Park Level Mine at Killhope was one of many mines in the North Pennine dales. The mine was started in 1853 and closed about 1910, reopening briefly during the First World War. For a few short years in the 1870s, the mine at Killhope was one of the richest in the whole of Britain. To help separate out the lead ore from waste, Park Level Mill with its giant waterwheel was built at Killhope in the late 1870s. At the time this waterwheel was one of many in the area - now it is the only one surviving. Restoration of Killhope started in 1980, and today Killhope is the most complete lead mining site in Britain. Restoration of the machinery is continuing. Today there is much to be explored of the fascinating legacy left behind. The Lead Mining Trail makes a good walk across high moorland past numerous lead mining remains.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Killhope - The North of England Lead Mining Museum
A bit of history:
Park Level Mine at Killhope was one of many mines in the North Pennine dales. The mine was started in 1853 and closed about 1910, reopening briefly during the First World War. For a few short years in the 1870s, the mine at Killhope was one of the richest in the whole of Britain. To help separate out the lead ore from waste, Park Level Mill with its giant waterwheel was built at Killhope in the late 1870s. At the time this waterwheel was one of many in the area - now it is the only one surviving. Restoration of Killhope started in 1980, and today Killhope is the most complete lead mining site in Britain. Restoration of the machinery is continuing. Today there is much to be explored of the fascinating legacy left behind. The Lead Mining Trail makes a good walk across high moorland past numerous lead mining remains.
Park Level Mine at Killhope was one of many mines in the North Pennine dales. The mine was started in 1853 and closed about 1910, reopening briefly during the First World War. For a few short years in the 1870s, the mine at Killhope was one of the richest in the whole of Britain. To help separate out the lead ore from waste, Park Level Mill with its giant waterwheel was built at Killhope in the late 1870s. At the time this waterwheel was one of many in the area - now it is the only one surviving. Restoration of Killhope started in 1980, and today Killhope is the most complete lead mining site in Britain. Restoration of the machinery is continuing. Today there is much to be explored of the fascinating legacy left behind. The Lead Mining Trail makes a good walk across high moorland past numerous lead mining remains.