The Lumburn Leat

Evidence for new pumping technology at Bere Ferrers, Devon, in the 15th century.

Abstract

Faced with the increased cost / time penalties of driving deep drainage adits, at a time of increased real wages, the keeper of the Crown silver mines in Devon, at Bere Ferrers, sought other means of removing water from potentially rich workings. The method used was the water powered suction lift pump. This paper details the circumstances of its introduction and the surviving field evidence - a watercourse, 16 kilometres in length, from Millhill near Tavistock into the mines north of Lockridge Hill.