Despite its lack of significant commercial importance, Dry Gill mine stands as one of the world’s most renowned mineral localities. Lead minerals, primarily phosphatian mimetite (commonly known as campylite), are found within an east-west vein, accompanied by a gangue of quartz, barite, and manganese oxides. Occurrences of other minerals are rare, with plumbogummite being the most notable.

Although records indicate mimetite specimens from Dry Gill dating back to at least 1830, there is no documented history of commercial ore mining until Hugh Lee Pattinson, inventor of a cupellation process for lead desilvering, leased the mine in 1846. Pattinson initiated work by driving an adit on the vein where it crosses Dry Gill beck near the foot of the gill. Despite extracting a few hundred tons of ‘colored lead ore,’ he discontinued operations in the 1850s. Subsequent attempts by various operators yielded little success, and the mine’s last period of activity occurred in 1869.

The finest mimetite specimens were collected in the 19th century, but despite becoming increasingly scarce, some exceptional material has been obtained since, particularly in the 1970s. However, the mine’s reputation for instability, cold, and damp conditions, coupled with numerous accidents involving collectors, underscores the dangers posed by the old workings in the Caldbeck Fells. While no critical injuries have been reported, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the hazards present in such environments.

1863-1865 J.J. & J.R. Tustin 1866-1870 Caldbeck Fells Mining Co. Ltd 1871 Caldbeck Fells Consols Co. Ltd