TORS OF DARTMOOR
a database of both lesser- & well-known rocks and outcrops
Twizzle Tree Tor The lowest part of this grand little tor, at SX 8270 8157, was first noted by Tim Jenkinson in February 2016 as two outcrops about 30 metres apart on the slope above Twizzle Tree Cottage right beside the track to the now disused Great Rock Mine. According to Fraser (2004) the mine was active from around 1822 to 1969 making it the last working mine on Dartmoor. It was known for its micaceous haematite, a shiny ore used in the manufacture of rust resistant paint useful for the likes of battleships, railway bridges and tanks etc.  Following extensive clearing of trees and scrub in the area during 2019 more of the tor has become exposed including a fine cluster of summit rocks, at approximately SX 8265 8160, that are now visible from the track. Of particular interest here are two barricaded entrances to old mine shafts that were tunnelled under the very substance of the rocks.  Whilst at the time of writing it is still prominent it is feared that the top of the tor may soon become lost again as the vegetation is noted to be recovering and will probably overwhelm the site once more. 
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