MSO8968 - Baker's Pit (Monument)

"Baker's Pit, disused" is marked on the 6" and 25" maps. [1,2] It was one of many mines owned by the Brendon Hills Iron Ore Company but primarily worked manganese. Workings reached a depth of 200ft with 6 levels and closed with the other Gupworthy mines in circa 1883. [3] Nothing remains of the engine house. The shafts are fenced off and overgrown but are believed to still open. [5] Located at SS 9680 3520 is a small area of disturbed ground visible as low undulating earthworks which are the remains of mining activity associated with the above mentioned ironstone mine known as Bakers Pit. [6] The site was seen as an earthwork and mapped from aerial photographs. [7,8] Site of Baker's Pitt and former Winding Engine can be seen from WSMR trackbed. [9] The shaft was described as being approximately 60 metres deep in 1995. The remains of Baker's Pit lie in an improved pasture field. The shafts are open and are fenced around. An adjacent spoil heap is visible as a very smoothed and ploughed down mound. [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] The mine is mentioned in a publication on the industrial archaeology of Somerset. [13]