Scheduled MonumentsScotlandWanlockhead,remains of lead mining and smelting
Remains of lead mining and smelting

Wanlockhead,remains of lead mining and smelting

Scotland
HES SM5597
Site type
Remains of lead mining and smelting
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Wanlockhead is a site of lead mining and smelting remains in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, representing industrial activity that developed significantly during the 17th and 18th centuries. The site preserves physical evidence of ore extraction and processing infrastructure, including mine workings and smelting furnaces that supplied lead for domestic and commercial purposes during the early modern period. The landscape contains visible traces of the mining operations, with remains indicative of the technological methods employed in Scottish lead production. The site is designated as an ancient monument under the care of Historic Environment Scotland and provides archaeological evidence of Scotland's mineral extraction heritage.

Wanlockhead,remains of lead mining and smelting is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5597. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Wanlockhead,remains of lead mining and smelting?

Wanlockhead is a site of lead mining and smelting remains in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, representing industrial activity that developed significantly during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5597.

Who is responsible for protecting Wanlockhead,remains of lead mining and smelting?

Wanlockhead,remains of lead mining and smelting is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM5597.

What other scheduled monuments are near Wanlockhead,remains of lead mining and smelting?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wanlockhead Beam Engine (0.7 km), Lead mines and associated remains, Leadhills (2.4 km), Auchengruith Craig,cross-shaped earthwork (3.4 km).

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