Westernhope Old (Lead) Mine Lodging Shop And Stable On South Bank Of West Grain

STANHOPE WESTERNHOPE MOOR

NY 93 SW NY 919345 Westernhope Old (Lead) Mine Lodging Shop and stable on south bank of West Grain GV II Lodging shop with stable. Probably early C18. Thin courses of squared sandstone; stone-flagged roof. 2 storeys, 2 bays. Thin stone lintels over 2 empty doors; moulded empty wood window, with central diagonal iron bar, above second door. Left end chimney. Left return gable has small square attic light at right; prominent throughstones in gable peak support chimney. Rear bank entry to first floor is partly blocked. Interior: left door probably to stable, divided from living accommodation by stone wall; right part has 5 square recesses in rear wall opposite door; stone winder stair in front right corner; first floor has fireplace at left end with full-height stone flag cheeks flanking deep lintel with segmental head under stone flue. Roof has bolted collared trusses, with 2 levels of substantial purlins, and ridge piece on crossed principals. Left extension, probably former smithy, a ruin. Empty and derelict at time of survey. Included for historical interest as survival of example of lead-mining conditions, with water from nearby level running past front of building.

Historical note: Westernhope mines were worked by the Blackett family from the early C18 to 1861; (information from Ian Forbes, Durham County Council).

Listing NGR: NY9197134496