#146: The lead mines of Nenthead
- dave7057
- Mar 15, 2025
- 1 min read
...in which we visit the far northeast of Cumbria to explore the remarkable history and remains of the Nenthead lead mines.
In the company of geologist and Nenthead Mines trustee Pete Jackson, we learn about the earliest mineral prospecting in the area, where 'the old men' sought out lead in becks, waterfalls and, latterly, artificial hushes.
Arriving at a centuries-old stone leat – still working – we consider the unusual addition of flag coverings, and nature's steady reclamation of spoil heaps.
Entering the hill at Carr's Level, we consider the boom years of the London Quaker Lead Company, and the values that gave rise to social housing and an early form of sickness pay.
Moving deeper into the mines – and through the evolution of extractive technologies, from hand-picking to dynamite – we proceed to the great depression that made Nenthead a truly European operation, where British, Italian, French and German miners mixed, mined and lived together.
We end our journey atop the mind-blowing 300-foot Brewery Shaft, where Pete describes the five-mile subterranean canal – once a tourist attraction – that links Nenthead to Alston.
For more about Nethead Mine, and to find out about publ;ic open days, see nentheadmines.com/
Knowledge of the jct payment timeline strengthens a professional’s ability to administer contracts effectively. It highlights the importance of timely documentation and notices. These skills are highly valued in senior construction roles. The College of Contract Management develops this expertise through courses delivered over clearly defined study periods.
Fascinating exploration of Nenthead's lead mining heritage and its transformation over centuries! Just as these historic sites have been conserved and repurposed for modern tourism and education, industries today can Build a Future-Ready Tech Stack Through Legacy Modernization to innovate while honoring the past.
In leadership education, cmi level 7 is positioned as an advanced qualification that develops strategic thinking and senior management capability. UNICCM aligns its programme with these expectations.
This episode on the Nenthead lead mines was such a fascinating listen; there’s something so atmospheric about the history of the North Pennines. I actually listened to it while hiking nearby to clear my head from the intense pressure of my current semester. I’ve been so overwhelmed with my engineering finals that I jokingly told a friend I wished I could find someone to take my online exam for me just so I could stay out in the hills a little longer. Exploring the heritage of these industrial landscapes is such a great way to put academic stress into perspective. Thanks for another brilliant dive into our local history!
Reading your exploration of the lead mines at Nenthead and the way you brought the region’s rugged mining heritage to life made me feel like I was right there walking with you through shafts and old workings. I once spent a week buried in research and ended up wishing for help with doctoral‑level exams just so I could slow down and really appreciate history like this without racing a deadline. Your piece shows how deep stories enrich every step.