Located on the south side of Newshield Moss between the Nent and South Tyne Valleys, this mine boasts a long history, potentially dating back to the 14th century, initially focusing on lead extraction. However, it gained prominence in the 19th century as a significant commercial producer of barytocalcite. With the emergence of higher barium-content witherite from nearby Nentsberry, demand for the inferior Blagill product dwindled, leading to the cessation of production records after 1895. The main veins targeted included Slote, Thorngill-Lough, Shildwell or Whitwell, and Fistas Rake or Blagill Old. Additionally, minor strings like Coatley Hill and Copperbole Head veins were explored. Today, the site is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and accordingly, access for collectors is prohibited.
1359 Possibly worked by Tilman of Cologne. 1859-1866 Jos. Dickinson & Co. 1867-1876 Thomas Wilson, Jos. Dickinson & Co. 1877-1880 Blagill Mining Co. 1881-1890 Thomas Wilson, Jos. Dickinson & Co. 1891-1892 Horse Edge Mining Co. 1893-1895 Jos. Dickin
Publications (8)
- (1922); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol II - Barytes and Witherite; 136 pages
- (1923); BGS - Mineral Resources of GB (c1920s) Vol XXV - Lead & Zinc: Northumberland and Alston Moor; 128 pages
- (1989); CATMHS - Newsletter 023-March; 25 pages
- Fairbairn, R.A.; NMRS (1993); British Mining 47 - Mines of Alston Moor, The; ISBN 0901450 40 5; pp.15,18,21,25-26,37,41-46,67,173-174, 186.
- Fairbairn, R.A.; NMRS (1996); British Mining 56 - Weardale Mines, The; ISBN 0901450 46 4; pp.31.
- Fairbairn, Raymond A.; NMRS (2005); British Mining 77 - Mines of Upper Teesdale, The; ISBN 0901450 59 6; pp.24.
- NMRS; Memoirs 1969; pp.44.
- NMRS; Newsletter Feb/2004; pp.7.
