Snailbeach Mine,
Heritage Open Day
Sunday 14th September 2008
Over a weekend in September every
year, there is a Heritage Weekend all over
National Heritage Days Website
The Shropshire Mines Trust and
the Shropshire Caving & Mining Club will be opening Snailbeach Lead Mine on
the Sunday only (see below for details of activities).
Location
The mine is sited in the
How to get there
click
on map to get larger version
From the North -
head for the A5 Shrewsbury bypass from either east or west and turn down the
A488 south signposted for
From the South -
head for
There is ample free parking so please ensure that you park behind the
Village Hall, either on the car park or the grass field below. Do NOT drive up
the small road to Lordshill or park on the roads.
Opening Times
Activities will take place from 10.30am to 5.00pm. Please note, however,
that you may not be able to join an underground trip if you turn up after
3.30pm. If you turn up in the morning then you can be sure of participating in
everything.
When you have parked, walk up the hill signposted to
Lordshill and follow the signs.
Costs
In keeping with the spirit of Heritage Day, there is no charge for
access to the buildings or underground tours of the mine. However, we ask visitors
who wish to go underground to make a small donation to our Preservation Fund so
we can continue to carry out preservation work and buy more mining artifacts
and machinery.
Surface Buildings
Snailbeach Mine has the best set of surface lead mine buildings in the
country and you can explore these throughout the day.
It takes about 1 hour to go round on the surface and you should note
that only part is accessible to disabled persons due to either rough ground or
steep climbs. In addition, part of the route climbs a steep hill so you must be
reasonably fit. Disabled persons will be
allowed to park near the buildings – ask one of the helpers.
The following are the main buildings :-
a) Locomotive Shed
This used to house steam locomotives which operated the light railway to
Minsterley, taking away lead ore and bringing back coal for the boilers. It now
contains a number of artifacts found on site and there are future plans to
install displays of mining techniques.
b) Blacksmiths Shop
This used to produce all the metalwork for the mine and sharpened the
miners' tools. It has been recently refurbished and the forge will be operating
during the day. The resident blacksmith will show how it worked and will be
making items out of iron. You will also be able to see lead being melted and
poured into moulds to make small ingots.
c) Visitor Centre
This used to be the Miners Dry (where they dried their working clothes).
You will be able to see displays and watch a video about the mine. Adjacent to
this is the reconstructed wooden headgear and winding wheel on George's Shaft.
There will be volunteers in each of the buildings to show you around and
answer questions. You can buy a self-guided surface tour leaflet to see the
rest of the site.
Underground Mine
If you wish to participate, we would ask you to make a small donation
towards our Preservation Fund which finances the cost of looking after the site
and preserving mining machinery. You have the choice of two options but you
should go to Day Level first in case there is congestion at the other
entrance.
a) Underground Taster (allow 20 minutes underground)
Visitors will be taken into Day Level, which was a 19th century access
tunnel driven to meet Lordshill Shaft. Lead ore was wound up the shaft to this
level and pushed out to the adjacent crushing machinery. Rails have being re-laid
in this level and visitors will be pushed in most of the way on a truck with
seats.
The level will be lit along its length with hurricane lamps but you may
wish to bring your own torch for extra lighting. A few torches will be
available on the day. Helmets will be
provided at the entrance. It is on the level and is upright walking apart from
a short section (but you will be pushed along this bit). Remember, however,
that it is not a Show Mine so don't expect concrete floors and be prepared to
get dirty shoes. You should also wear warm clothes as it will be cool
underground. At the end is the shaft and it is covered by a grille so you can
look down into its dark depths! There will be displays of mining
equipment and a guide will tell you about working methods.
b) Longer Tour
(allow 40 minutes underground)
Visitors will be taken into Perkins Level, which was a 20th century
access tunnel driven to meet several chambers where barite was mined. It also
connected with workings deep in the mine. There is the chance to see a big
barite vein as well as traces of galena (lead ore) in the rock. There is
usually ankle deep water at the entrance so wellies are advisable or bring
spare shoes. Helmets will be provided but this mine is not lit so it is
essential that you have your own light.
A few torches and pairs of wellies will be available on the day.
Virtual Tour of Day Level &
Perkins Level
REMEMBER
We
provide - helmet
You
bring - wellies, torch, old clothes
Disabled Access
There are parts of the site that would be very difficult for a disabled
person to access due to steep slopes and uneven ground. However, the buildings are all accessible and
It may be possible to arrange access to Day Level for disabled persons – ask a
helper. There is limited parking for
disabled persons’ cars at the mine.
Tankerville Mine
This is another lead mine,
a few miles to the south, which is owned by the Trust. It has an almost
complete engine house and chimney, as well as other features, which have been
recently preserved. You are welcome to
visit it during the day and, if you are part of a large group, ask a helper to
see if we can provide a guide.
click
on map to get larger version
South
Shropshire Mine Trail
A leaflet is available describing a route you can drive to visit the 5
largest local mines.
Refreshments
We are sorry but we will not be providing refreshments. If you wish for a cooked meal then the
Stiperstones Inn nearby will cater for your needs (children welcome).
Staying in the area
If you wish to stay over in the area we recommend the Stiperstones Inn
Further information
If you wish to enquire further about any of the activities:-
Adrian Pearce
72
Shawbirch
Telford
T. 01952-405369
Last
revised: 2 July 2008