MSO7851 - Timwood Adit (Monument)

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]