About Indian Queens Pit
What is a Preaching Pit?
Preaching pits are large, circular hollows in the landscape traditionally used for preaching in the open air. Indian Queens Pit is one of only three open-air preaching pits in Cornwall (Indian Queens, Gwennap and Newlyn East), all of which were created out of mining hollows.
Gwennap Pit is the earliest in date and was built in the eighteenth century. It was made famous by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who first visited the “round green hollow” in 1762. He preached there on eighteen occasions between 1762 and 1789. Local miners remodelled the Pit with tiered seating in 1806.
Newlyn East Pit was originally a stone quarry on the edge of the village. Following the East Wheal Rose mining disaster of 1846 in which thirty-nine men died, it was converted to a preaching pit as a memorial to those who had perished. It opened in 1852.
The History of Indian Queens Pit
The Pit is looked after by the Indian Queens Pit Charity (no. 280624)
Our goal is to protect and maintain the Pit (being a scheduled monument) and the associated Community Building for viewing and use by the general public. Fundraising allows us to ensure the Pit’s upkeep, and promote the site and any upcoming events.
Indian Queens Pit Officers
The Officers are responsible for the running and management of Indian Queens Pit.
Chairman
Mr. Liam Barkwill
19 Tresawla Court,
Tolvaddon,
Camborne,
Cornwall.
TR14 0H
Secretary
Mrs. Wendy Williams
5 Pocohontas Crescent,
Indian Queens,
St. Columb,
Cornwall.
TR9 6RA
Treasurer
Mrs. Diane Garfield
2 Dabryn Way,
St. Stephen,
St. Austell,
Cornwall.
PL26 7PF
Booking Secretary
Mr. Jamie Gill
Blue Anchor Lodge,
Fraddon,
St. Columb,
Cornwall.
TR9 6LS
Indian Queens Pit Trustees
The trustees and committee hold regular meetings to discuss ideas and upcoming events for the Pit.
Mr. J. Parsons
Mrs. P. Ould
Mr. D. Cole
Indian Queens Pit Committee
The trustees and committee hold regular meetings to discuss ideas and upcoming events for the Pit.