Week Ford Blowing House, near Dartmeet, Dartmoor UK
N 50° 32.129 W 003° 53.387
30U E 436943 N 5598548
The ruin of a blowing house near the River Dart.
Waymark Code: WM3PYC
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 05/02/2008
Views: 25
A Blowing House is a water powered mill where tin ore was crushed and smelted.
A small waterwheel powered stamping machinery, for crushing tin ore to a fine sand, and also powered bellows for providing a forced draught for a smelting furnace. Water for the wheel was brought in a leat taken from the river further up stream.
After smelting, ingots of tin metal usually weighing between 100-200 lb were taken to one of the four 'coinage' towns of Chagford, Ashburton, Plympton and Tavistock.
There are two ruined buildings and many artefacts to be seen, mould stones, numerous mortar stones wheel pit etc.
Mine Type: Abandoned Mine
Mineral Collecting: No
Material Mined: Non-Precious Metal
Operation: Underground Mine
Surface Features: Yes
KNOWN DANGERS:
none
Any associated website: [Web Link]
Any Other information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Optional photograph welcomed.