Brownley Hill Mine, Nenthead, Cumbria, OS Ref: Brownley Hill Bloomsberry Level
NY77624465, Brownley Hill High Level NY77884493.
The main
development of Brownley Hill started in the late 19th century, mainly for zinc
ore. The first record of this mine was in 1735. It was leased in 1748 by the
Greenwich Hospital. Throughout its history the mine changed hands many times
and was worked by local smaller companies. It stopped working in 1896 after the
departure of the Nenthead and Tynedale Lead and Zinc Company, but was still
used as a haulageway for ore from the Nentsberry Haggs Mine. In 1914 the
Vieille Montagne Zinc Company took over operations. It was briefly reopened in
1936 for a trial, but closed again after 6 months.
Access to
the mine is via the Brownley Hill Bloomsberry (Low) Level portal, the High
Level portal can be seen from the road side and is collapsed, a corresponding
depression can be seen in the hill side above it. The collapse is not extensive
and could relatively be easily dug through, if anyone was willing to undertake
the project.
Brownley
Hill is a very extensive mine, with links to Nentsberry Haggs Mine, Gudhamgill
Mine and to Rampgill along the Scaleburn Vein. Brownley Hill is more off the
beaten track and is not such a tourist trap like the classic Smallcleugh, there
are many interesting artifacts to be found. Click on each link below for full
details and pictures of each trip.
 |
First Exploration - Our first
trip down the mine, checking it out.
(Charlie and Mike), May 2004.
Updated June 04 with correct names of places. |
 |
Round Trip to Jug Vein - A hell
of a trip taking in the extreme reaches of the mine, with our guide Helen
Wilkinson.
(Charlie, Helen, Mike), June 04. |
 |
Compressor
House and the Link to Nentsberry Hagg's Mine - After meaning to see this
for the last 6 months, finally we get to see the compressor house.
(Karli,
Mark and Mike), 21st November 05. |
 |
Brownley Hill
Potter - A sedate trip taking photographs and giving Karl an intro to the
mine, visiting Hagg's Level, Engine Room, BH North, and the BH Middle Veins.
(Karl and Mike), 18th May 07. |
|
