Powdermills

In the 1800's this was the site of a gunpowder making factory or mill. The remoteness of the place is the first indicator of what was being made here, clearly you would not build a gunpowder mill near any centre of habitation just in case of an accident. So the site of the mill is far enough removed to avoid any catastrophe should an accidental explosion take place. The workshops where the powder was made were situated a short distance to the right of this picture

The "black powder" that was produces here was in much demand by the tin mines and quarries that were situated all over the moor and by farmers who used it to help clear rocks and boulders from the fields

This little community, once the home of some 100 people together with a school, is now a pottery and tea room and the site of an Adventure Center, If to visit it look out for a small cannon that is situated near the tea room which was used to test the strength of the gunpowder. This was used to fire a 68lb shot over a measured distance. The distance travelled would then indicate the strength of the powder.

I have photographed this site many times (see my Blipfolio) and when ever I drive past I have a try to capture it again