According to Hamilton-Jenkin, work started at Wheal Ida in 1863 and in the course of the next 5 years a 30-inch pumping engine was erected and the shaft was sunk to a 45 fathom level. All the machiney was sold off in 1872 (Mining Journal 17th Febriary). I would assume that they were working a N-S silver/lead lode.
Chris Kelland's North 'something' was North Wrey Consols. This was one of the names of the mine otherwise known as Bicton Consols and Bicton Silver-Lead Mine. According to Hamilton Jenkin, this worked two or more N-S lead lodes. thus not the same lode as, Wheal Ida.
Tony Brooks
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