Hexworthy Mine

Overview

A Dartmoor tin mine, also known as Henroost, in the O Brook valley -- one of Dartmoor's last working tin mines, closing in 1919 after tin working had been recorded there since at least 1240.

History

Tin working in the O Brook valley was first recorded in 1240, among the earliest documented tin workings on Dartmoor. In its later years the mine, generally known as Hexworthy, absorbed the smaller neighbouring Hensroost mine and the Skir Gut tin-streaming works; ore was carried from the workings to Hensroost for processing by aerial ropeway, and in the mine's final phase processing moved back to Hooten. Surviving stone rows in the area mark the routes of flatrod systems, which transmitted power from waterwheels uphill to work pumps at the underground workings. The mine finally closed in 1919, one of the last tin operations working on Dartmoor before the industry's final closures either side of the Second World War.

Closure

Closed 1919.

What remains

The wooden waterwheel that powered the site was removed in the early 20th century; its wheelpit survives as one of the most visible remaining features.

Abandoned workings can be dangerous — unstable ground, uncapped shafts, flooding and bad air are common even where a site looks safe from the surface. This entry describes history and general location only; it is not an access guide.

Recorded claims

Individual factual claims, each attached to the source(s) that support it below. Where sources disagree, both are kept.

• Tin working in the O Brook valley, where Hexworthy Mine lies, was first recorded in 1240. ¹
• In its later years the mine absorbed the neighbouring Hensroost mine and Skir Gut tin-streaming works, with ore carried to Hensroost for processing by aerial ropeway; the mine finally closed in 1919. ¹
• Stone rows still visible at Hexworthy mark the routes of flatrod systems, which transmitted power from surface waterwheels uphill to work pumps at underground Dartmoor tin workings. ²

Images

Sources

1. (secondary) Hexworthy — Wikipedia
2. (secondary) Dartmoor tin mining — Wikipedia

Record created: 29 August 2026 · Last researched: 29 August 2026