Magpie Mill is doubtless rarely visited primarily because of its location, being near the end of a ‘cul-de-sac’ track sandwiched between the A386 and the River Walkham, just to the west of Bedford (Magpie Bridge) with the access on foot being very difficult because of the road.
The author has been told (by four different sources) that the mill was an old ‘pot’ factory, a ‘candle’ factory, a ‘violin string’ factory and even a sausage skin factory. It is believed to have been built around the turn of the 20th century.
The building was still being lived in until about 30 years ago apparently by a Mr. & Mrs. Roberts. Their planning permission was refused by DNPA and the couple were fined £200 by Tavistock Magistrates for failing to comply with an enforcement order. The building owned by a Vivian Butterworth, and rented it to the Roberts family. The Roberts were self-sufficient and generated their own electricity, and pumped their own water from a natural stream (Ref: Dartmoor Chris – with thanks)
It is located near to the former Horrabridge Consolidated Chapelry Boundary Marker which was one of eight forming the Horrabridge Ecclesiastical Boundary from 1867.
Bibliography
- Dartmoor Chris – Pers. Conv.
- Clayton Mitchelmore – Pers. Conv.
