The mine is situated on the Brandlehow Lode, which either bifurcates or has a minor offshoot at this specific location. While some of the workings may be associated with one branch, others may belong to the other, yet no surviving records shed light on this matter. From available plans, it seems that a considerable amount of ore was extracted from the upper levels, with the yield diminishing at greater depths. The ore was found to contain 7 ounces of silver per ton of lead metal. Fluorite, an exceptionally rare gangue mineral in the Lake District, was abundant in the upper levels.

The mine’s operations were rather sporadic, often conducted by the lessees of Brandlehow Mine.

The openworks likely date back to pre-gunpowder days, with limited information available about them. However, it is plausible that John Tebay drove the Coate’s Level and the two levels below it, placing this work between the years 1819 and 1835. The Low or New Level was initiated by the Keswick Mining Company around 1850 but was soon abandoned due to lack of success. In 1873, Messrs H.K. Spark and B. Plummer reopened the bottom two levels for some prospecting work, but no further activity has been recorded since then.

Brandlehow Mine is one of the most extensive mines in the Skiddaw Slates and is also among the oldest. While the exact date of its inception is unknown, evidence suggests that it predates the use of gunpowder in mining, as evidenced by some of the old workings being cut with stope and feather tools. It is likely that the mine has been operational almost continuously since the time when such implements were commonly used.

Elizabethan working known as Minersputt is beileved to either be at this location, or at NY 244 202, on the ridge

Located primarily on the eastern flank of Skelgill Bank (NY247204), this small lead mine has its oldest workings situated atop the hill, featuring openworks and an open shaft. Below this upper section lie four levels, with the lowest one situated at 600 feet above Ordnance Datum (AOD).