Near to the Village of Postbridge in the centre of Dartmoor lies Powdermills. This was a factory built in 1844 for making gunpowder. Gunpowder was needed for the tin mines and granite quarries then in operation on the moor. The buildings were widely spaced from one another for safety and a leat provided the power to drive the tools.There are plenty of remains of this factory still visible. Two chimneys still stand and two incorporating mill buildings also survive: These were built with thick walls but flimsy roofs so that in the event of an explosion, the force of the blast would be directed safely upwards. The ruins of a number of ancillary buildings also survive. Powdermills is now a pottery place, with a bunkhouse and tea room, far removed from its original purpose.

Looking across from the Lych Way to Powdermills

One of the Incorporating Mills

The main chimney

The thickness of the walls can be seen from here

Higher White Tor and Longaford Tor behind Powdermills