On the Lead Mining Districts of Yorkshire

Abstract

In comparison with the vast coal-fields and ironstone beds of Yorkshire, the lead producing districts of this county seem trifling; yet, in consideration of the large population dependent upon the mining and manufacture of lead, they necessarily claim our attention. That lead mines in Yorkshire were prosecuted by the Romans, is fully proved by the discovery of two pigs of lead near Pateley Bridge, inscribed with the name of the Emperor Domitian, and bearing date A.D. 82; but it is very probable that they were worked at even a more remote period by the ancient Britons. Generally speaking, lead mines are situate on rugged and barren elevations; and in this respect the Yorkshire mines are not exceptions. If on the map we measure ten miles east and ten west from Ilkley, on a line bearing 12° north of east and south of west; and at right angles to this base, draw lines northward thirty-five miles from the two points so obtained, we shall, in this area of 700 square miles, include the high grounds bounding Airedale, Wharfedale, Nidder-dale, Wensleydale, Arkendale, and Swaledale, in which the principal lead mining fields of Yorkshire are situate. The strata throughout this area, are the lower members of the carboniferous series. Though the same class of rock prevails throughout the lead bearing districts, each individual stratum does not always occur in neighbouring mines, while the thickness of each bed is exceedingly variable. In the metalliferous portion of the carboniferous rocks, we have the rake vein, ...