the lease of the underground passages that make up much of the tourist attraction
David Edwards, 71, argues that the fact the site is no longer used for extracting resources beneath the surface, but is instead an open-air museum, means they are not owned by the Duchy
Pictured, cast members filming Poldark at the mine in Cornwall
Hit BBC series Poldark was partially filmed at the site. Pictured: Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark
Dating back to the 14th Century and Edward III, the Duchy of Cornwall is one of the two royal duchies of England.
Unlike the Duchy of Lancaster – which is the private estate of the British Sovereign – the Duchy of Cornwall and its title of Duke of Cornwall is the possession of the eldest son of the reigning monarch.
Currently therefore, it is Prince Charles – the 24th Duke of Cornwall.
And when Prince Charles ascends the throne, the Duchy and the title will become Prince William’s.
When the monarch has no male children, the rights and responsibilities of the duchy revert to the Crown.
The revenues from the Duchy of Cornwall, which consists of around 53,000 hectares of land in 23 counties, mostly in the South West of England, goes to Prince Charles.
He chooses to use them to fund his public, charitable and private activities and those of his family.
Though the Duchy of Cornwall is the possession of the Duke of Cornwall, it is operated day-to-day by the Prince’s Council – a non-executive body which provides advice to the duke with regard to the management of the Duchy.
The Duchy capital account has increased from £408million to £763million since 2004, and the surplus has increased £9.9million to £19million over the same period.
Mr Edwards told MailOnline: ‘I operate on a not-for-profit basis and I don’t draw a salary. We’re in the process of trying to become a charity.
‘I’ve put £250,000 into repairs and to keep the place going because it’s a very important part of Cornwall’s heritage.’
He added: ‘The feudal greedy grip that the Duchy has on Cornwall is beyond reason. There’s something not very pleasant about the way they operate and I don’t like it. I feel like I’ve been shafted.’
The Prince of Wales made some £22million last year, generated by the Duchy’s vast portfolio of land, buildings and financial investments.
Some of the private estate’s income is generated through the deaths of Cornish people who pass away with no will or living relatives.
All unclaimed property automatically passes to the Duchy under centuries-old powers known as bona vacantia – the legal term for ownerless land.
A Duchy of Cornwall Spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Mr Edwards was not receptive to several attempts by the Duchy to engage with him to resolve this matter; so the Duchy was left with no option but to go to court.
‘As the court has recognised on more than one occasion, this dispute relates to Mr Edward’s non-payment of rent. In both cases, the court ruled in the Duchy’s favour.’
The Poldark series is based on the novels of Winston Graham and ran initially from 1975 to 1977, before being rebooted with the likes of Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson from 2015 to 2019.
It focused on the burgeoning relationship between Cornwall gentleman Ross Poldark, who tried to revive the country’s mining industry and his scullery maid turned wife, Demelza.
The drama set pulses racing with its love triangles, bedroom romps and upstairs-downstairs affairs and drew plenty of visitors to the mine, where a number of scenes were filmed.
The site was such a significant tourist attraction, it was described as ‘one of the two most atmospheric mine tours in Europe, the other being the Wieliczka salt mine in Poland’ by a former boss of English Heritage.
Legislation dating back to 1844 states that all mines in the county, irrespective of the individual ownership of the land, are owned by the Duchy of Cornwall – the body which handles Charles’ land and property portfolio
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