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Summary

Earthworks of six oval and irregularly shaped pits with associated banks are visible on visualisations derived from lidar data captured between 1998 and 2017. The earthworks are interpreted as possible 19th century mine shafts or workings associated with Wheal Lopes copper mine which had passed out of use by the late 19th century.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• MINE SHAFT? (XIX - 1801 AD to 1900 AD (Between))

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 1880-1899, First Edition Ordnance 25 inch map (Cartographic). SDV336179.

Numerous circular features and earthworks and structures labelled as ‘Old Shaft’ and ‘Wheal Lopes (Copper, disused)’ are shown in this area.

Environment Agency, 1998-2017, LiDAR DTM data (1m resolution) EA: South Devon Coast to Dartmoor, LIDAR SX5163 Environment Agency DTM 01-JAN-1998 to 31-MAY-2017 (Cartographic). SDV361470.

Oval and irregularly shaped pits and banks are visible as earthworks.

Hegarty, C., Knight, S. and Sims, R., 2019-2020, The South Devon Coast to Dartmoor Aerial Investigation and Mapping Survey. Area 2, Avon Valley to Plymouth (AI&M, formerly NMP) (Interpretation). SDV362982.

Earthworks of six oval and irregularly shaped pits, between 7m and 12m long, with associated banks, are visible on visualisations derived from lidar data captured between 1998 and 2017. The visible earthworks do not correspond with any pit or banked features on the available historic maps, although numerous circular features and earthworks and structures labelled as ‘Old Shaft’ and ‘Wheal Lopes (Copper, disused)’ are shown in this area on the late 19th century First Edition Ordnance Survey map. The earthworks are therefore interpreted as possible 19th century mine shafts or workings associated with Wheal Lopes copper mine (MDV2223) which had passed out of use by the late 19th century. They are located at the northern extent of a dense concentration of shallow pits and mounds which are visible across Hele Wood. The more subtle nature of these earthworks may suggest they are unrelated, or represent a different phase of workings, to these possible mine shafts. They have therefore been recorded as a separate monument (MDV127059). The earthwork pits and banks are not visible on other available aerial imagery owing to dense tree cover of Hele Wood.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV8098 - The South Devon Coast to Dartmoor Aerial Investigation and Mapping (formerly NMP) Survey, Area 2, Avon Valley to Plymouth (Ref: ACD2040)

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