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Lead Mining in the Yorkshire Dales
Rose Atkinson • Oct 01, 2020
Swaledale, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is known mainly for its idyllic countryside. The vast glacial valley runs from Keld to Richmond, offering breath taking views of the rugged and wild terrain. But did you know that Swaledale has a strong industrial past? Lead mining has majorly shaped the landscape that can still be seen across the Yorkshire Dales today…
From the 16th Century to the early 20th Century, the Dales landscape was revolutionised by the rapid growth in mining and smelting. Minerals were extracted from veins beneath the moors; specifically galena, which produces lead. By the 18th Century, Britain was the world’s biggest lead producer, with the Yorkshire Dales at its core. The end of the industry occurred at the start of the 20th Century, with the final lead mine in the Dales closing in 1912.
Several ruined mine buildings and workings can still be seen across the Dales today. Many of the side valleys jutting from Gunnerside Gill and Arkengarthdale may seem natural, but in fact they were created by man a couple of hundred years ago – the miners used damns to create large artificial lakes. There is so much history to discover: find fascinating circular markings in the ground, where “bell pit” shafts were depressed and ore was extracted; explore “bouse teams” (sets of bunkers) which were used to store the ore (bouse); or, if you are brave enough, venture into the ruins of underground mines with one of our local caving groups.
Old Gang Smelting Mill
The Old Gang Smelting Mill is located near Reeth in Swaledale. It was built in 1790 and used until 1899. The mill has been very well-preserved, with the entire chimney still intact. The Old Gang Mining Company also had a mine shop situated beside Gunnerside Beck, which is still visible today.
Crackpot Hall
Crackpot Hall is a ruined farm near Keld which is very popular amongst walkers. The ruined farm was once used as offices by a successful lead mining company. Bottles and sticks of dynamite left behind by the miners have been previously found nearby.
Sir Francis Level
Sir Francis Level in Gunnerside contains ancient engines and winding machinery, hidden deep underground. These were the most recent operations in Gunnerside Gill, from 1864 – 1891.
Bunton Level
Bunton Level is another site that is easy to explore on Gunnerside Gill. The area was opened in 1802 and eventually closed in 1898.
Swaledale is steeped in rich history and culture. Here at Reeth Holiday Cottages, there are so many wonderful sights to behold during your stay here. The Swaledale Museum in Reeth is jam-packed full of old artefacts from the era, and there are many fantastic walks
right on our doorstep; allowing you to get up close and personal with the fascinating historical remains of the lead mining industry.
If you haven’t been to stay with us yet, what are you waiting for? Click here
to book your stay at our pet-friendly holiday cottages in the glorious Yorkshire Dales today.
With the bank holidays coming up in May and the Summer Holidays on the horizon, we have put together a list of family friendly walks and activities to really make the most of your stay in beautiful Swaledale.
Happy New Year!
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Christmas 2020 was full of lockdowns and cancellations, so we’re definitely intending to make the most of the 2021 festive season. There are so many fun things happening in God’s Own Country this season – from artisan Christmas markets to spectacular light trails, Santa’s grotto visits and festive train rides, and so much more. Check out our guide below to discover some wonderful Christmas events taking place in the Yorkshire Dales this month…
Autumn is a truly wonderful time of year to visit the celebrated Yorkshire Dales. The Dales becomes an artist’s delight in the colder months, adding amazing autumn hues to its vibrant colour palette. Enjoy a stroll through the Dales as the leaves begin to fall or discover the county’s rich history in a quintessentially British castle, before curling up in front of a log fire in a hearty country pub. As the summer rush finally comes to an end, it’s the perfect excuse to get cosy in a luxury cottage this autumn. So, why not soak up the wonders of mother nature this season at Reeth Holiday Cottages?!
Have you been to visit the Yorkshire Dales yet? Our four luxury self-catering cottages are situated in the glorious village of Reeth, tucked away in the corner of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. Reeth is a bustling hub of activity, perfect for exploring the celebrated Yorkshire Dales. Our cottages are extremely popular amongst walkers and visitors to the area. The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most picturesque areas in the whole of the UK and is arguably the waterfall capital of England. The county is awash with waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, with its dramatic landscapes boasting cascading falls. The Yorkshire Dales features the highest waterfalls in England both below and above ground, as well as the highest single drop waterfall in the country. We have compiled a handy list of our favourite waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales; so you can spend less time researching, and more time exploring. All the below walks can be found on the OS Maps app, which guests can access whilst staying at our cottages.
The annual grouse shooting season is one of the most celebrated events in the Yorkshire Dales calendar; beginning on the Glorious Twelfth (12th August) and lasting until 10th December. Moorland owners and gamekeepers of the Yorkshire Dales carry out vital conservation work on more than 226,000 acres of precious heather moorland across the area, many of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). During the late summer season, our beautiful Dales moorland really is a sight to behold. The heather is in full bloom on our uplands, turning the hills a vivid purple. The heather provides the perfect habitat for the remarkable red grouse. Keep reading to discover more about our important work in moorland management…
Nature truly comes alive in the Yorkshire Dales during the summer months. Birds and animals are hard at work feeding their young, whilst the spectacular hay meadows reach their peak. There is no finer sight or smell than a hay meadow in full flower on a hot summer’s day! Swaledale boasts some of the Dales’ finest hay meadows, which are best experienced in late June to early July. Keep reading to discover more about the Yorkshire Dales’ very own delightful hay meadows…
After being cancelled last year, we are delighted that the renowned Swaledale Festival has returned in 2021! This celebration of music and arts has been running since 1972, situated in the three most northern areas of the Yorkshire Dales: Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale. Beginning on the Saturday of the late May Bank Holiday each year, the festival boasts marvellous musical acts, artistic workshops, children’s events, guided walks and much more. This year, festival organisers have decided to spread events over a six-month period, instead of the usual 2 weeks. Many events have been so popular that they are already sold out, but there are still tickets remaining for the following…
Tucked away in a cosy corner of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, the picturesque village of Reeth is perfectly placed to explore the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. Visitors from near and afar flock to Reeth to explore the spectacular Yorkshire Dales landscape each year. The village is only a short two-minute stroll from our four luxury self-catering cottages and the community of Reeth is always bustling with activity. There are various pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, a museum, a hairdresser’s, an ice cream parlour, a beauty salon, and a weekly Friday market to enjoy.
Want to whisk the kids away on holiday this year? With holidays abroad being off the cards for the time being, why not consider a fun family staycation here in the Yorkshire Dales?! Our lovely self-catering cottages are set in the idyllic village of Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales, providing a real “Home from Home” experience. Set in the spectacular Swaledale countryside, surrounded by stunning views and breathtaking scenery, our luxury cottages offer the perfect opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are plenty of activities nearby for children of all ages to enjoy; whether they are keen moochers, adventurers or explorers. Take a day trip to the famous Thorp Perrow arboretum or play and explore at the fantastic Forbidden Corner – the possibilities are truly endless!