Birch Tor & Vitifer Mines Dartmoor

The moorland you see here used to be occupied by two of the largest tin mines on Dartmoor. Birch Tor and Vitifer , and although many of the remains are from the 1800's, tin mining has taken place here since medieval times. The markings that crisscross the landscape and the deep gullies (Gerts) were caused by surface mining but these mines also had underground workings and in 1838 Birch Tor had two 40ft water wheels that drove pumps to keep the shafts and underground workings dry although the miners used to complain about the poor air quality underground.

At first the mines worked as independent operations, in 1845 they amalgamated. They continued to work into the 1920 and some work on the spoil heaps continued until 1939 - 40. A lot of the surface remains were destroyed during WW II when unexploded bombs from Plymouth, were brought her to be destroyed

Today the area is a source of exploration by all who have an interest in the Tinners of Dartmoor, whose history is tied so tightly with the history of Dartmoor itself.