Knockmurton Mine
Iron Mine
Worked from 1853 to 1923
Jan 1st, 2024 from NMRS by Buddle-Bot
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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.
External Links
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 No.1 Pit - 371m
Boundy's Mine - 418m
Kelton Fell Mine, Pit No.2 - 650m
Kelton Fell Mine, Pit No.3 - 714m
Kelton Fell Mine, Pit No.1 - 764m
Martin Boundy's Trial - 780m
25 Fathom Adit - 881m
Cogra Moss Adit - 922m
Croasdale Level - 1,016m
50 Fathom Adit - 1,128m
Barbara Pit - 1,845m