Things to do - Archaeology in Dartmoor

Things to do | Activities | Archaeology | Attractions | Dartmoor Towns & Villages | Eating Out | Kids Zone | Myths & Legends | Shopping | Wildlife

<<Back to Archaeology main page

Old Industries

Finch Foundry (National Trust)

A nineteenth century water powered forge, which provided mining and agricultural tools for the local community. The National Trust gives regular demonstrations of its three working waterwheels, which drive the large tilt hammer and grindstone.

Sourton Iceworks

These were started in 1874 and lasted for twelve years. The idea was to dig shallow ponds around the spring at Sourton and then during winter these would freeze solid. The ice was then cut out and stored in the nearby Ice House. The ice was sold to wealthy people who wanted to keep perishable food fresh, and also to the fishermen at Plymouth who used it to pack their fish.

Clapper Bridge at Postbridge

Besides being situated in the centre of Dartmoor National Park, Postbridge has one of the best examples of a Clapper Bridge, which is located beside the main road bridge over the East Dart river. Three large granite slabs each weighing about eight tons are supported by two granite piers. Many clapper bridges were built during the thirteenth and fourteen century and travellers and farmers would have used this bridge.

The Templer Way & Haytor Quarries

The Templer family ran Haytor Quarries during the nineteenth century. The Templer Way links Haytor to the port of Teignmouth eighteen miles away. It is a modern day walking route based on the Templer's transportation of granite from Haytor Quarries to Teignmouth via a stone railroad built about 1820. More information about the Templer Way walking route is available from Tourist Information Centres on Dartmoor.

Wheal Betsy

Near to Mary Tavy, Wheal Betsy is a former mine and the remains of the engine house are the most complete on Dartmoor. It was mined for lead and copper, but arsenic and silver were also retrieved. Wheal Betsy finally closed in 1877 after a long history.

The Lych Way and Bellever

More of an old tradition than an old industry, The Lych Way, also known as the Corpse Road, is the route the dead were bourne for burial at Lydford. For Dartmoor residents, up until 1260 all burials had to take place at Lydford and for those on the eastern side of the moor, the 12 mile (19km) route started at Bellever and was named the Lych Way. After 1260, permission was given by Bishop Bronescombe to allow burials at Widecombe.

Also at Bellever there are remains of old settlements and stone rows, though most are now hidden within the forest.