including Killhope Link

"Major Lead Mining Centre In Great Britain"

NENTHEAD

Location ~ East Cumbria, approx. 5 miles east of Alston, at the head of the River Nent. Follow the A698 from either or the Wear Valley . The village is surrounded by the high Alston moors covered in heather and rich in wild life. See the maps page.

Like it's near neighbour Allenheads, the locals claim that Nenthead is the highest village in England, but that is not only point of commonality, both communities played a major part in the regions Lead Mining Industry.  Indeed, Nenthead was founded in 1825 as a direct result of lead mining as prospectors moved into the area searching for other valuable minerals such as silver.

In those days, the village had a population of about 1500 and was a very busy place. In common with the region, the religion was mainly Methodist who worked for the Quaker owned, London Lead Company. The community spirit was good with the Company providing facilities such as housing, school, baths, and a reading room.

Intensive lead mining was the main source of income for over 100 years and a walk around the surrounding hillsides will confirm the story. Today the land is covered in vegetation such as heather and rich in wildlife, but closer inspection will reveal the many hidden spoil heaps which testify to the intensive mining.  It all started to fade towards the end of the 19th century when lead prices fell and cheap imports hit the country. Many of the miners and their families emigrated to the likes of Australia and America as the mines were sold on to the Belgian, Vieille Montagne Company who moved the emphasis to Zinc. The Nenthead mines finally closed in 1961.

It's fair to say that since that time, many of the mine buildings and the village itself stood still, but not any longer. Today the local people are putting in a massive effort to regenerate this beautiful village. A major project is underway to open up the many, many miles of underground working which are showing some spectacular sites. As more exciting news is available from the archaeological work, we will bring it to you on these pages.

At this time there is also a major civil engineering project underway to improve the river bank and secure the surrounding land. This scheme is due for completion in 1999 and is part of the massive effort to make Nenthead an even better place to visit

Tourism is also very much in the minds of local residents with recent efforts into the Mines Heritage Centre drawing great interest from visitors. The village is also on the C2C cycle route and a popular place to stop-over.

Please send mail to n.pennines@virgin.net if you experience difficulties with this web site.
Last modified 30/07/03