Burtree Pastures, situated just north of the village of Cowshill, was a significant lead-producing mine in Weardale during the 19th century. In the 1970s, the mine was reopened with the aim of finding fluorspar, although with less success. There is a few remains on the surface however the adit has been sealed and access underground is now via the shaft which is by permission only.
A underground headframe of 1970s vintage still remains on the site
1877-1882 W.B. Beaumont
1883-1901 Weardale Lead Mining Co. Ltd
1971-1980 Weardale Lead Co. Ltd
1981 Swiss Aluminium Mining (UK) Ltd
1982 Weardale Minerals Ltd (Mine not worked)
Regarding the current situation at the location, it’s important to note the following: Access to Burtree Pastures on foot is possible via the track road at Cowshill. However, upon leaving the main road, you’ll enter a transport yard with a gate directly ahead. A sign indicates access to Burtree Pastures, but it’s explicitly stated that no vehicles are allowed through the gate. This area constitutes a public right of way. .
External Links
Publications (19)
- (1922); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol XXVI - Lead & Zinc Ores or Durham, Yorkshire & Derbyshire; 126 pages
- (1952); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol IV - Fluorspar; 162 pages
- (1952); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol IV - Fluorspar; 162 pages
- (1983); CATMHS - Trip Report 30 09 - Nenthead; 2 pages
- (1996); CATMHS - Newsletter 045-January; 36 pages
- (1996); CATMHS - Newsletter 047-August; 30 pages
- (1999); CATMHS - Newsletter 058-September; 28 pages
- (2000); CATMHS - Newsletter 060-June; 20 pages
- (2001); CATMHS - Newsletter 064-July; 38 pages
- (2014); CATMHS - Newsletter 117-November; 32 pages
- (2015); CATMHS - Newsletter 119-May; 35 pages
- (2020); CATMHS - Newsletter 138-February; 33 pages
- BGS - Mine Plans (large, zoomable) - Burtree Pasture Mine. East Section; 1 pages
- BGS - Mine Plans (large, zoomable) - Burtree Pasture Mine. West Section; 1 pages
- BGS - Mine Plans (large, zoomable) - Cross Section Through Burtree Pasture And Ajoining Veins Showing Proposed Trial Below Whin Sill; 1 pages
- BGS - Mine Plans (large, zoomable) - Longitudinal Section Of Burtree Pasture Mine Showing Proposed Trial Below Whin Sill; 1 pages
- BGS - Mine Plans (large, zoomable) - Veins In The Allendale District; 1 pages
- Booth, A.J.; Industrial Railway Society (2001); British Small Mines North; pp. 24
- Ineson, P.R. (1976); PDMHS (Peak District Mines Historical Society) 06-3 Apr - Review of Mining Potentialities; 10 pages (117-126)
