ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT MINING MUSEUM

The Lake District landscape bears many scars of mineral extraction having taken place over 400 years. Lead was being extracted in the area from before 1500, and possibly also copper. Lack of skilled labour in the mid 1500's lead to the arrival of German miners, and the rapid development of the mining industry in the area. At about this time the Company of Mines Royal was established, and records started to be kept of the workings. The main interest in Central Lakeland was in copper, lead and silver. But other minerals have also been extracted.

The mining of graphite (or wad, as it used to be known) in the Borrowdale Valley was the precursor to the development of the pencil industry in Keswick, but the main value of the graphite was as a lubricant, especially for gun barrels. This mine was the only source of graphite in England and the substance was highly valued.

On the Cumbrian coast there was coal and iron ore available, and iron is still extracted today, but most mining has ceased, the associated buildings fallen into disrepair, the sites becoming overgrown with vegetation.

The opening in 1995 of the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum in a disused quarry off the A66 close to Keswick has provided a unique site to house an extensive collection of photographs, original artefacts, plans, maps and other mining and quarrying memorabilia. Included in the museum is also a fine display of minerals and geological specimens, and a comprehensive pictorial history relating to Threlkeld Quarry. On site is a large excavator collection, a narrow gauge railway and the engine house, which is open to the public at weekends.

The museum shop stocks minerals, fossils, healing crystals, geological tools, underground equipment, jewellery and gifts. There is also a fine selection of mining and geological books, including a second-hand section.

Threlkeld is situated off the A66 between Penrith and Keswick, the museum is reached by following the signs to Threlkeld Quarry, and is open daily except between 11.00 and 4.45. Closed on Thursdays. The quarry museum can be reached by public transport. The Stagecoach Cumberland bus service number X5, between Whithaven and Penrith stops in Threlkeld Village, from where it is a half mile walk to the site.

The museum also organises guided walks to mining sites in the area. All walks start at 10.30, all include a short underground visit. Boots should be worn. Waterproof clothing should be carried (unless it is already raining) and you'll need a packed lunch.

Telephone 017687 79747 or 01228 561883 for more details of the walks. Based at the museum is the Mines of Lakeland Exploration Society (MOLES). This volunteer group carries out exploration, industrial archaeological surveys and preservation work. Information on the group is available from the museum.

Haig Colliery Mining Museum

Honister Slate Mine

Honister Slate Mines have produced the beautiful green stone which it is famous throughout the world. Visitors are often able to see slate processing at first hand and their showroom is full of fascinating displays, historical information and souvenirs.

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