Reasons for Designation
Lead rakes are linear mining features along the outcrop of a lead vein
resulting from the extraction of relatively shallow ore. They can be broadly
divided between: rakes consisting of continuous rock-cut clefts; rakes
consisting of lines of interconnecting or closely-spaced shafts with
associated spoil tips and other features; and rakes whose surface features
were predominantly produced by reprocessing of earlier waste tips (normally in
the 19th century). In addition, some sites contain associated features such as
coes (miners' huts), gin circles (the circular track used by a horse operating
simple winding or pumping machinery), and small-scale ore-dressing areas and
structures, often marked by tips of dressing waste.
The majority of rake workings are believed to be of 16th-18th century date,
but earlier examples are likely to exist, and mining by rock-cut cleft has
again become common in the 20th century. Rakes are the main field monuments
produced by the earlier and technologically simpler phases of lead mining.
They are very common in Derbyshire, where they illustrate the character of
mining dominated by regionally distinctive Mining Laws, and moderately common
in the Pennine and Mendip orefields; they are rare in other lead mining areas.
A sample of the better preserved examples from each region, illustrating the
typological range, will merit protection.
Details
The monument includes the remains of a small lead mining and ore processing
site within Longstone Moor lead rake. The remains include a partly upstanding
coe, two further ruined coes, a dressing floor and a shaft.
Extensive mining remains survive beyond the monument but are not included in
the scheduling as they have been disturbed by modern reworking.
Coes were small buildings used in lead working for a variety of purposes. The
upstanding coe in this complex was clearly used for ore processing as it
includes an in situ knockstone at its north west corner where lumps of ore
were broken down by hand to a size suitable for further processing. The coe
itself comprises a drystone structure, measuring 7m from north to south by 5m
from east to west. It is built on a spoil heap and includes an entrance at the
south east corner. The walls survive to a height of c.1.2m.
Immediately north east of the coe are two further ruined coes, each measuring
c.5m square. The north wall of the northernmost extends westward for c.20m
before ending on the spoil ring round an isolated shaft. In this way, the wall
and the line of coes form the north and east boundaries of a triangular
ore-dressing floor. On its remaining south west side, the dressing floor is
bounded by a track through the lead rake.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
27219
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Other
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
