A History of Lead Mining in the Dales | Yorkshire Dales

A history of lead mining in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Welcome to the Yorkshire Dales, where the peaceful landscapes hide the history of hard work. These hills, once filled with toxic smoke from smelt mills bear witness to the endeavours of tenacious men who, through the centuries, made a living by mining and farming.

Life for these miners was anything but easy, battling diseases like miners consumption. This was made worse by working in poorly ventilated mines in damp conditions before walking home in wet clothing.

Peat fires would have been the only source of heat. Treatments for illnesses ranged from warm baths and rest through to the eating of vomit-inducing plants. Some even believed smoking was beneficial in bringing up phlegm, which relieved breathing difficulties.

Although times were hard, families persevered, sustaining themselves through farming and the craft of knitting, which they would do on their way to and from the mines.

Nothing was wasted with worn coats and jackets being turned into rag rugs for the floors. We uncover the history of the Dales etched in sedimentary rocks and valuable minerals like lead and copper.

There is evidence of lead mining in the Dales in Roman times, with subsequent eras marked by medieval monks and industrial lords. The Industrial Revolution ushered in mechanization with lords leasing mines to companies peaking between 1750 and 1860.

Lead was exported to France and Belgium and was used for roofing, water pipes and windows. The predominantly male workforce toiled relentlessly with boys as young as nine, having to join in the labour. Women worked at the mine top, crushing and washing the ore.

However, by 1880, falling lead prices triggered mine closures, prompting families to seek new opportunities beyond the dales. Some travelling as far as America.

The legacy of lead mining endures in ruins and tales of those who once worked these hills. Today, the Yorkshire Dales, once marked by the sweat and struggle of miners, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Nature is resilient, reclaiming its place with plants that thrive on the lead mine spoils, Weaving a new chapter amidst the remnants of industrial history.

Visit the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes to discover more including walking through a reconstruction of a Yorkshire Dales lead mine, lit by candlelight!

The Dales Countryside Museum also provide 'loan boxes' for schools, this offer includes a lead mining box. Our boxes contain a wide range of historical artefacts, replica objects and useful resources, photographs, maps and documents to help support learning or enhance displays in school.

www.dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk

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