MSO8971 - Betsy Mine / New Langham Mine (Monument)

"Betsy Mine, disused" is marked on the 6" map of 1962. It was also known as New Langham mine and was one of the Brendon hills Iron Ore Company works. It was the last of their mines to be opened in 1876 and had an engine house, 2 shafts and siding from railway at Luxborough station. It is believed that the shafts are still visible. [1-5] Centred at SS 9848 5330 is an area of disturbed undulating ground associated with the mine workings. These appear as amorphous faint earthworks and were mapped from aerial photographs. [6-8] The mine shaft and airshaft have been filled and the former spoil heap is being removed for use as hardcore. The uppermost level is collapsing, opening into the field. [9] The site of the mine is marked by a spoil heap and other vague earthworks. [10] The site was visited in March 2013. A large mound, presumably the spoil heap mentioned above, lies in the field just outside and to the north of the holding in a small field of permanent pasture. The course of the former West Somerset Mineral Rail (WSMR) line is visible just beyond it. The southern extent of the site mapped on the HER is now within a cultivated field and nothing was visible within the holding. However, two pieces of iron ore were collected from the plough soil. [11] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [12]