Hi Alasdair
I didn't know about this either - interesting. The Weardale mines operated by WB Lead were leased from the Church Commissioners, whilst in Allendale Wentworth Blackett Beaumont (owner of WB Lead) was also mineral rights owner as the mines were on his estate.
WB Lead continued mining and smelting in Allendale until 1896, some time after giving up the Weardale leases, and it was during this period that the business was finally constituted as a limited company.
As the company's main mine was at Allenheads, and as levels from this mine ran under the watershed into the headwaters of the Rookhope valley, I wonder if the Weardale business you refer to covered the Rookhopehead part of Allenheads mine, including the reservoir at Corbitmea?
Just a thought.
Best wishes
Ian
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Killhope the North of England Lead Mining Museum
Adults, Wellbeing and Health
Durham County Council
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Co Durham
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-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alasdair Neill
Sent: 27 May 2009 09:39
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: WB Weardale Mines
It is generally stated that on the formation of the Weardale Lead Co. all the
Weardale holdings of the W.B. Co. were transferred to that company.
However the Mineral Statistics also refer to continued involvement of the
latter company in Co. Durham until 1890, under the title W.B. lead mines
Weardale (Durham Freehold), in addition to the WLC.
Can anyone suggest what mine(s) this might refer to?
Alasdair Neill.
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