See important guidance on the use of this record.

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Summary

Remains of the blast furnace in the smelting house at the 19th century Eylesbarrow Tin Mine

Location

Protected Status

• Scheduled Monument 1021055: Eylesbarrow Tin Mine and associated remains

Other References/Statuses

• National Monuments Record: 1300551
• National Monuments Record: 438809
• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX56NE/17/1
• Old SAM Ref: 34467(P)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BLAST FURNACE (Constructed, XVIII to XIX - 1750 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

Cook, R. M. L., 1974, Eylesbarrow (1814- 1852): A Study of a Dartmoor Tin Mine, 194 (Article in Serial). SDV231127.

Eylesbarrow. A collection of six large dressed granite blocks at the western end of the smelting house apparently formed part of the blast furnace. Three of the blocks are still superimposed, showing that it was a tall structure. Wheelpit is close by. Wheel could have operated bellows or a blowing cylinder for producing the necessary forced draught. There is a flue leading from the furnace to collect tin lost due to the draught. The six blocks originally formed pillars, about 1.52 metres apart, which probably served as abutments to support a refractory lining of firebricks. When operating, the chamber of the blast furnace was packed with alternate layers of charcoal and tin ore. The air was forced into the base of the furnace through tuyeres, hastened combustion and created localised intense heat. As metallic tin was formed it trickled out through a hole to be collected.

Greeves, T. A. P., 1987, List of donations to the Plymouth Museum (Un-published). SDV243606.

Newman, P., 1999, Eylesbarrow (Ailsborough) Tin Mine, 105-148 (Report - Survey). SDV352201.

Location of blocks shown on 1:500 survey of Smelting House and Stamping Mill Number 5.

Newman, P., 1999, Eylesbarrow (Ailsborough) Tin Mine, 33-35, Figures 16-17 (Report - Survey). SDV352201.

Remains of the Blast Furnace in the Smelting House at Eylesbarrow Tin MIne consist of three large granite blocks at the south-west end of the building. Two additional pieces are stacked to form a column built into the north wall.

Whitbourne, A., 2001, Visit to Eylesbarrow Mine, 2-3 (Article in Serial). SDV231129.

The blast furnace had a horizontal flue.

English Heritage, 2013, Pastscape, 438809 and 1300551 (Website). SDV352645.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV4966 - Survey of Drizzlecombe, Eylesbarrow, Ditsworthy and Hartor. The Eylesbarrow archaeological landscape
• EDV6239 - Eylesbarrow (Ailsborough) Tin Mine
• EDV8155 - Plym Valley Survey: EH Project (Feb 2001 - Dec 2002)

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.