Tavistock: grid reference SX436725

Notable minerals: Chalcopyrite, Chalcotrichite, Chalybite, Clinoclase, Cuprite, Olivenite, Pyrites & Torbernite .

Bedford United sett lies on the eastern banks of the Tamar about one mile northeast of Gunnislake. Bedford United commenced working in 1707 when it was known as Bedford Mine, as it expanded it became known as Marquis Mine. Bedford United was formed in 1841 as an amalgamation of the lodes of Wheal Marquis, Wheal Tavistock, Delves Kitchen, Ding Dong and South Bedford. Due to its remoteness from the main workings, South Bedford was later incorporated into a new and separate set named East Gunnislake and South Bedford Mine in 1850. North or Tavistock Lode was worked from Engine Shaft (aka North Shaft), Main or Marquis Lode was worked from Engine Shaft, Incline Shaft, Western Shaft and Blount's Shaft. Phillip's Lode was worked from No.1 and No.2 Shafts whilst Bridge Lode was worked from McCallan Shaft.

Devon's third largest copper producer with a recorded output of 66,000 tons of copper ore. In 1862 Bedford United employed over 200 workers and by 1868 had paid dividends of £54,000. The company, restructured in 1877, continued working until 1890. Further work, mainly for arsenic, with smaller amounts of tin and wolfram was carried out above adit in the 1920s. The 1856 Post Office directory stated that: 'Bedford United Copper Mines are situated near Tavistock, Devon. These mines are held under a lease for 21 years, from 1841, at a royalty of 1-15th. The company is on the costbook system, and consists of 4,000 shares. From 1851 to 1854 the dividends averaged £1 3s. per share. The Manager is Mr. Wolferstan. The London offices are at 50 Threadneedle Street; G. Kieckhoefer, secretary.'