MUD Walks group

On a glorious bright October day, the MUD Walks group were out on Dartmoor visiting Wheal Jewell reservoir and Wheal Betsy including the iconic engine house which can be seen from the A386 north of Mary Tavy.

Wheal Betsy engine house

It has been suggested that Wheal Betsy mine was opened in 1740 although it may have been earlier. Like most of the mining industry on Dartmoor, its fortunes varied considerably over the years depending upon the price obtained for the resulting lead, zinc, arsenic and high quality silver.

Mining was carried out until 1877 when after a working life of at least 137 years, Wheal Betsy was shut for good.

The iconic engine house at Job’s shaft dates from 1868 but incredibly, the army were given permission in 1954 to demolish it. After a vigorous campaign it was saved and is now in the perpetual care of the National Trust.

The 6 million gallon Wheal Jewell reservoir was created in 1937 by widening an existing leat that had previously supplied water power to the mining complex of Wheal Jewell. The water in the reservoir is not used for drinking, but goes in 36″ pipes to power the Mary Tavy hydro-electric turbines some two miles away. When built the Mary Tavy was England’s largest hydro-electric power station, with the capacity to to serve around 1700 homes.

Wheal Jewell reservoir