A few of our members joined Bow History Society for a walk with Paul Rendell to explore the area near Meldon Quarry.
The quarry itself was started in 1897 to provide rail ballast; the hornfels rock proving to be exceptionally hard wearing. It was a major employer, transport from Okehampton being provided for some time; and cottages built – now gone. Nearly 2000 were employed in its heyday; gradually reducing as mechanisation increased. It ceased working in July 2011.
Meldon pool is 130’ deep. An old limestone quarry, it was active in the 18th and 19th centuries. Not recommended for a dip, as there are old tractors and cars etc. on the bottom! In 1936, someone went missing and the old custom of “singing the body” was invoked. Prayers and hymns were chanted by the pool and a few days later the body was found floating! There are two lime kilns near the pool last used in the early 19th century. Viewing these, you are very nearly under the viaduct.
The entrance to a copper mine can still be seen and entered for a few yards. This, the Red-a-Ven mine, named after the brook which flows near it. The brook joins the West Okement River. There are the remains of the waterwheel pit, leats, and raised track-ways, all built with blocks of granite, of course!
One of the rarer minerals to be found is ‘granulite’, or ‘aplite’; which can still be seen as white veins through the darker rocks on a quarry face. Discovered in the 1880’s, it was used in glass making; light green bottles being made for shops in Okehampton and Tavistock. Examples can be seen in Okehampton museum. Big plans for expansion by 1920 were envisaged, hoping to employ about 500 men and build houses and roads. However the £250,000 raised for the project disappeared and it came to nought.
The whole area would have been a hive of industrial activities for a couple of centuries. Now it is picturesque and peaceful; grass, bracken, heather and small trees covering the landscape, with Yes Tor watching over all.
Adele Cox