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Viewing swaag.org website implies consent to set cookies on your computer. Full details Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group
Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number 1155775
SWAAG Honorary President:
Tim Laurie F,S,A,
SWAAG News Archive
  News Archive
Keld Heads lead mining and smelting complex - walk led by Dave Brooks
A bright, crisp November morning greeted 15 members to a very interesting walk led by Dave Brooks.
The Keld Heads lead mining and smelting complex is hidden away in a wooded area near Preston under Scar. As luck would have it, a recent survey by Oxford Archaeology North has led to a clear out of some of the vegetation, affording us good access to the site.
We made our way down to the Keld Heads main level and had a look around some of the remaining structures, including the engine house, which supported the engine used for pumping and winding in the mine, the remains of the wheelpit, the smelt mill, and the peat store. We followed the multiple flues up the hill, which then merge into a double-chambered flue. We also had a look at the dams toward the north end of the site.
All in all a very enjoyable and informative morning. A big thank you to Dave for organising the walk, and to the Bolton Castle Estate for allowing us to trample through their woods.
 
A view of the chimney from the ruins of the engine room The engine house
Click Images to Enlarge
 
In the woods, looking for the flue Looking at the dry dam
News Record: 36     Updated: 19-11-2017 17:18:12