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
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.
Adrien Gilbert commissions “Edes Spoons”
1640
Charles 1st Royal Mines of Combe Martin became important again managed by Thomas Bushell.
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.
