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Summary

Slate quarry first mentioned in the 14th century. It was extended in the 1840s with shafts and levels into the hillside. By the end of the 19th century, however, production was slowing down. It is marked as disused on the 1880s-1890s Ordnance Survey map but production apparently continued into the early 20th century.

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Pen Recca disused historic quarry, marked on Nineteenth Century mapping

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX76NE/81
• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• QUARRY (XIV to Edwardian - 1385 AD to 1908 AD (Between))

Full description

Bowman, A. C., Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV14682.

Documentary references 1823-1862 (bowman).

SATTERLEY, Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147204.

Large slate quarry at pen ricca. Production of slate running down towards the end of the 19th century (satterley).

1963, Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147206.

'pen recca quarry (disused)' indicated on os 6" (1904) and on os 6" (1963) (os).

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147210.

Satterley, j. /tda/84(1952)33/ashburton in late victorian days.

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147211.

De la beche, h. T. /report on the geology of cornwall, devon and west somerset/(1839)503.

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147212.

Des=os 6"(1904 with additions in 1938)114ne.

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147214.

Shaw, t. R. /cave science/3 (1952) 199-240/penn recca slate mine.

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147215.

Des=exeter cathedral chapter book (1388)/book 3550/fol.45.

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV147216.

Des=bowman, a. /(1993)/list of quarries/in smr.

DE LA BECHE, Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV32233.

Could possibly be quarry at bulland mentioned (de la beche).

SHAW, Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV99220.

Exploration in 1949 + 1951 revealed 2 large excavated caverns within the system (shaw).

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

Penn Recca Quarry (Disused). Large area of quarry workings with buildings, a chimney and a shaft shown on the west side of the road with additional smaller areas of workings shown to the north and north-east.

Born, A., 1988, Blue slate quarrying in South Devon: An ancient industry, 55, 65 (Article in Serial). SDV338673.

Nineteenth extension of a medieval quarry documented in 1388. The 19th century works comprised shafts and levels into the hillside. Tunnelling began in the 1840s and the quarry was worked until the early 20th century. A large deep overgrown quarry and mine survive on the west side of the road. A round stack and ruined buildings are visible next to the road. There was also a smaller quarry east of the road which also had tunnels. This was last worked in 1908. Spoil heaps are still visible.

Hanlon, L., 2010, Penn Recca Mine Site, Staverton Parish (Correspondence). SDV352051.

Report that the site is beginning to be used by motor cyclists as an off road scamble track and concern is expressed as to the amount of damage that will be done to the site.
The Penn Recca slate mine is the only slate mine in Devon and was operational from 1385-1908. It is said that roof slates for the Houses of Parliament may have been sourced from here.
Several buildings are still standing at the lower end of the site including the blacksmith's workshop and the water storage and pump room.

Ordnance Survey, 2017, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV359962.

Penn Recca Quarry (disused) marked.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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