Arkengarthdale Wagon, Langthwaite, Yorkshire Dales

This original 19th-century iron wagon was one of many used to transport lead ore and waste (known as deads) from the extensive underground mines in the area. These wagons were typically horse-drawn and ran on narrow iron rails, which can still be seen in some old mines today.

Although there is evidence of lead mining in the Yorkshire Dales dating back to Roman times, commercial mining of the metal did not begin until the early 18th century. The mines in Arkengarthdale were purchased by Dr John Bathurst (physician to Oliver Cromwell) in 1656 and were later operated by his son Theodore and grandson Charles under the name C.B. Company.

The Powder House, which still stands near CB Yard, was built in 1725 to store the explosives used in mining. During the peak period of lead production in the 19th century, the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale mines were the largest producers of lead in all of Yorkshire.

In 1804, a new smelting mill was built. The octagonal mill measured 170 feet by 70 feet and had a 36-foot diameter water wheel to power the bellows. It had four flues that went up the hillside and a timber roof with one of the longest single spans of its time. The octagonal mill was later used as a saw mill until 1941, when one of the roof timbers collapsed, leading to its closure.

There are several well-preserved remnants of the lead mining industry in the area that can be explored. The Old Gang Mill on the moor road to Low Row is well worth a visit, but please take care and stick to the waymarked paths when exploring the lead mining remains.

A metal plaque describes the wagon as follows:

HORSE WAGON c1870
One of the many wagons used in the local mines to bring lead ore and waste rock to the surface, this wagon was recovered and restored by the Earby Mines Research Group Museum Trust and presented to the Arkengarthdale Parish Council in 2007. It has been placed here as a memorial to the dale’s long mining history and to past generations of dales people who laboured to shape our heritage.

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Look at these walking guides

Three very good paperbacks from the Amazon Cicerone store. There are many others to choose from. Although I make up my own walking routes, I regularly look at these guides for inspiration.