Dulverton Weir

Many thanks to The Dulverton Weir & Leat Conservation Trust for facilitating this camera's location and for capitally funding its installation. The Farson Streaming webcam has been installed to help monitor the condition of the weir and the River Barle water levels.  The Dulverton Urban Watermill Landscape offers three compelling aspects worthy of attention. Firstly, its remarkable size is evident in historical records. During the 16th century, Dulverton boasted six mills, a number that remained consistent according to the 1820 map of the town. Notably, the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia of 1832 still recognized Dulverton as one of the three main locations for blanket manufacturing in England, alongside Leeds and Witney. The construction of the expansive weir and leat, spanning approximately 160 yards, represented a significant investment in state-of-the-art water power technology. It is worth noting that what is commonly referred to as 'The Industrial Revolution' centered around coal power and constituted the second wave of industrialization. The initial industrial revolution, predating this era, harnessed the potential of water power. Historian Jean Gimpel aptly described this period as a time of 'the medieval genius of inventiveness,' which witnessed the utilization of water power across Europe, including Dulverton.Secondly, the positioning of the leat is of interest. Originally, it resided in open ground outside the town, serving as the location for various noisy and polluting industrial processes. For instance, the cloth fulling process, known for its clamor and reliance on substantial water and urine, took place in this area. The original town of Dulverton was situated uphill from the leat, commencing approximately where the Town Hall stands today and extending up the hill, passing Sydenham Hall. As Dulverton expanded, the leat gradually made its way through the heart of the town.Thirdly, a mention of milling in Dulverton dating back to 1331 alludes to the existence of shares in a mill. These shares likely represented ownership in the entire watermill system, including the leat and weir that serviced the mills. A similar arrangement was observed at the Bazacle Urban Watermill System near Toulouse, France, around the same period. Historian Gimpel has famously traced the roots of the capitalist system to such arrangements.Situated on the River Barle, a tributary of the River Exe, the weir and leat form an integral part of Dulverton's landscape. Dulverton itself is a vibrant market town nestled within the Exmoor National Park, attracting numerous visitors. Sourced from the expansive weir located just north of the town, the leat gracefully meanders through Dulverton, offering an array of viewpoints for residents and visitors to appreciate its natural beauty while marveling at the skill and ingenuity of those who constructed it.