The lead mining industry of the North Pennines has left a rich legacy of industrial archaeology. This heritage is of national importance, and a number of mining sites and remains have been designated by English Heritage as scheduled ancient monuments. These are the lead mining sites in County Durham which are scheduled ancient monuments:
Low Slitt Mine, Westgate *
Middlehope Shield, Westgate
Brandon Walls Mine, Rookhope *
Rookhope Old Smelt Mill
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Feldon Smelt Mill
Coldberry Mine, Middleton
Middle Greenlaws, Daddry Shield
Derwent Lead Mines
Lady Rake Mine, Harwood
Greenhurth Mine, Harwood
Pike Law Mines, Newbiggin
All these sites are privately owned, and have no right of access except along public footpaths. For more information about all of them, for more information, see our archaeology pages.
* Both Low Slitt Mine and Brandon Walls Mine are on the English Heritage "Buildings at Risk" register. Visit English Heritage at www.english-heritage.org.uk for more information about the buildings at risk register.