John Basset

Who was John Basset?

John Basset was a writer on Cornish mining. He was deeply interested in Cornish mining, mining technology and economics.

Born at Illogan in Cornwall, he published an article in 1840 drawing attention to the devices called "Man Engines" for mechanically raising and lowering mine workers up and down the mine-shaft, replacing many yards of ladders. These devices were known to operate in the Harz Mountains in Germany. The Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, offered a prize for a version suitable for use in Cornish mines, which was won by Michael Loam.

Basset was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1837, and MP for Helston in 1840–41.

He died at Boppard am Rhein, Germany, on 4 July 1843 aged 51.