An old engraving of an early lead mine in Britain. This illustration shows that, where the mine was on a hillside, the lead bearing ore (or vein) could often be reached via a tunnel driven into the slope. By the 17th century lead was second in importance in the UK's economy only to wool. It was essential for the roofs, window glazing bars and ammunition. By the 17th century, however, most surface lead had been exhausted. Miners searched for the metal below the surface in known lead-rich areas such as The Peak District, Yorkshire and North Wales.
An old engraving of an early lead mine in Britain. This illustration shows that, where the mine was on a hillside, the lead bearing ore (or vein) could often be reached via an adit or tunnel driven into the slope. By the 17th century lead was second in importance in the UK's economy only to wool. It was essential for the roofs of houses of the nobility, churches and public buildings. By then houses needed the metal for glazing bars in glazed windows. It was the only material for water storage and piping. Armies used it as ammunition. Lead had traditionally been found by following veins from surface outcroppings, particularly in 'rakes' (vertical fissures). By the 17th century, however, most surface lead had been exhausted. Miners searched for the metal below the surface in known lead-rich areas such as The Peak District, Yorkshire and North Wales. They would dig exploratory holes or trenches in promising places. In the best places miners would bore tunnels or sink shafts.
Size: 2835px × 2476px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 15th, 16, 16th, 17, 17th, adit, ages, bearing, black, britain, british, cart, century, early, england, english, engraving, fifteenth, great, ground, hillside, historical, history, horse, hundreds, illustration, lead, material, medieval, men, metal, middle, miner, miners, mining, ore, rake, rocks, roofing, seventeen, seventeenth, siteen, sixteenth, tunnel, uk, white
