Mining in Devon and Cornwall (Overview)

By the Combe Martin Village History Project (CMVHP) ©2023-2025

Originally posted in November 2023.

Last modified on November 28, 2025. 

Article updated for accessibility, accuracy & clarity.

Referencing checked and updated.

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Related articles: Combe Martin Silver Mines↗ | Combe Martin Ores and Smelting↗

Abstract

This original article by our lead writer J.P. provides a concise overview of Britain's history of silver mining in Devon and Cornwall, spanning from the Iron Age to the medieval period.

It emphasises historic mining at the North Devon villages of Combe Martin, Berrynarbor, and Watermouth, located near the coastal town of Ilfracombe. 

Historically, the West Country (Cornwall and Devon in particular) was the richest source of minerals in Britain, especially for copper, tin, and later arsenic.

This introductory piece aims to familiarise readers with the key aspects of silver mining in this region. For a more comprehensive understanding, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed references and sources provided at the end of this page.

The article explains that galena—a lead ['led'] (lead-sulphide) ore often containing silver—was locally abundant. It situates these mines within Dartmoor’s broader metalliferous tradition and describes Roman and later underground techniques such as shaft sinking.

We highlight significant aspects such as mining techniques, economic impacts, and archaeological findings. 

Additionally, the article outlines the economic significance of Devon’s silver mines to England and Wales, their role in financing military campaigns, and the industry’s decline by 1865 due to rising costs and foreign imports.

The exceptional mineral wealth of ancient Dumnonia is highlighted throughout. A full article bibliography is provided.

The “No Derivatives” clause in the CC BY‑NC‑ND 4.0 license applies. This article may be shared for non-commercial use with proper credit. Please don’t edit, remix, or adapt the content.

Information for Visitors

Today, visitors can still trace and visit this legacy in the landscape — from the Combe Martin Mine Tenement and spoil heaps at Bowhay Lane, to the Iron Age hillfort at Newberry Castle and the medieval silver‑lead workings at Bere Ferrers in the Tamar Valley. Each site offers tangible reminders of Britain’s rich mining heritage.

Combe Martin Silver Mining

Galena, a principal ore of lead ['led'], often bears silver (Mindat.org, 2025). Besides Combe Martin's eastern Mine Tenement on Bowhay Lane EX34 0JN: the Exmoor Historic Environment Record lists silver-lead workings around Berrynarbor and Watermouth between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe (North Devon).

The oldest of these workings is situated near the Iron Age univallate hillfort - 'Newberry Castle' - on Newberry Hill (Exmoor HER No. MDV12550), North Devon. A mile away from Berrynarbor, the site lies between Combe Martin and Berrynarbor beside the A399, at OS National Grid reference SS 571 470.

Limitations and Transition

Claims of a lost silver/lead ['led'] mine at Parracombe on Exmoor, just east of Combe Martin, proved to be erroneous (Exmoor Heritage Environment Record MDE20114).

Unlike Combe Martin’s verified silver mines, Parracombe’s site showed no signs of sustained mining activity.

The local silver mining era, while central to Combe Martin's identity, was characterised by boom-and-bust cycles until the industry finally ceased around 1880 due to persistent flooding, rising costs, and cheaper foreign competition (CMVHP, 2023-2025).

Combe Martin subsequently adapted, eventually becoming well-known for its market gardening (especially strawberries) and tourism (Early Silver Mining in Combe Martin [CMVHP, 2023-2025]).

Primary Evidence for Roman Silver Mining in Combe Martin

The primary evidence for Roman-era mining activity in Combe Martin, specifically, involves traces of strip mining/dragline excavation and 4th-century pottery.

The discovery of 4th-century pottery is the key piece of evidence that dates the specific mining activity and Roman presence to the late Roman period (301–400 AD), at the Combe Martin silver-lead workings.

Archaeologists found these broken pieces of ceramic when excavating the old mine sites, particularly in connection with the surface mining traces.

In simple terms: the ground shows signs of being dug up from the surface a long time ago, using methods that involved scraping away the top layers to reach the metal ore beneath.

Traces suggest they were part of the regional mining landscape for argentiferous galena, even if direct evidence of silver smelting at Combe Martin itself remains unconfirmed.

The Romans were certainly interested in the argentiferous galena found across Britain (notably at sites like the Mendip Hills). This lead-ore carried silver, and Roman administration would have controlled its extraction and refining for coinage and finance.

The British Iron Age

The British Iron Age is the prehistoric period conventionally dated from c. 800 BC with the introduction of iron working, concluding in AD 43 with the Roman conquest of southern Britain (Cunliffe, Barry W., 1978).

However, in Scotland and Ireland, where Roman occupation was absent or limited, Iron Age cultural traditions and technologies persisted well into the early medieval period, c. 5th century AD (Scottish Archaeological Research Framework, n.d., The Influence of Rome).

Native architecture and La Tène-style artifacts (Celtic People's La Tène period, c. 450 BCE – 1st century BCE) continued alongside early Christian influences (Alcock, Leslie, 2003, Kings and Warriors, Craftsmen and Priests in Northern Britain AD 550–850).

Berrynarbor Iron Age Fort

Historic England Research Records: The Castle/Newberry Camp
Hob Uid: record number 34091
Location: North Devon | Berrynarbor | Grid Ref: SS5717047090

A small but typical Iron Age fort at the eastern end of Newberry ridge: the west side of the Newberry Castle or Newberry Camp archaeological site is fortified with a bank, and an outer ditch (Historic England Hob Uid: 34091).

A hillfort is a settlement located on a hilltop that has been fortified for defence. Across Britain and Ireland, there are more than 4,000 identified or potential hillforts, with Scotland home to over 40% of them, totalling 1,695 (AOC Archaeology Group, 2025).

The hill-slope earthwork, discrete from a cliff-edge site, encompasses approximately 0.4 hectares, which is equivalent to about 4,000 square meters or roughly 0.99 acres. It overlooks the harbour of Sandy Bay in Combe Martin Bay (Heritage Gateway, Historic England).

No remnants of the earthworks are visible, though a faint outline of a ditch appears in low light. A geophysical survey conducted in 1999 detected the enclosure ditch, along with a second ditch and potential signs of activity within the interior (Walls, T., 2000).

Recommended article: Berrynarbor News Edition 199 - August 2022>

Silver in Devon and Cornwall

Parts of Devon and Cornwall - archaic Dumnonia - contained some of the richest mineral deposits in the world (Newcastle University, June 2023). Southern Devon's Dartmoor heritage is intertwined with mining activities, particularly the extraction of copper and silver-lead.

Mary Tavy on Dartmoor’s western boundary was renowned for these mineral deposits. The mines in this region were active from the 18th century to the 20th century, evidencing Dartmoor's long industrial mining history (Devon & Dartmoor HER MDV4185: Wheal Friendship Mine, Mary Tavy). 

The British Geological Survey (BGS, 2023) states that mining for Lead ['Led'] ore and argentiferous galena (silver) has a long history, dating back to the Iron Age. 

Silver is rarely found as a single native element. Historically, many Lead-mines around the world have produced significant quantities of silver as a by-product; and production remains constant today.

Caveat on Roman-Era Silver Extraction at Combe Martin

While archaeological evidence indicates that Combe Martin was part of the broader Roman mining landscape in Devon and Cornwall, the specific extraction of silver at this location remains an area of ongoing research.

Although it is well-documented that the Romans engaged in mining activities for various ores, including lead and argentiferous galena, definitive proof of significant Roman silver extraction at Combe Martin is still lacking.

Current findings suggest that while the region was rich in mineral deposits, the extent and scale of silver production specifically at Combe Martin require further validation through targeted archaeological investigations, and detailed excavation reports.

Until more conclusive evidence emerges, claims regarding Roman silver extraction should be viewed with caution, emphasising the need for continued scholarly research and archaeological scrutiny.

Ancient to Modern Age Silver Mining

The Phoenicians: Mediterranean Trade and Silver Mining

The Phoenicians, a maritime people descending from the broader Canaanite civilisation, were known for their extensive trade networks and exploration across the ancient world (Markoe, G., 2000).

Remarkable seafarers, their trade networks often extended beyond the strict boundaries of the Mediterranean.

Western Mediterranean Operations

Driven primarily by a quest for silver and tin, the Phoenicians expanded westward to the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal) during the 9th century BCE. For this trade, they developed significant operations to mine lead-silver ore in the region.

Their key western mining zones and colonies, established from around the 9th century BCE, were primarily located in the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain) and Sardinia.

The Question of Britain and Silver

Cicero's Claim

The Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE) infamously asserted that there was "not an ounce of silver in Britain" (Cicero to Atticus; in Tyrrell, 1915, Letter No. CXLIV).

However, archaeological evidence contradicts this claim. Lead ingots, or "pigs," stamped with the names of Roman emperors, some dating back to the first century CE, attest to the significant and immediate Roman interest in the extraction and utilisation of silver in Britain (Tylecote, R.F. [2009], Roman Lead Working in Britain).

The Combe Martin Phoenician Legend

Older guidebooks about Combe Martin claimed that the Phoenicians took ores, including tin and silver, from the area. The 'Phoenician Steps' exist in Combe Martin today. However, there are no available records to substantiate these stories.

The steps are a relatively recent romantic attribution rather than proof of genuine ancient trade contact. Furthermore, despite their extensive voyages there is scant evidence that the Phoenicians ever travelled as far as North Devon (Glenn E. Markoe, Phoenicians, 2000).

The Rise and Fall of British Lead and Silver Mining

The British Geological Survey (2023) states that the majority of historic mining activities in Britain occurred during specific time periods. Lead-ore and silver mining featured prominently in Britain during the Roman occupation, and large-scale industrial mining for lead-ore continued well into the 19th century (BGS, 2023).

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain again became a global leader in lead production. Mechanisation such as water wheels improved efficiency, yet mining remained labour-intensive.

The Yorkshire Dales were prominent for lead mining during this period, though competition from cheaper imports led to the decline of British mines by the early 20th century.

Colin George Flynn's thesis (1999) highlights that by 1865, the United Kingdom started importing more lead metal than it exported.

The domestic lead mining industry had been reduced by half. Once a driving force of the Industrial Revolution, this industry became an early example of industrial decline (Flynn, PhD Thesis, Durham University,The decline and end of the lead mining industry...(1999).

Modern statistics report the estimated global production of silver as 26,000 metric tons in 2022 (Statista.com, 2023). This is equal to approximately 835.92 million ounces at about £18 per ounce, amounting to a total value of around £15.05 billion in 2022.

Local Evidence of Roman Occupation

Local archaeology suggests that North Devon including Combe Martin was an important part of the Roman economy. Ancient relics found in Combe Martin include pottery dating to the 4th century, along with traces of Roman strip mining or dragline excavation in the eastern part of Combe Martin (Moore, J. H., online 2023: ROMANS; c50 AD to 410 AD).

Conclusive archaeological proof of silver extraction (as opposed to just lead mining or general metal prospecting) at Combe Martin specifically during the Roman period is still a subject of ongoing research. However, the evidence for Roman interest in the mineral wealth of Devon and Cornwall is strong (Claughton & Smart 2010, 20–22).

The Romans employed a range of mining methods including shaft sinking and underground mining. With these methods the Romans were able to uncover a range of ores and metals for use in their empire (Hirt, A.M., 2010).

The Beacon at Martinhoe near Combe Martin was a Roman coastal fortlet established in the 1st century AD. This fortlet consisted of an inner square enclosure surrounded by a sub-circular outer enclosure.

During the 1960s, archaeological excavations uncovered the foundations of three building ranges within the Martinhoe fortlet (Exmoor National Park: MDE1020).

There is another Roman settlement located at Old Burrow near County Gate. The site features a square enclosure measuring approximately 44 meters across, situated within a larger sub-circular enclosure that spans about 85 meters (Exmoor National Park HER MDE1223).

Archaeological excavations conducted in 1911 and the 1960s indicate that Old Burrow was a Roman signal station, occupied for a short period in the middle of the 1st Century AD (ibid).

Recommended article: an antiquarian history of Combe Martin incl. the mines>

Medieval Devon and Cornwall 

The Devon silver mines contributed substantially to provincial mints in England and Wales throughout the late medieval period. Covering 20,000 hectares across Cornwall and West Devon: the Cornwall and West Devon landscape is a Mining World Heritage Site (UNESCO, 2023). 

Claughton and Rondelez (2013) wrote that the abundant surface silver deposits in the dales and moors of England's North Pennines - the present National Parks of the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland - were 'exhausted in the late 12th century'.

Allegedly, England then relied on mineral resources from mainland Europe (ibid, Early Silver Mining in Western Europe). Historically, northern England's wealth of coal and metals drove industrial developments in the region.

Northern England contributed to the UK's national wealth (British Geological Survey, 2010). Yet recent archaeological evidence indicates that the Romans mined for precious metals in Devon and Cornwall, shortly after their arrival in Britain (Merrington, A., June 2023).

The Devon Great Consols [Copper] Mine

• The Devon Great Consols Mine is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, 2011).

• Founded in 1844: Investors leased the land from the Duke of Bedford and quickly struck a rich copper lode.

• This was one of the largest and most productive copper mines in Europe.

• Its history illustrates the boom‑and‑bust cycles of mining in Britain: rapid growth, immense wealth, followed by decline as ore quality fell and foreign competition increased.

• Today, remnants of the mine and arsenic works remain visible in the Tamar Valley, serving as industrial heritage landmarks.

Medieval Silver Production in Devon and Cornwall

The thirteenth-century English monarchy invoked prerogative powers with rights and profits over silver-bearing ores and opened up mines in Devon including Combe Martin. In practice: unprecedented Royal powers, and direct management over England's silver production, did not require consent from the Commons or Lords (Claughton, P., 2007). 

According to Martin Allen (2010): around the year 1200 AD, mines in Wales provided a modest quantity of silver to nearby mints. And silver from Devon contributed to the national mint production (Silver production and the money supply in England and Wales, 1086–c. 1500).

Yet Allen argues that Devon silver was not the main source, especially during periods of great depression, or during the 'Great Bullion Famine' in the 1290s and the mid-15th century.

The Combe Martin Silver Mines

The Combe Martin Mine Tenement, situated at Bowhay Lane, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0JN, is a prominent historic site of silver extraction dating back to the 13th century or even earlier (Combe Martin Silver Mines online). The mine tenement can be visited on certain days.

Silver from the Combe Martin mines was exploited for the Crown's war chest, during the Anglo-French Wars in the Middle Ages (White's Gazette, 1878). The produce was so considerable as to assist the Black Prince - Edward of Woodstock (1330 – 1376) - in The Hundred Years War.

Those same mines also yielded good amounts of silver under the Tudor monarchy; "their most productive period was the latter part of the sixteenth century onwards" (Devon and Dartmoor HER MDV12545). 

Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston, Devon

Bere Ferrers, on the Bere Peninsula bordering Cornwall, contributed substantially to the silver output in England and Wales during the late medieval period (Archaeology, University of Exeter, 2023). 

Mindat.org (2023) reports that the thirteenth-century mines at Bere Alston, Yelverton - a group of silver-lead mines in the civil parish of Bere Ferrers - are amongst the oldest workings in Britain.

According to the University of Exeter: the Bere Ferrers complex at the confluence of the rivers Tavy and Tamar in South Devon is a well-preserved example of medieval silver mining.

The Tamar Gawton Mine Complex

The University of Exeter’s Bere Ferrers Project has investigated the impact of these medieval mines on the historic landscape. Another significant complex is the Tamar Gawton Mine, a neglected national monument that has been "damaged by vehicles" (Historic England, 2023).

The Gawton Mine is a former copper and arsenic mine and processing complex, comprising a full range of buildings from cooperage to engine houses. It is located on the eastern banks of Devon's Tamar Valley (Devon and Dartmoor HER Number: MDV5490).

Evidence of Roman Mining Activity

In traditional silver mining, galena and jarosite extracted from mines was processed in nearby furnaces. Slag and sludge was deposited in heaps on site, which depending on the mining history is still found at some sites today including ancient structures (Hirt, Alfred M., 2020).

The Mendips Charterhouse Lead Mines, south of Bristol and Bath in Somerset, and the Deeside Pentre Ffwrndan Roman Settlement: are two known examples of Roman silver mining. 

The Roman Army Legio II Augusta established a fortress at Exeter around AD55, and they remained there for about two decades. The city, known as Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter Royal Albert Memorial Museum information), was a significant Romano-British settlement (Exeter City Council, 2019).

In order to meet demand for consumables and lustrous metals in their empire: the Romans mined in Britain for a variety of ore deposits crucial to industry and trade.

Besides the noble metals gold, silver and copper: one of the most valuable metals was lead, used for plumbing and in Roman villas. Ore deposits could contain amounts of galena or zinc for making silverware, nickel and coinage.

Archaeological evidence suggests Roman mining activity near a fort discovered at the village of Calstock in south-east Cornwall during 2007 (BBC News, 2019; Ancient Origins, 2019). Calstock lies 12 miles upstream from Plymouth in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Roman silver denarius coin, initially pure silver, was the linchpin of the Roman economy and the genesis of the Roman coinage system. To support those systems, the Romans sought and exploited argentiferous lead mines in Britain and elsewhere (Hirt, Alfred M., 2020).

Over time, the amount of silver in the standard denarius coin declined gradually along with the Roman empire; and then steeply to a negligible amount. It seems logical that the Romans shifted their silver mining activities to support their debased coinage, in their economy dependent on freshly-minted silver coins and bullion.

Calstock Roman Fort

The Calstock Roman fort was established around AD 50. It wasn’t unearthed until 2007, when a group headed by landscape archaeologist Dr. Chris Smart from Exeter University’s Department of Archaeology and History, conducted geophysical surveys of the region in search of medieval silver mining evidence (Merrington, A., June 2023). 

Archaeological evidence indicating that the Roman army conducted metal mining operations in Cornwall, shortly after their invasion of Britain, was discovered and reported in 2023.

This significant discovery is thanks to research by archaeologist Dr Duckworth from the University of Exeter, in conjunction with the new series of Channel Four’s The Great British Dig. 

Dr Duckworth reportedly analysed rocky material, found during excavations of odd-looking patches. A specialist portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) device was used. The material turned out to be Roman mining waste and the first excavated evidence that the Romans were mining for Cornwall’s mineral-rich deposits. 

It's not explicitly stated that silver was mined at Calstock Fort during the Roman period, but a series of deep pits connected by arched tunnels, thought to be part of an ancient mine, were uncovered. 

Further analysis was necessary to provide more insights into the scale and methods of Roman silver mining in Devon (Merrington, Exeter University News, 2023).

In conjunction with Combe Martin's history of metalliferous mining, and regional geological data: archaeological reports indicate that parts of Cornwall and Devon contained some of the richest mineral deposits in the world.

Mining for Lead in Ancient Britain

The British Geological Survey (2023) states that Lead mining has a long history, dating back to the Iron Age. However, the majority of mining activity occurred during specific time periods.

Notably, lead mining was prominent during the Roman occupation, as well as in the 17th and 18th centuries. This continued into the 19th century.

During these eras significant efforts were made to extract lead, in regions like the Mendip Hills and Derbyshire. The Romans, within six years of their arrival in Britain, were already engaged in mining activities.

Large ingots of lead from the Mendips have been discovered, some of which are now displayed in museums.

Later periods saw renewed mining efforts, technological advancements, and the use of Cornish mining techniques to explore deeper mines in search of richer ore deposits. Interestingly, in one mine, miners left their names imprinted in the mud, providing a glimpse into their lives and work.

At Charterhouse in the Mendip Hills: Henry Young and John Clark were working underground on 20th November 1753. The handwriting and the small size of finger marks suggest that some of the miners were children (BGS, 2023).

Overall, lead mining has left a significant historical footprint across different epochs, reflecting both technological progress and the economic importance of this valuable resource.

© Author Harrison - 09 November 2023 | Revised 08 October 2025.

Article attribution: Combe Martin Village History Project, 2023. Silver mining in Devon and Cornwall. Combe Martin Industrial History. Available at: https://www.combemartinvillage.co.uk/combe-martin-industrial-history/silver-mining-in-devon-and-cornwall [Accessed date...]

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