DARTMOOR TINWORKING RESEARCH GROUP

Tin has been a valuable commodity from the Bronze Age to modern day and historical records relating its working survive from the mid 12th century to the 1970s. In the Middle Ages the wealth it generated enabled churches and substantial farmhouses to be built. Indeed, the very character of Dartmoor has in part been shaped by the tin miner, for almost every hillside or valley shows some evidence of the tinners’ hand, whether a winding water channel, a large excavation, neatly arranged piles of waste or ruined mills and dressing floors.

Project & Archives

Find and read our latest projects as well as the archive of research work done by the DTRG.

Diary

Check our DIARY for upcoming events.

Membership

Join the DTRG and enjoy the social and academic aspects of DTRG membership.

Brimpts Trails

Self-guided trails that explore the substantial mine workings at Brimpts and a hugely informative display room.

Retail

We sell various publications, themed products and copies of our newsletter.

About DTRG

The Group visits many of the ancient, and more modern remains of stream-works, tin-mills, blowing-houses and tin mines.

Field Trips

The DTRG has a full programme of field trips planned, visiting sites of particular interest of research. These trips provide an invaluable way of gaining knowledge and accurate site assessments. Trips are assisted by members with key expertise in certain areas.

Surveys

When required, DTRG members carry out surveys of tinworking sites to produce detailed maps for research. These maps are an invaluable resource to any study of Dartmoor’s tin.

Interpretation

The DTRG produces interpretations of its work as booklets, formal displays and exhibitions, such as the Brimpts Trails Display Room, partly funded by DNPA.

Preservation

Not only does the DTRG document and research tinworking sites all over Dartmoor, it helps preserve them too. Areas are cleared so that a site can be studied by all.

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Tin Straws

Tin Straws

by Hilary Whitelock A bundle of tin straws was one of the items which fascinated me at the St Just Mining and Minerals Museum, during the excellent DTRG visit to the Botallack area in May.…

Read more: Tin Straws

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