Killhope Mining Centre, Weardale, Durham
Killhope Wheel
Lead mining has been carried out in the area for hundreds of years but in the 1870s The London Lead Company built this water wheel to power their mine. It still survives today.
Blacksmith's Shop
Where tools were made and sharpened.
Dressing area
Where the ore was separated from waste rock.
Dressing tubs
Before the waterwheel was built to power machine crushers and seperators these tubs were worked by women or children to separate the ore.
Miner's Cottage
. The workers would stay at the mine during the week, sharing this cottage.
Mining
How the ore was mined
Dressing
The dressing process where ore was separated from waste rock.
Smelting
The smelting was done further down the valley. Poisonous fumes produced were taken by a tunnel to chimneys on the fells.
The Manager's House
The mine manager had better accomodation.
The Mine Entrance
The tour guide explains that this is known as a 'level'.
Underground
Picture taken by infra-red. The miners worked by the light from tallow candles
Draining the mine
The entrance also served to drain water from the mine
The Mine Tour
Wellies and helmets are provided for the tour.