Dartmoor National Park Authority

Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group

Devon’s tinworking heritage
Devon tin, two words that are not readily thought of as being synonymous.  Yet Dartmoor in the heart of Devon has one of the best preserved tinworking landscapes in the world.  
Tin has been a valuable commodity from the Bronze Age to modern day and historical records relating its working survive from the mid 12th century to the 1970s.  In the Middle Ages the wealth it generated enabled churches and substantial farmhouses to be built.  Indeed, the very character of Dartmoor has in part been shaped by the tin miner, for almost every hillside or valley shows some evidence of the tinners’ hand, whether a winding water channel, a large excavation, neatly arranged piles of waste or ruined mills and dressing floors.  
The scale of the industry has left an interesting legacy of cultural and historic remains, impacting both the Dartmoor landscape and forming an important part of the heritage of European mining practice and trade.

About DTRG:
Established in 1991, the DTRG is an entirely independent body, raising all its income from members and grants.
The DTRG exists to promote research, conservation, publication and debate about tinners and their tin works, besides being a focus for celebration of their contribution to Dartmoor.  Our aims are to:

•Explore the mines and tin works of Dartmoor and its surrounding area.
•Help conserve and promote some of the nineteenth-century mining sites and buildings.
•Help undertake field surveys of both medieval and nineteenth-century tinworking features and remains.
•Undertake documentary, oral and other research on aspects of the Dartmoor tin industry and associated activities.
•Enjoy walks and social outings to other mining, industrial and archaeological areas of the South West.

Conservation opportunities:

BRIMPTS TIN MINES TRAIL, DARTMEET
More than 10 years ago, the original Brimpts Mine Trail was created, and a simple guide published, in addition to an associated book on the history and features of the Brimpts Mine.  More recently, the trail needed a revamp and a new, more user friendly trail guide.  Over the last 3 winters volunteers have worked to clear the mine remains of vegetation, uncovering more features, and discovering new information along the way.  Also, a new colour guide to the trail has been produced (Currently on sale at DNPA outlets, Brimpts Farm, Pixieland).
Work at Brimpts is still ongoing, as the trail needs to be kept to a high standard for visitors and groups, and volunteers to help with this are always welcome.

NARRATOR MINES, BURRATOR RESERVOIR
Following the success of our work at Brimpts, DTRG is now working in partnership with South West Lakes Trust to help clear a specific mine site on SWLT land at Burrator.  Work will start in September, when we shall be clearing vegetation to reveal lost mining features, with a view to carrying out a survey of the features, and producing a short history of the mine.  Ultimately it is hoped that this information can be incorporated into SWLT publications.
Volunteers are welcome to join this new and exciting venture at any time.

2010 Events Diary
Please follow the link to get a listing of eventsin 2010   (PDF Help 559kb )

Contact Details:
Conservation Projects,Anne Whitbourn,
Display Stand, Tours45 Woodend Road, Woolwell, Plymouth, PL6 7RQ.
Or Brimpts Tin Mines:Tel: 01752 696257.(Please call between 10am – 7pm, not on Sundays).
E Mail:  annetimw@btinternet.com
Membership, Events  & Info:www.dtrg.freeserve.co.uk (external link, opens new window)

Page updated 16 March 2010