Scheduled MonumentsEnglandMiddlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works

Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works

England
List entry 1015825
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works is a complex of industrial sites in Durham dating from the post-medieval period, reflecting the extensive lead mining activity that characterised the northern Pennines. The workings include open cast excavations, shafts, and associated processing features typical of early modern lead extraction, with evidence of both underground and surface exploitation of the mineral deposits. The site represents an important phase of industrial development in the region, when lead mining formed a significant component of the local economy and landscape use. The surviving physical remains document the technological approaches and scale of operation that characterised lead working in this period.

Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1015825. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works?

Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works is a complex of industrial sites in Durham dating from the post-medieval period, reflecting the extensive lead mining activity that characterised the northern Pennines. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1015825.

Who is responsible for protecting Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works?

Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1015825.

What other scheduled monuments are near Middlehope Shield and Low Slit lead mines and ore works?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Westgate Castle (1.4 km), Enclosure NW of Old Park House (2.3 km), Middle Greenlaws Level lead mine and ore works (3.1 km).

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