MSO7851 - Timwood Adit (Monument)

Summary

An adit driven by the Somerset Mineral Syndicate in 1907-8 in an attempt to intercept the Raleigh's Cross lode.

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Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

The Timwood "tunnel" was an adit driven by the Somerset Mineral Syndicate in 1907-8 in a vain attempt to intercept the Raleigh's Cross lode at depth. Compressed air rock drills driven by a steam engine (taken from the winding house at the top of the incline) were used. A narrow gauge tramroad connected the mouth of the level to the West Somerset Mineral Railway which was only 100 metres to the north. In 1961 the concrete pit in which the compressors were fixed was evident. [1] One of the Somerset Mineral Syndicates mines constructed in 1908. Was to be a deep-level water adit which would hopefully intersect the ore veins of the old Raleigh Cross mine. A wooden changing house was built at the mouth of the adit. The boiler and engine used to power the drill air-compressor were possibly transferred from the West Somerset Mineral Railway incline winding house following an overhaul. Connected to the West Somerset Mineral Railway (MSO9229) by an 16" gauge tramway. Raised above the valley floor on a soil embankment. Work stopped in 1909 after having been driven 1600ft. [2] The owner of the site indicated that the tunnel itself had been filled in. Part of the area around the tunnel entrance is now covered with hardstanding. The area which contained the buildings is overgrown and no remains were observed. The course of the tramway is probably that taken by a track which now links the road to Comberow with the West Somerset Mineral Railway. [4] The adit was circa 750 metres in length. [5]

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Jones, M.. 1999. Brendon Hills Industrial Survey.
  • <2> Monograph: Sellick, R.. 1970. The West Somerset Mineral Railway and the Story of the Brendon Hills Iron Mines. David and Charles Limited. Second. 9, 73-4, 98.
  • <3> Unpublished document: Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. Field Investigators Comment. 1999 Riley, H RCHME Field Investigation.
  • <4> Report: The Hartley Conservation Partnership + David Sekers Consulting Partnership. 2004. West Somerset Mineral Railway Conservation Plan.
  • <5> Report: Jones, M.H.. 1995. Report on Proposed Low-Key Visitor Access to Industrial Sites on the Brendon Hills. P.12.

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Monuments Record reference: ST 03 NW 43
  • Pastscape HOBID (was Monarch UID): 975198
  • Somerset SMR PRN (Somerset): 34384

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred ST 0321 3531 (94m by 118m)
Map sheet ST03NW
Civil Parish OLD CLEEVE, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Mar 20 2014 3:26PM

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