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Merrivale Quarry

Also known as Tor Quarry, Duke’s Quarry, Merrivale Bridge Quarry.

This prominent scar on the landscape is described by Tim Jenkinson: “Opened as ‘Tor Quarry’ in 1874 by Jersey-born William E. Duke, it appears by the name of Merrivale Bridge Quarry in various accounts of the 1880s (Tavistock Gazette 1885).” Tim continues: “Considered by some as an eyesore in the landscape it is certainly described with disdain by Brian Carter (1985) over 100 years later as simply ‘an ugly hole in the hillside’.”

The quarry ceased operations as recently as 1997, and the once cottages beneath were demolished. Granite from the quarry has been used internationally, but closer to home it can be seen in Tavistock as paving stones.

Further Reading:

  • Carter, B. (1985): Herald Express: Over the Weekend ‘Carter’s Country Rail Trail’, 26th October.
  • Jenkinson, T. (2024): Dartmoor Magazine, Issue 154, Summer: Dartmoor Discovered: The River Walkham to the South of Merrivale – Part 1, pp.18-20.

Sett Makers’ Bankers

Notes: There are several of these on the slopes but one of the most concentrated areas is that above Merrivale Quarry at the above NGR.

Reference: The majority of these items were located by Simon Dell and John Bright and listed in their excellent book ‘Dartmoor’s Sett Makers’ Bankers‘ (An industrial mystery solved?).

Merrivale Bridge ‘C’ County Stone

Further Reading:

  • Jenkinson, T. (2024): Dartmoor Magazine, Issue 154, Summer: Dartmoor Discovered: The River Walkham to the South of Merrivale – Part 1, pp.18-20.