Poldark Mine is forced to close after failing to pay rent to the Duchy of Cornwall

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 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

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