Remains of lead mining, Pike Law (County Durham)

The complicated remains of leadworking can still be seen between the Wester and Flushimere Beck on the north side of Teesdale. Many hushes and dressing floors, as well as water channels, can still be seen. Mining began here in 1753 and continued until 1891. This is one of the best examples of a pre-19th century mining site in the North Pennines. (1)

The earthworks of a highly complex area of lead mining remains that was effectively exhausted before 1852. It lies between Wester and Flushiemere Becks and is bisected by the road between Newbiggin in Teesdale and Westgate in Weardale. These remains include large opencuts and hushes, with associated dams and leats; numerous small ore processing areas; as well as shafts, levels and the standing remains of small miner's huts. The area between the top of Broadley Hill and the two enclosed fields to the west of Flushimere barytes mine is crossed by more than six lead veins running east-west and north east to south west. Three veins, Leonard's, Flask and Pike Law Old Vein, are marked on the surface by large hushes. The Broadley Hill Veins, further to the north, were worked via shafts and levels driven from the side of Leonard's Hush. The mines were well established by 1753 when the lease was taken over by the London Lead Company, the area only produced 1725 tons between 1852 and 1891 when all worked finally ceased. Please see the individual child records for a more detailed account of the lead mining remains. Scheduled. (4)