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Summary

Whetstone mine workings visible on western side of North Hill.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: ST00NE/83

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• MINE (Early Medieval to XXI - 1066 AD to 2009 AD)

Full description

APH, Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV125926.

Whetstone mine workings visible on western side of north hill between c st096068 and c st097062 (aph).

Untitled Source (Aerial Photograph). SDV125928.

Aph=raf/cpe/uk/1974/4293, 4452-3/(11/4/1947).

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV125929.

Stanes, r. /tda/125(1993)71-112/devonshire batts.

Stanes, R. G. F., Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV39898.

The mine workings were nearly continuous along the western escarpment of the blackdowns. In 1825 the escarpment was easily distinguishable by the white line produced by heaps of spoil thrown down from the workings. Tunnels up to 400 yards long were dug into the hillside. The white line is no longer visible but the sites of the workings can still be found and miners' tracks survive as public footpaths and bridleways (stanes).

Westcott, A., 09/09/2024, Pickaxe Tool, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon (Correspondence). SDV366125.

A broken and discarded miner's pick was discovered on the right-hand side of a gully leading to a mine entrance, and was buried 12 inches below the surface. (This refers to the original sand surface as left by the miners, once the accumulated organic matter had been removed. The pick is missing the pointed end. Blacksmith-made, as can be determined by the method of forming. Measurements are 14cm long, approximately 5cm wide.

The handle cavity was filled with sand when excavated, with no evidence of wood remaining.

Interpreted as being a discarded broken miner's pick which had either been thrown up over the side of the mine entrance, or discarded on the floor to be later shovelled up over the side with other waste. Age unknown, but expected to be mid-19th century.

Treated in an electrolytic cell to reconvert some rust and to aid cleaning. Currently protected with the application of anti-corrosion liquid.

Images are available.

Westcott, A., 2024, Basing Hammer, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon (Correspondence). SDV366142.

A forged iron hand tool with flattened blades on either side, with a prominent centrally-located iron wedge for securing a handle is interpreted as being a basing hammer which had been thrown onto a cutter's pile. Its age is unknown, but is very similar in design to Rookley's basing hammer on display in RAM Museum, so possibly mid to late 19th century.

Westcott, A., 2024, Pickaxe Tool, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon (Correspondence). SDV366133.

A broken and discarded pick, pointed blade present, flat-bladed end missing. Blacksmith-made, judging by the method of forming. Age unknown, possibly mid-19th century.

This artefact was found within a cutter's pile, at a depth of around 15cm below the original sand surface. (This refers to the original sand surface as left by the miners, once the overlying organic matter of post-mining origin had been removed.)

Treated in an electrolytic cell to convert some rust and to aid cleaning. Protected with anti-corrosion liquid.

Westcott, A., 2025, Basing Hammer, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon (Correspondence). SDV366382.

On the 25/05/2024 a badly corroded iron tool was recovered from a large pile of waste sand dumped to the left of a collapsed mine entrance. The tool was buried about 20cm deep. It has been interpreted as being the head of a basing hammer, used by the miners for carving whetstones. This example is flat, not exhibiting the downward curve of other designs; this, plus the degree of corrosion suggests this is a particularly early design, different to other known examples and not seen in any illustrations from the time. No handle hole can be determined due to the corrosion, but an X-ray examination may reveal that detail.

The artefact is very fragile, one part becoming detached during careful cleaning. It has been impregnated with an anti-rust compound in the hope of stabilising it.

Sources / Further Reading

SDV125926	Migrated Record: APH.
SDV125928	Aerial Photograph:
SDV125929	Migrated Record:
SDV366125	Correspondence: Westcott, A.. 09/09/2024. Pickaxe Tool, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon. Additional information for HER. Digital.
	Linked images:2 Linked documents:1
SDV366133	Correspondence: Westcott, A.. 2024. Pickaxe Tool, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon. Additional information for HER. Email.
	Linked images:3 Linked documents:1
SDV366142	Correspondence: Westcott, A.. 2024. Basing Hammer, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon. Additional information for HER. Email.
	Linked images:4 Linked documents:1
SDV366382	Correspondence: Westcott, A.. 2025. Basing Hammer, Whetstone Mine, Broadhembury, East Devon. Additional information for HER. Email.
	Linked images:2 Linked documents:1
SDV39898	Migrated Record: Stanes, R. G. F..

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds

• FDV8624 - HAMMER (XVIII to XIX - 1800 AD to 1900 AD)
• FDV8567 - HAMMER (XIX - 1801 AD to 1900 AD)
• FDV8555 - PICKAXE (XIX - 1801 AD to 1900 AD)

Associated Events: none recorded

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