Engine Vein
mine is probably the oldest mine around Alderley Edge. On the surface there are
pits that were dug in the Bronze age and stone hammers have been found to
confirm this. A hoard of Roman coins found in a shaft (now known as Pot Shaft)
have been identified to date from the first century AD.
The workings
that can be seen today are the result of mining operations that took place in
the 1800's and are most probably the result of a group of miners from
Stockport. At this time the mine was deepened and the Hough Level served as a
drainage tunnel. The mineralised sandstone on the southern side of the vein was
extensively mined by the Alderley Edge Mining Company between 1860 and 1877 and
may have been mined again by other persons during 1911 and 1919.
During
the 1860's the Hough Level was enlarged in size and Engine Vein was also
connected to Brynlow, Wood Mine and a main entrance near the West Mine. Ore
could now be taken in trucks along this level from Engine Vein direct to the
treatment works. At these works, copper was leached out of the ore using acid.
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First
Trip
First trip for me and Hannah having a guided tour - thanks to
James and Pete,
(Hannah, James, Mike and Pete - AKA Glasses), 12th
March 2016. |
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