REPORT ON THE DECEMBER 2005 MEETING

The Coming of Age at Killhope

Many members of the Alston Moor Historical Society have been involved with, or at least followed closely, the development of the site at Killhope. Therefore the visit of Ian Forbes to talk on ‘The Coming of Age at Killhope’ to mark and describe the first 21 years of the project was of particular interest. Ian has been working there throughout this period and was able to give an insight into the trials, tribulations and successes of the enterprise.

The Killhope wheel and the ruined buildings of the mine stood for many years and served only as a dramatic symbol of the past and a familiar landmark for tourists. However, in 1980, Durham County Council created a picnic area at the site and this was the first step toward its rejuvenation. In 1984 a visitor attraction was created although aspects of this were not totally authentic. However in the ensuing years changes were made to more accurately represent the original features of the mine. At the time of opening no display material was available and the staff members were obliged to talk to groups of visitors. This policy of personal communication is still a large part of the attraction of the current operation.

A very enthusiastic team of enthusiasts worked tirelessly to improve and expand the site. The prime mover was Eric Ryan and the Council was very helpful and keen to turn it into a significant tourist attraction. English Heritage agreed rebuilding work to form an educational resource and archaeological work in the washing floor area was carried out in the winter months – the first dig at a lead mine in the UK. The conditions in winter were very bad – at one stage the team’s ball point pens froze – but they uncovered timbers dating back to the 1860’s. This gave a good idea of the old workings and allowed them to be restored and replicated.

For three years brave attempts were made to remove a blockage 100 yards into the actual mine but eventually an alternative strategy had to be found. This involved massive civil engineering work opening the tunnel from above and creating a concrete and steel chamber which, when covered and suitably furnished, gives a very accurate representation of the interior of a mine.

Fund raising of £50,000 to rebuild the main feature of the mine, the wheel, was achieved by Dorothy Chambers and was matched by the Council. Whilst the wheel appeared to be reasonably intact it was in poor condition and had to be dismantled and the whole outer circumference was rebuilt but using the original design features. As a fund raising initiative, visitors were encouraged to ‘buy a rivet’. The re-installation was a great occasion and the last segments of the wheel were transported to the site from Stanhope on a steam traction engine. The mine is now an authentic working exhibit and major tourist attraction and is deservedly the frequent winner of prestigious national and international awards. One of the keys to this success is the work of enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides talking to visitors rather than solely relying on display material. There are a number working items of interest, plus hands on experiences e.g. panning for minerals, and trips into the mine itself. The site is a very popular venue for school outings from both sides of the Pennines.

Inevitably there has been a number of interesting incidental stories and events during the 21 years life of the site, including:-

The site has been recognised as an Ancient Monument

• One of the ‘characters’ of earlier days at Killhope was the now retired Bobby the pony. He had an unerring ear for the chimes of the ice cream van and was usually first in the queue! He would not hesitate to remove the ice cream from the hand of an unwary visitor!
• The wheel could be claimed to be the only Rolls Royce wheel in existence as it was built by apprentices from a company within the Rolls Royce group!
• The mine has been the location for a number of period TV and film shots, particularly the Catherine Cookson dramas. Little cosmetic building enhancement was required to give the authentic look sorted after by the producers.
• During a VIP visit in the mid-1990s by an aspiring County Durham politician, guide Ian Forbes suggested, during the underground tour, that the visitor should ‘turn left’. The VIP, by the name of Tony Blair, gave a wry smile – but no comment!

NOTE FOR PHOTOGRAPH (Permission has been given by the subjects)

In this picture Sarah Hill, an information assistant, is shown on the washing floor with young visitors doing what Killhope does so well in providing a practical experience of the working of a lead mine.