Knockmurton Mine


Iron Mine

Worked from 1853 to 1923

Jan 1st, 2024 from NMRS by Buddle-Bot



Knockmurton Iron Mine
Lake District
Kirkland
54.55454, -3.406846
NY 0911 1861
Open Access
304m
#11,473


These mines are located on the outskirts of the Lake District National Park, with numerous veins running through Skiddaw slate rather than limestone. Knockmurton mine was established in the 1850s, and its productivity surged following the installation of a rail connection to the main network. Shaft sinking at Kelton commenced in 1873, leading to significant tonnage extraction from these relatively remote mines, peaking at 61,000 tonnes in both 1882 and 1883. However, substantial mining activities ceased in 1913, with a minor re-working attempted in 1920. The veins tapered off in depth.

Notably, substantial amounts of kidney ore were found in lough holes, often accompanied by small quartz crystals.



1863-1865 Thomas Carmichael 1866-1868 John Stirling 1869-1871 Wm Baird & Co. 1875 Wm Baird & Co. 1877 Wm Baird & Co. 1882-1892 Wm Baird & Co. 1897-1904 Wm Baird & Co. Ltd 1908-1914 Wm Baird & Co. Ltd 1920 St Nicholas Mining Co.



Publications (1)

  • (1924); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol VIII 2nd Ed - Iron Ore - Hematites of West Cumberland, Lancashire and Lake District; 245 pages


Knockmurton Iron Mine



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