Originally begun around 1849 as a lead mine under the name Bridford Wheal Augusta with little success. Production switched to Barite in 1850 with the name change to Bridford Batytes Mine. Initially an open cast works (SX829866) the sett was then developed underground from a site slightly to the south, working the lode which was up to 6 feet wide down to about 85 fathoms (about 200 ft below sea level). Peak production at 24000 tons per year was reached in the 1940s but it finally closed probably on July 31st 1958.
The ore has a banded appearance and was locally termed 'bacon ore'.
Ref: Richardson P.H.G. (1991) Mines of Dartmoor & the Taymar Valley after 1913, Devon Books, Tiverton.
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UK OS Grid Reference: SX831865
Map Reference: 50°39'57"N , 3°39'15"W
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