Old Gang Lead Smelting Mill & Furnace, Surrender Bridge, Swaledale - 16 June 2011
An interesting job in isolated historic surroundings for Guild members Richard Laidler and Dave Purvis along with Yorkshire Dales National Park and Ragged Robin conservation volunteers.
The Park Authority Archaeologist had identified a problem with a blocked culvert, leading to partial flooding of the furnace area, and the retaining wall was suffering from the ravages of time in several places, and slippage of a vast amount of slag from the mill used to form the Mine roadway.
His brief was that all new works had to be done sympathetically to blend in with the 150 years old original walls - not a problem to us old guys, some of whom may have been at the original build. Thankfully the Area Ranger was qualified to drive the mini digger used to scoop out great quantities of slag to enable the walls repairs to be carried out in a day, and lift some of the great blocks of stone back into the wall - saving many hours of back breaking work and hernias all round!
Photos: Clive Herdman
Bit of a mess around here!
A good shot of the old Smelt Mill site, seen by many walkers on this popular section of the Coast to Coast route.
Good progress with the help of the mini digger
Many hands make light work
A good match to the existing wall
This certainly saves a lot of heavy lifts - any chance of getting one for the Guild tool kit?
Nearing completion
A well earned rest - nice job chaps!