Hi everyone,

My Father found this in the River Tavy recently, close to Virtuous Lady, i was wondering if anyone could offer any opinions as to what it might be and whether it could be related to mining.

To those who know the area around Double Waters, the item was laying in the shallows a little downstream of what look to be old Bridge abutments near the tips.
It appears to be of solid Iron section, approximately 10 feet long and 2.5in diameter with the remains of a fastening/bolt/peg passing through at right angles close to one end.

It was also pretty b***dy heavy!

I realise it could be nothing of interest, but wondered if it smacks of pump or flat rod remains to anyone.


Thankyou for any thoughts,

Daniel.

Photograph:

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Guessing, possibly an engine or pump rod with cotter pin.

Might it be a connecting rod from a waterwheel?

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Possibly a piece of the old Victorian bridge that was washed away many years ago... I understand that up to present day 4 bridges at Double Waters have been washed away and destroyed. Last time I was there... about 4 months ago... there was a huge tree jammed under the current bridge. I did inform the Maristow of the problem... not sure of any outcome though...

there are several shafts in the area still containing pump rods, it looks like it could possibly be a piece of flat-rod

Morning gents,
Thanks for the various suggestions, they all seem possible, I suppose we'll never really know as there just isn't enough left of it to make a positive identification. Seem odd to me that one end is just a blunt termination with no visible fixings, but then it has likely been in the river for a very long time, so I imagine it could be very worn down.

The tree is still there as of last weekend, how it didn't dislodge the bridge I don't know, it's flaming huge!

I was under the impression that there was once a bridge for sending ore to orestocks up the road, and one or more flat rod runs across the river, but wasn't aware there had been up to 4 bridges at different times. I can't seem to find a lot of information about virtuous lady/double waters.

Also s-10, you mention shafts with pump rod remains, I'm aware of the one on the far side of the river near virtuous lady, but not of others in the vicinity, any chance I could gain a few pointers from you, via here or pm? I would very much like to visit some more, the Walkham and Tavy valleys are one of my favourite areas.

Not a problem, on the opposite side of the river there are several mines, little duke, william and mary and a few other ones im not sure the names of. On the same side of the river, but a little further down there is lady bertha (which has no access) 😉

IIRC there are some shafts between little duke and williham and mary and they still have the pumping gear in. But they are very close to river level so flooded.

Wookey - If you're about and want info, or even a guided walk around the area I can help. Have permission to visit both sides of the River Tavy from the landowners, as well as the private residence at Virtuous Lady Mine. I know the are extremely well and even down as far as Lady Bertha Mine where I have permission also.

Please PM me if I can help...

Regards Tin Miner

Thanks for the info s-10, I am fairly familiar with little duke but less so with William and Mary, I know of it but not in any great detail, I had no idea at all that there are shafts at river level, especially ones with pumping equipment still in situ! So thanks for making me aware of that.
Tin miner thanks for the offer, I may well pm and take you up on it!