Boom Billiam
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"RIDGE TOO FAR"
Devon Friendship & Bennett's Lode
<Following in the deep, dark historical footsteps of Plymouth Caving Group>
Devon Friendship & Bennett's Lode
<Following in the deep, dark historical footsteps of Plymouth Caving Group>
ADIT OVERLAY PLAN
Wheal Friendship was driven over 1300+ feet below ground, principally mining Copper Ore. The whole industrious working landscape back then would have been quite a sight including seventeen overshot water wheels; two of which being fifty feet in diameter - all powered via leats fed from the Tavy River. The mine drained via water power alone with a Steam Engine on standby for when leats were affected by frost or drought. Although productive over time, Friendship went through several difficulties with the mine later operating at a loss; the only glimmer of hope being the possibility of prosperity in Bennett’s Arsenic Lode to the East. However the Company settled all debts and wound up in 1875.
In 1981, <Plymouth Caving Group> identified a small open shaft in the Friendship Sett known as <Barkle’s Shaft>. They then ventured up the long wet adit to try and find the shaft describing the place as manky. They had to exit when lights started failing only to be accused of poaching on exit. They later dropped the 175 feet shaft exiting via the adit with everyone pleased they had completed a 4000+ feet through-trip. A Journalist was later taken through with a report appearing in the Sunday Independent.
In 2022, Explore mate <'Niggle'> was on the hunt for a project with Friendship coming up on his radar. The idea was to investigate the through-trip whilst identifying underground features including connections to <Wheal Betsy> in the North and <Bennetts Arsenic Lode> in the East. He enticed me along with the notion that things could be ‘interesting’. Nigel soon befriended Landowners with his jovial charm allowing us to scour their land freely. Barkle's Shaft was soon located but was unfortunately choked fifty feet down.
The sumped <Resurgence adit> was dug to create an air gap allowing us crawl in. We stooped along for a while with Nigel up ahead before a deep kaboomsshh noise was heard from his direction. I arrived at a pool where murky water was mushrooming up from the ominous depths below. The resurging sumped shaft had a distinct bright glow to it. Ah that’s nice I thought before Nigel popped up coughing, spluttering and laughing all at the same time. What happened there is anyone’s guess?
We wallowed and trudged on up the adit to find Barkle's Shaft nestled in an ochre laden haven for all things orange; the area decorated with horseshoes which were obviously provided in advance for luck. One can imagine folk in the past lobbing these down the shaft listening to them tinging their way to the bottom. The shaft continued downwards into a slippery sumped hole which was gulping down tomato soup like it was going out of fashion - the flow stimulated by our passage through the mine dislodging great swathes of dormant orange curd.
The sumped <Resurgence adit> was dug to create an air gap allowing us crawl in. We stooped along for a while with Nigel up ahead before a deep kaboomsshh noise was heard from his direction. I arrived at a pool where murky water was mushrooming up from the ominous depths below. The resurging sumped shaft had a distinct bright glow to it. Ah that’s nice I thought before Nigel popped up coughing, spluttering and laughing all at the same time. What happened there is anyone’s guess?
We wallowed and trudged on up the adit to find Barkle's Shaft nestled in an ochre laden haven for all things orange; the area decorated with horseshoes which were obviously provided in advance for luck. One can imagine folk in the past lobbing these down the shaft listening to them tinging their way to the bottom. The shaft continued downwards into a slippery sumped hole which was gulping down tomato soup like it was going out of fashion - the flow stimulated by our passage through the mine dislodging great swathes of dormant orange curd.
BARKLE’S SHAFT AT ADIT LEVEL – FULL OF DEBRIS
Further on, sections of the route were littered with flotsam – mainly bottles that had floated in from somewhere during ‘high water’. The source was found to be a bigger <shaft open to surface> which contained a delightful crust of domestic modern rubbish floating in the sump. This included wads of recent bank statements, medical documents and "human waste" etc. - anything it seems to save on the cost of a shredder or a skip. I mean, who would ever find it down here? The shaft was identified on the mine plan in the grounds of the former <Counting House or Mine Captain’s House> - the owners of which may benefit from a kind talking to.
Exploration further East had us wading through gut-high ochre porridge. This place is not worthy of a repeat visit unless looking to satisfy some form of sadistic fetish. The route to <Betsy> is blocked with an immense ‘house of water’ behind it so no poking around there. Progress towards Bennetts’s was particularly restrictive due to ochre so we abandoned the mission with a view to exploring Bennett’s from above.
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Mine Operations in Bennett’s Lode
Arsenic was used amongst other things as a poison and as a toxic dye for fashionable green dresses. In 1895 there were stricter regulations relating to arsenic in clothing, as prior to this, wearers of such attire used to keel over at posh dinner parties, breathing new meaning into the phrase "fashion victim".
It is presumed <Bennett’s Arsenic Lode> was discovered by miners driving an adit South from <Wheal Friendship> – this is the connection we were looking for. Five years after Friendship closed, Bennett’s Shaft was sunk adjacent to where this adit intersects the Lode. Pumping gear was installed powered by iron flat rods that came a quarter of a mile overground from one of Friendship’s waterwheels.
Lack of public confidence and reluctance to invest in essential machinery meant Bennett’s closed in 1900. Bennett’s re-opened a few times but due to a decline in arsenic demand coupled with all known deposits being exhausted, underground activity ceased in 1925.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It is presumed <Bennett’s Arsenic Lode> was discovered by miners driving an adit South from <Wheal Friendship> – this is the connection we were looking for. Five years after Friendship closed, Bennett’s Shaft was sunk adjacent to where this adit intersects the Lode. Pumping gear was installed powered by iron flat rods that came a quarter of a mile overground from one of Friendship’s waterwheels.
Lack of public confidence and reluctance to invest in essential machinery meant Bennett’s closed in 1900. Bennett’s re-opened a few times but due to a decline in arsenic demand coupled with all known deposits being exhausted, underground activity ceased in 1925.
Researching & Exploring Bennett’s Lode
BENNETT’S MINE PLAN – CREDIT KRESEN KERNOW
kresenkernow.org
No records exist in the <Plymouth Caving Group> Newsletter Database of any reports of explorations in Bennett’s Lode. Expert Rumour Control suggested “nobody has ever been to the far end of Bennett’s since it closed”; so armed with this valuable insider intelligence, we planned to go where no living person had been before. How exciting!
Two Shafts were identified, the first being <Bennett’s Shaft> which was found to be backfilled, fenced in and guarded by horses. Close by is a Miners Dry who’s walls are still intact including a chimney. The second is <Lanyon’s Shaft> located further East between Bennett’s Shaft and the Tavy Riverbank. A 1992 PCG Newsletter contains access contact data for the Lanyon’s Area creating an assumption that Lanyon’s Shaft may have been open at this time? South West Water are known to have capped Lanyon’s at some point, apparently leaving bat access. Once located, the area was found to be heavily overgrown and we did not dare venture into the spiky entanglement for fear of being swallowed by a bottomless bramble trap.
The East end of the Stope is known to erupt into locked and gated daylight high up on the densely wooded Tavy riverbank. A short drop led us to the start of the stoped-out area with old bolts allowing a traverse above the depths onto more solid ground. The stope was high; necks strained to see the ceiling high above. From then on, the route was a roller coaster of clambering up and down piles of massive boulders. Half way across a section of <false floor>, there were a few delicate old barrels alongside an aperture which may have been used for hoisting and lowering them? Close by is another hole in the floor allowing the flooded part of the stope to be seen thirty feet below. This was not a place to be waiting around and probably needs a traverse line installing. Some will be familiar with the fairly recent story of a guy who fell through a false floor in a flooded adit...
Further on we reached the point that nobody had ever passed before; the way on to ‘new ground’ – gateway to a land of exciting underground discovery. The obstacle is a steepening slope between towering sides dropping vertically into a large flooded <Death Winze> clearly identifiable on the Mine Plan. A high route was bolted around this, the rock apparently Blue Elvin or Greenstone; tough like glass and ate through drill bits. A waterfall mid way across the traverse added to the mesmerising cathedral like atmosphere of this section. The other side of here Nigel soon found an inscription ‘PCG 1991’ – the ‘1’ being over written with a ‘2’ so PCG 1992 as well as 1991. Back then, the Winze must have been crossed using a long ladder or maybe they had spiderman capabilities? One suggestion was they could have gained access via Lanyon’s Shaft but this idea was later dismissed due to what followed.
<Flooded Death Winze 2> appeared - also on the Mine Plan. A route was duly bolted up and around the left side getting a footing on the bottom of the <steep mud slurry scree slope> the other side. Water falling from the ceiling at the top kept the whole area wet and slurry like. The water we assumed was directly underneath the surface leat not far from where Lanyon’s Shaft was located. Every attempt to trudge up the slope undermined the sloppy clag above creating a constant symphonic slide of gravel slurry into the flooded winze. It is imperative that whilst anyone is scaling this slope, anyone else behind stays up and away until the person in front has found a place to wait without dislodging any more crap. Same goes for descent – one at a time, or side by side.
Two Shafts were identified, the first being <Bennett’s Shaft> which was found to be backfilled, fenced in and guarded by horses. Close by is a Miners Dry who’s walls are still intact including a chimney. The second is <Lanyon’s Shaft> located further East between Bennett’s Shaft and the Tavy Riverbank. A 1992 PCG Newsletter contains access contact data for the Lanyon’s Area creating an assumption that Lanyon’s Shaft may have been open at this time? South West Water are known to have capped Lanyon’s at some point, apparently leaving bat access. Once located, the area was found to be heavily overgrown and we did not dare venture into the spiky entanglement for fear of being swallowed by a bottomless bramble trap.
The East end of the Stope is known to erupt into locked and gated daylight high up on the densely wooded Tavy riverbank. A short drop led us to the start of the stoped-out area with old bolts allowing a traverse above the depths onto more solid ground. The stope was high; necks strained to see the ceiling high above. From then on, the route was a roller coaster of clambering up and down piles of massive boulders. Half way across a section of <false floor>, there were a few delicate old barrels alongside an aperture which may have been used for hoisting and lowering them? Close by is another hole in the floor allowing the flooded part of the stope to be seen thirty feet below. This was not a place to be waiting around and probably needs a traverse line installing. Some will be familiar with the fairly recent story of a guy who fell through a false floor in a flooded adit...
Further on we reached the point that nobody had ever passed before; the way on to ‘new ground’ – gateway to a land of exciting underground discovery. The obstacle is a steepening slope between towering sides dropping vertically into a large flooded <Death Winze> clearly identifiable on the Mine Plan. A high route was bolted around this, the rock apparently Blue Elvin or Greenstone; tough like glass and ate through drill bits. A waterfall mid way across the traverse added to the mesmerising cathedral like atmosphere of this section. The other side of here Nigel soon found an inscription ‘PCG 1991’ – the ‘1’ being over written with a ‘2’ so PCG 1992 as well as 1991. Back then, the Winze must have been crossed using a long ladder or maybe they had spiderman capabilities? One suggestion was they could have gained access via Lanyon’s Shaft but this idea was later dismissed due to what followed.
<Flooded Death Winze 2> appeared - also on the Mine Plan. A route was duly bolted up and around the left side getting a footing on the bottom of the <steep mud slurry scree slope> the other side. Water falling from the ceiling at the top kept the whole area wet and slurry like. The water we assumed was directly underneath the surface leat not far from where Lanyon’s Shaft was located. Every attempt to trudge up the slope undermined the sloppy clag above creating a constant symphonic slide of gravel slurry into the flooded winze. It is imperative that whilst anyone is scaling this slope, anyone else behind stays up and away until the person in front has found a place to wait without dislodging any more crap. Same goes for descent – one at a time, or side by side.
NIGEL LOOKING UP SLOPE BEYOND DEATH WINZE 2
At the top of of here, bolts went in making things safer allowing a rope to be rigged down the slope. An overhang was negotiated with some creative gymnastics getting us onto the next part of the slope. By now all SRT kit and rope was the same slimy caked-up brown colour so one had to be super attentive knowing what is and what isn’t when clipping in and out of stuff.
At the top of of here, bolts went in making things safer allowing a rope to be rigged down the slope. An overhang was negotiated with some creative gymnastics getting us onto the next part of the slope. By now all SRT kit and rope was the same slimy caked-up brown colour so one had to be super attentive knowing what is and what isn’t when clipping in and out of stuff.
TOP OF SLOPE – LADDERS INSTALLED
Here we got up close and personal with an ominous vertical <Wall of Doom> made from compacted loose backfill. Touching it was out of the question for fear of starting a dramatic avalanche so there was no way on earth this could be scaled. Nigel named the top, the <Ridge too Far>. There was a definite lack of suitable rock to place anchors so Nigel sounded the retreat on his Petzl Caving Bugle. We returned with ladders which enabled a bit of a circus trapeze act to get some bolts in higher up allowing the ladders to be lashed to the rock. We hopped on to the ridge discovering a long scree slope which we ass-sledged down the other side – it’s loose avalanching condition being as if nobody had ever done that before.
RIDGE TOO FAR – LADDERED
We excitedly ventured off into unexplored territory and it wasn’t long before Nigel found ‘PCG 1992’ scribed on a Cousin Jack Ore Chute. There is no way that anyone could have scaled the previous section without ladders or bolts etc. The only possible way into this part in the past would have been via Lanyon’s shaft? Looking high in the ceiling, there was nothing obvious to dictate where Lanyon’s shaft is or was. The Ridge too Far could in fact be a pile of debris previously bull-dosed down Lanyon’s shaft in an attempt to backfill the shaft to surface? However the void below Lanyon’s is a tad ‘accommodating’ of material, meaning it was never allowed to fill to the brim. Who knows? Looking on Kresen Kernow’s mine plan, the area is stoped-out to adit level with no ‘Ridge too Far’ to be seen so maybe in 1992, it was possible to traverse Death Winze 2 with a ladder and just keep ‘walking’ West? How will we ever know?
We excitedly ventured off into unexplored territory and it wasn’t long before Nigel found ‘PCG 1992’ scribed on a Cousin Jack Ore Chute. There is no way that anyone could have scaled the previous section without ladders or bolts etc. The only possible way into this part in the past would have been via Lanyon’s shaft? Looking high in the ceiling, there was nothing obvious to dictate where Lanyon’s shaft is or was. The Ridge too Far could in fact be a pile of debris previously bull-dosed down Lanyon’s shaft in an attempt to backfill the shaft to surface? However the void below Lanyon’s is a tad ‘accommodating’ of material, meaning it was never allowed to fill to the brim. Who knows? Looking on Kresen Kernow’s mine plan, the area is stoped-out to adit level with no ‘Ridge too Far’ to be seen so maybe in 1992, it was possible to traverse Death Winze 2 with a ladder and just keep ‘walking’ West? How will we ever know?
STOPE BEYOND LADDERED SECTION
Further on, a <laddered manway> with shaped timbers popped up out of the floor as detailed on the <Mine Plan>. Interestingly water was emerging from the manway and flowing inland. 2Further on again, approximately 1300 Feet from the entrance, we arrived at the end of the roomy Stope where there was a backfilled shaft which had to be Bennett’s Shaft. Measuring back to roughly where the adit into Friendship should emerge, the area was piled up with debris from miners picking away in the Stope hence burying any evidence of a connection.
This meant the end of what was a cracking explore project with good camaraderie and teamwork.
No connections were found however nobody died.
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Disclaimer
We love this whole place as it is unsafe, unforgiving and gnarly; however we were wrapped in cotton wool so nothing bad could happen to us. This report is not an invite to go into Bennett’s Lode as this mine is on private land where access permission is required - plus the place is unforgiving with unobvious false floors above a long drop to water.
There are hanging loose boulders throughout. The <Wall of Doom> leading to the <Ridge too Far> must not be touched by hand – not even to steady yourself.
Temporary exploration ladders and rigging remain unchecked, cannot be relied upon and must not be used.
Please do not venture into this mine due to dangers detailed + others.
Rescue from any part of this mine would not be straight-forward or quick - or if at all possible.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------We love this whole place as it is unsafe, unforgiving and gnarly; however we were wrapped in cotton wool so nothing bad could happen to us. This report is not an invite to go into Bennett’s Lode as this mine is on private land where access permission is required - plus the place is unforgiving with unobvious false floors above a long drop to water.
There are hanging loose boulders throughout. The <Wall of Doom> leading to the <Ridge too Far> must not be touched by hand – not even to steady yourself.
Temporary exploration ladders and rigging remain unchecked, cannot be relied upon and must not be used.
Please do not venture into this mine due to dangers detailed + others.
Rescue from any part of this mine would not be straight-forward or quick - or if at all possible.
Missing in Action – Help!
(1) There are gaps in the <PCG Newsletter Database> which is a shame. There were reports in the index specifically relating to Friendship dated 1968 and 1984 which are missing. Does anyone know where any of the missing issues are? Dusty attics? Biscuit tins underneath beds? It would be good to have a full set. The <Craven Pothole Club> has an extensive Library containing several early printed copies but unfortunately none fill the gaps.
(2) <Sunday Independent 26th July 1981>: Contains an article written by a Journalist on Friendship through trip – does anyone have a copy or know where to get one?
(3) <Spare Exploration Ladders>: Since word got out we'd been in there, one of our spare ladders mysteriously moved location (crossed a traverse all by itself), and the other one disappeared altogether. Maybe chucked down the stope for a laugh? Maybe the Knockers weren’t happy we never left them a pasty? Who knows? So many mysteries. If anyone knows anything of the missing kit, please get in touch.
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Further Reading / References
>> Website: dartmoorexplorations.co.uk/wheal-friendship-1870s-to-1950s/
>> Available PCG Newsletters (1981-1992) (1) There are gaps in the <PCG Newsletter Database> which is a shame. There were reports in the index specifically relating to Friendship dated 1968 and 1984 which are missing. Does anyone know where any of the missing issues are? Dusty attics? Biscuit tins underneath beds? It would be good to have a full set. The <Craven Pothole Club> has an extensive Library containing several early printed copies but unfortunately none fill the gaps.
(2) <Sunday Independent 26th July 1981>: Contains an article written by a Journalist on Friendship through trip – does anyone have a copy or know where to get one?
(3) <Spare Exploration Ladders>: Since word got out we'd been in there, one of our spare ladders mysteriously moved location (crossed a traverse all by itself), and the other one disappeared altogether. Maybe chucked down the stope for a laugh? Maybe the Knockers weren’t happy we never left them a pasty? Who knows? So many mysteries. If anyone knows anything of the missing kit, please get in touch.
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Further Reading / References
>> Website: dartmoorexplorations.co.uk/wheal-friendship-1870s-to-1950s/
>> Mike Brown: Wheal Friendship Minute Book and Ledgers 1816-1875 (1995)
>> P.H.G. Richardson: Mines of Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley after 1913(1992)
>> H. G. Dines Metalliferous Mining Region of SW England Vol 2 (1956)
>> Friendship Minute Book and Ledgers 1816-1875 – The Box Plymouth(1875)
>> J.Y. Watson: A compendium of British Mining with Statistical Notices (1843)
>> George Abbott: An essay on the mines of England (1833)
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Image Credits
Friendship Adit Map Overlay plus other photos – Niggle the Mine MercenaryMine Plans: Kresen Kernow - kresenkernow.org (Permission to use if Credited)
Cheers,
Bill Booth
Bill Booth
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