History - Combe Martin Silver Mines

History of the mine

1292

Earliest known documents

1295

King Edward the First sent Derbyshire leadminers to work in Combe Martin

1299

The Kings mines leased by Friscobaldi merchant bankers of Florence for 2 years.

1327

Phillip de Columbria, Lord of the Manor of Combe Martin leases mines for 1 year.

1338

Start of the 100 years war with France.

1340

Total of £4,046.00 silver mined since 1290 – 1340

1349

The Black Death in England

1349

Severe mortality from Black Death causes scarcity of labour

1360

Derbyshire miners flee back towards home

1370

More miners brought from Pennines

1490

In the reign of Henry VII the Combe Martin Mines “being then doothe deepe and almost worn out, ceased” and were abandoned.

1528

Joachim Hochstetter worked “Cumph Martin” mines with six other German engineers and 1000 men.

1537

Mines lay domant for fifty years.

1587

A rich new vein was discovered by Adrian Gilbert. Attempts to work it were initially unsuccessful until engineer Bevis Bulmer arrived. This was named Fayes mine and went to a depth of 32 Fathoms.

1593

The last of the silver from Fayes mine was exracted. 2 fine cups were made for Belvis Bulmer.

1593

Adrien Gilbert commissions “Edes Spoons”

The Gilbert Spoon - 1580 - Combe Martin Silver Mine

1640

Charles 1st Royal Mines of Combe Martin became important again managed by Thomas Bushell.

1640

Civil War

1650

Gunpowder used for blasting in mines. Most mines worked down to water table and abandoned.

1665

The Great Plague

1674

Bushell dies aged 80. Metals imported from Colonies. Combe Martin closed for over a Century.

1790

Development of vertical shafts for hauling and pumping

1796

Renewed Activity. Iron and silver mined. 9000 tons of ore sent to South Wales in six years,

1988

A GROUP OF MINING ENTHUSIASTS BEGIN TO UNCOVER THE REMAINS LEFT ON MINE TENEMENT. 2001 COMBE MARTIN SILVER MINES RESEARCH AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY IS FORMED TO PRESERVE AND RESEARCH WHAT IS LEFT OF THE SITE.

Opening Times

Thursdays
From 10:00 am until 4pm

Sundays
From 8:00 am until 12-noon

Events

August Open Day
Details Coming Soon

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Email: cmsmsoc@hotmail.com

Phone: 07579038921

Address: Mine Tenement, Bowhay Lane
Combe Martin, North Devon. EX34 0JN