Borrowdale Mines

aka Black Lead Mine


Graphite Mine

Jan 1st, 2024 from NMRS by Buddle-Bot

Mar 13th, 2025 by BertyBasset



Borrowdale Graphite Mine
Lake District
Seathwaite
54.5038567, -3.188585
NY 2313 1271
Open Access
367m
#15,751


The Seathwaite area is renowned for its graphite mines, which have been in operation since the 16th century until their final closure in 1891. The graphite found here is of exceptional quality, with its occurrence being unique in the UK. Remarkably, it is one of only two graphite vein deposits found in volcanic rocks worldwide. Locally, it was known as ‘wad’ or ‘black lead’. Initially, the graphite was used to mark the fleeces of sheep that grazed the Lake District hills. However, by the 17th century, it was discovered to be perfect for lining casting molds used in the production of cannonballs and musket balls, leading to a significant increase in its value. This resulted in the smuggling of illegal ‘Wad’ becoming a problem at the mines. Eventually, cheaper substitutes replaced high-quality wad in casting, but it found a new purpose in pencils. Today, little remains of these mines.



1860-1865 Keswick Black Lead Co.



Publications (7)

  • (1917); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol V - Potash Feldspar, Phosphate of Lime, Alum Shales, Plumbago, Molybednite, Chromite, Talc, Steatite; 52 pages
  • (1984); CATMHS - Trip Report 19 02 - Seathwaite Wad Mine; 1 pages
  • (1987); CATMHS - Trip Report 15 02 - Borrowdale Wad Mine; 1 pages
  • (1988); CATMHS - Trip Report 06 11 - Seathwaite Wad Mine; 1 pages
  • (1991); CATMHS - Trip Report 27 01 - Borrowdale Wad Mine; 2 pages
  • Adams, John (2nd Ed 1995); Mines of the Lake District Fells; pp. 57-61
  • Bridge, David (1994); PDMHS (Peak District Mines Historical Society) 12-3 Sum - German Miners at Keswick and the Question of Bismuth, The; 5 pages (108-112)


Borrowdale Graphite MineBorrwodale Graphite MineBorrwodale Graphite MineBorrwodale Graphite Mine



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