Chimney and flue of Langley and Blaghill lead smeltmills. Photo © Tim Gates.

NY 82906128 - NY 84026109. Old Flue. (1)

Smelt Mill. This very large and important lead smelt-mill was opened by Greenwich Hospital in 1777 and closed in 1887. Little remains of the original mill buildings, though some traces can be found retained in the farm buildings. The smelt-mill flue zigzagged its way up the hill, and was eventually crossed by the Allendale and Hexham Railway. At this point the rail track was run in a cutting and a bridge spanned the cutting to carry the flue. This can all be seen and the flue can be traced along the boundary of a wood to the north, then up the hill, across the road to the chimney on the other side. Parts of the flue are still intact on the wood and up the hill. (2)

Langley Mill system, built 1795-1806. Chimney still stands. (3)

Stublick Chimney (NY 84046109) terminal of linear lead condensing flue system of Langley Smelt Mill. Flue built c.1815, possibly the best of its type in England. Chimney survives to full height but is in serious disrepair. (4)

Chimney to flue from former Langley lead smelting mill, Grade II. Stone to mid-height, brick above. Circular on plinth. (5)

Visible on aerial photographs. (6)

Scheduled. (7)

Removal of the concrete floor in the building known as the Blacksmith's Shop in 2002, revealed two different materials on which the modern concrete had been laid. This reflects the different uses of the two rooms in the building. The material in Room A was a dark cindery material with some fairly modern finds in its upper surface, including engine components. The material in Room B was a compacted sandy loam with lime mortar (perhaps related to the construction of the building) and peaty material (perhaps indicating its use as a peat store, an arched doorway and ventilation slits also indicate this use). (8)

Langley, lead smelting mill, NY 831 613. On a watercourse which feeds into the River Tyne. Photographed exterior of the mill. One building now [1964-65] disused sawmill and one now house. Flues remain. Noted by Major. (9)

NY 829 613 - NY 838 611; NY 839 611. Langley Lead, condensing flue. Scheduled No ND/577. (10a)

Langley Lead Works, with two reservoirs and a condensing flue and chimney. (10b)

On 2nd edition mapping, a saw mill is shown, with an old wagonway. Also the condensing flue is
extended. (10c)

Built in 1768 by Greenwich Hospital. At that time it had three hearths. A reservoir was built on
Langley South Common in 1776, along with nine new bingsteads. In 1822 it had three roasting
furnaces, seven ore hearths, two refining hearths and a reducing furnace. Zinc was also being
smelted at this time, having started in 1817 but was stopped in 1822. The mill closed in 1887. (10d)

Recorded by NRIM, photographed. (10e)

Additional reference (10f)