Before its expansion in the 1850s, the mine was known as the ‘Tone Mine’. Served by a 310-yard branch off the West Somerset Mineral Railway (WSMR), it was a key focus of Ebenezer Rogers’ exploration in the development of the Brendon Hills orefield in the 1850s. The Brendon Hills Iron Ore Company was formed in 1853, and the railway was constructed to Raleigh’s Cross by March 1861. Raleigh’s Cross mine was substantial both above and below ground, with extensive workings and machinery. An adit was driven from the lower workings to drain the mine, and the site required specialized engines for various roles. It played a central role in the mining community of Brendon Hill, producing over 100,000 tons of ore by 1867. However, a tragic accident in 1856 and the challenges of managing water in the wet mines posed continual difficulties. The mine closed abruptly in 1879 but briefly reopened before its final closure in 1882, along with the entire orefield in 1883. The branch to the site was dismantled in 1884, and the mine buildings were demolished. Today, only faint traces of the mine remain.

1863-1876 Brendon Hills Iron Co. 1877-1883 Ebbw Vale Steel Iron & Coal Co. Ltd 1907-1908 Somerset Mineral Syndicate Ltd 1909-1910 Watchet Briquetting Syndicate Ltd