Digging shafts was not the only method used to reach lead ore in the Yorkshire Dales. Hushing is a form of open-cast working. Several hushes were worked in Arkengarthdale from the seventeenth to early nineteenth centuries. Read on to find out more about Moulds side and hushing lead mining in Arkengarthdale.
In hushing water is used to remove topsoil and vegetation to expose the lead veins underneath the surface. Miners would build a dam above the valley side which was fed by hand-dug channels or leats. Once enough water had collected, they would break the dam and allow the water to rush down the hillside. The water would scour away soil and plants from the rock and hopefully reveal, veins of lead ore. Some of the dams used for hushing had wonderful names such as ‘Roaring Meg’, ‘Trail Briches’ and ‘Bouncing Bill’.
Keld Resource Centre hosts activities and events which include guided walks to lead mining sites with local experts. Visit their website to book a guided walk or to discover more about the farmers and lead miners of Arkengarthdale. Including how they worked, lived, played and prayed in the Yorkshire Dales.
Moulds Side hushes – lead mining in Arkengarthdale
Hushing and open-cast working has permanently scarred the Moulds Side area. Turf Moor Hush is one of the more spectacular hushes and clearly shows how lead veins often followed geological faults. The lead vein was worked down to the level of the surrounding hillside at the bottom of the hush. The vein was then followed further into the hillside by digging underneath the hush. This is responsible for the finger-like shape of the spoil heap at the mouth of the hush.
Charles Bathurst (CB) Yard – lead mining in Arkengarthdale
The Bathurst family owned Arkengarthdale for generations. In 1656 the estate sold to Charles’ Son, Dr John Bathurst, the Physician to Oliver Cromwell. Dr John Bathursts descendants developed the CB lead mining industry in Arkengarthdale.
Mine workers often needed accommodation, which was especially true in remote and sparsely populated Arkengarthdale. With this purpose in mind, in 1802 the company owners built C B Yard, both as miners’ housing and for workshops. At this time the magnificent Octagon smelt mill was also built. The Octogan smelt mill was one of the largest buildings in the Dales at the time, however now sadly demolished. However, the hexagonal powder house in the field south of CB Yard gives an idea of what the smelt mill looked like.
The majority of miners working in the lead mines throughout the Yorkshire Dales, lived in nearby villages and on smallholdings. Miners often walked to and from work, for many miles in soaked clothing. As a result of mining being so speculative, this profession often failed to provide mining families with a full income. Therefore, some of the more fortunate miners also farmed in a small way. Perhaps with a milk cow or a few sheep grazing on the moor. However, commonly knitting also supplemented pay – many a miner was seen knitting while walking to work.
Pre site visit information
Safety First
You will get the most from exploring the remains of the lead mining in Arkengarthdale if you are properly equipped. Many of the sites are high up on moorland where the weather is changeable. Sunshine can turn quickly to rain and temperatures can be significantly chillier than down in the valley bottom. Some of the sites lie along rough or muddy paths so good boots are essential. If you handle pieces of lead ore, remember that lead is poisonous so wash your hands thoroughly before eating. Please be very aware that there may be open or poorly capped mine shafts lying close by. Don’t be tempted to explore away from the path and make sure dogs and children are kept well under control.
Find more information to help you plan your visit here.
Accessibility
CB yard and Moulds Side can both be seen from the road.