Signs of Nidderdale's past - former lead mines

More than 200 years ago though the peace of the valley alongside Ashfoldside Beck would have been shattered by the noise, dirt and smells of the two lead mines, as the rich seams of ore in the millstone grit were exploited.

Raw ore, known locally as bouse, would have been washed, crushed and dressed before it arrived at the smelting mill where it was roasted in a furnace to produce molten lead which flowed into moulds to produce ingots or ‘pigs’.

Miners were paid between five and 15 shillings for the dressed ore and boys as young as 12 would work on the dressing floors as well as cleaning the walls of the flues and the beehive condenser despite the dangers from the clouds of poisonous fumes.

Now nature is reclaiming the landscape amid the skeletal ruins of the engine house and the smelt mill as well as the surrounding spoil heaps. Imagine though how extensive the underground remains are, with the network of tunnels and shafts and waterwheels to pump out water.

Words & photos: Amanda Brown