Spence level is actually in the township of Melbecks further up Swaledale
from Grinton. It dates i think from around the mid 19th century, but i have
no precise date available. At this time it was a small part of the Old Gang
Mine which was one of the biggest mines in the area and had been since
around 1780 although it had been worked by several different owners since
then. This makes it unlikely to have been the work of an independant miner.
It is always difficult to find out why a level is given a particular name
and it would probably be difficult to prove that it was named after one of
your ancestors. There were many Spencleys associated with this mine but i
have never seen any reference to anyone called Spence.
You can see a picture of Spence level on my website @,
http://www.mroe.freeserve.co.uk/millgill.htm
and access more information about mining in the Yorkshire Dales from my home
page,
http;//www.mroe.freeserve.co.uk
Martin Roe
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