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Tinners' Buildings

Recording Project - An Update

The aim of the project is to compile a database of "tinners' huts". Tin mills, mine buildings, dressing floors, etc. are excluded - they may be the subject of separate projects in the future. The intention is that the database, in the form of a comprehensive, searchable gazetteer, will eventually be accessible on the DTRG web-site; the data has to be collected in a systematic and consistent manner with the ultimate aim of providing information on form, distribution, context, statistics, etc.

The recording scheme simply involves measuring, photographing and taking notes of each site, using a pro-forma recording sheet. Only simple equipment is required - map, compass, clipboard, pencil, measuring tape, 1m ranging pole, and, if possible, handheld GPS and digital camera. The procedure is easily learnt, so that anyone capable of looking after themselves on the open moor can take part, either individually or as a member of a small team.

The article in NL 36, p.4-5, outlines the background to the project and the progress up to December 2008.  Since then there has been some activity and a little progress.

On Saturday 31^st January 2009 we held a review/training meeting in Princetown attended by 14 members, including 4 potential recruits to the project. In the morning, in the backroom of the Prince of Wales, Bob reviewed the background of the project, its objectives and methods, and records received to date (39 huts recorded by 5 teams involving 12 members). Before lunch informal discussion covered possible amendments to the recording scheme and how to move towards the ultimate gazetteer objective.  In the afternoon we rehearsed the recording protocol at the two buildings (not typical tinners' huts?) at Sunny Corner (SX 6080 7063) near Whiteworks.  In view of the strong, very cold wind we did not linger long, before returning to the warmth of the Prince of Wales!

As a further effort to interest potential recorders, there have been two field trips with tinners' huts, among other things, as features of interest to be examined en route. The first, on 16^th August 2008, up the west bank of the East Dart, was curtailed due to continuous heavy rain. See the report in NL 36, p.10. The second, on 7^th June 2009, a long all-day walk up the east bank of the East Dart, had better weather.  See the report in this issue page 17.  In the course of about 12 miles of rough walking, fourteen members visited possible tinners' buildings from near Postbridge to near East Dart Head, 12 in total!  We benefited from the knowledge of a new DTRG member, Murray Oates, who showed us 3 buildings previously unknown to the leader.  Murray has been engaged for some time on his own tinners' huts project with very similar objectives to that of the DTRG, so there is opportunity    for very fruitful collaboration.

Records for a further 12 huts have been received to date bring the total to over 50. Top team of Derek Collins and Bill Radcliffe have added four in the Newleycombe valley and one beside the Blackabrook River; 5 more from Peter Lloyd-Jones in the Doetor Brook and Rattlebrook valleys; and two from Helen and Mike Scobling in the Avon and Bala Brook valleys.  The map shows the recorded distribution to date; details of the huts recorded so far will soon be available on the Project page of the web site:

DTRG Newsletter No.37. p. 4..

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Tinners' Buildings Recording Project - Update

New members who may not be familiar with this project should consult previous reports for details of its origin, aims and methods. See Newsletters 36, pp 4-5 and 37, pp 4-5.

There is very little progress to report for the past six months – some exploration but no formal reports. So no updated distribution map in this issue! I suspect people were busy with holidays and other activities over the summer months and may have been put off by recent bad weather.

However I hope for more action in 2010. I look forward to seeing existing recorders and potential recruits at the workshop/discussion meeting at the Prince of Wales, Princetown, on 10^th February (see separate flyer). Two areas deserve urgent attention. The first is the preparation of lists, by river valley, of structures shown on maps, included in the Historic Environment Records or mentioned in books or documents. Members can then be encouraged to seek these out, decide if they meet our definition of tinners’ huts, and if appropriate record them. The second is to develop a gazetteer format suitable for displaying our records as they accumulate on our web site. Chris Kelland, our Chairman and Webmaster is very keen that we do this!  Finally I will be discussing with member Murray Oates how we can incorporate some of the very large amount of work he has already done on his own survey of tinners’ huts.

DTRG Newsletter No.38. p. 4.