Introduction |
On the eastern flank of Dartmoor between the Wray and Teign valleys lies an area of raised ground, similar in character to the rest of the moor. Within a triangle formed by the towns of Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead and the village of Hennock are located some ten mines and two or three trial workings on deposits of iron ore. The ore has no value for the production of iron, but was found to make very effective corrosion-resistant paint. Fuelled by the increased demand for protection of the new steel structures of the industrial age, the mines became successful. Kelly Mine, although a relatively small mine, is of great significance today as an industrial heritage site. When the mine closed in 1951, the company then running the operation was in debt to the land owner for rent and for royalties on the ore extracted. In lieu of payment the company left the machinery on the site. After some thirty years, the owner finally agreed to lease the site to a group of mining enthusiasts to restore this time capsule for future generations. |