The Pennine lead mining industry collapsed about a hundred and twenty years ago. Before that the moors and dales of the North Pennines echoed to the sound of the lead mining industry. Park Level Mine at Killhope was one of many mines in the North Pennine dales. The mine was started in 1853 and closed about 1910, reopening briefly during the First World War. For a few short years in the 1870s, the mine at Killhope was one of the richest in the whole of Britain. To help separate out the lead ore from waste, Park Level Mill with its giant waterwheel was built at Killhope in the late 1870s. At the time this waterwheel was one of many in the area - now it is the only one surviving.
Restoration of Killhope started in 1980, and today Killhope is the most complete lead mining site in Britain. Restoration of the machinery is continuing. Today there is much to be explored of the fascinating legacy left behind. You can visit Allenheads Heritage Centre and Nenthead Mines, both near Killhope. The Lead Mining Trail (leaflet available) makes a good walk across high moorland past numerous lead mining remains.
Find out more about the North Pennine families who lived and worked here, or left to find work elsewhere.