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Snailbeach
Lead Mine Sunday & Bank Holiday Opening |
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The Visitor Centre will be open on the
following dates in 2009
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Open 12pm – 4pm |
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Open 12pm – 4pm. Longer underground trip by prior
arrangement |
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Heritage Weekend open 11am
– 4pm |
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Closed except by prior arrangement |
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OCTOBER |
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S |
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4 |
11 |
18 |
25 |
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M |
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5 |
12 |
19 |
26 |
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T |
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6 |
13 |
20 |
27 |
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W |
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7 |
14 |
21 |
28 |
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T |
1 |
8 |
15 |
22 |
29 |
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F |
2 |
9 |
16 |
23 |
30 |
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S |
3 |
10 |
17 |
24 |
31 |
When you have parked :-
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walk up the hill signposted for Lordshill to
where it flattens out
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turn right and follow a track past the
Locomotive Shed
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turn left and go up the steps
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the Visitor Centre is behind the headgear.
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Location |
Click HERE to see maps and directions |
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Surface Features |
Snailbeach Mine has the best set of surface
lead mine buildings in the country and you can see inside these if the guide
is available. It takes about 1 hour to go round on the
surface and you should note that only part is accessible to disabled persons
due to either rough ground or steep climbs. In addition, part of the route
climbs a steep hill so you must be reasonably fit. Disabled persons will be allowed to park
near the buildings – ask one of the helpers. The following are the main buildings :- a) Locomotive Shed This used to house steam locomotives which
operated the light railway to Minsterley, taking away lead ore and bringing back
coal for the boilers. It now contains a number of artifacts found on site and
there are future plans to install displays of mining techniques. b) Blacksmiths Shop This used to produce all the metalwork for
the mine and sharpened the miners' tools. It has been recently refurbished
and the forge operates during Open Days. c) Visitor Centre This used to be the Miners Dry (where they
dried their working clothes). You will be able to see displays and watch a DVD
about the history of the mine. Adjacent to this is the reconstructed wooden
headgear and winding wheel on George's Shaft. If you prefer to do your own thing, you can
buy a self-guided surface tour leaflet. |
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Underground Trips |
If a guide is available, you can get a taste
of what it is like underground. It
may be possible to arrange access for disabled persons – please ask. Day Level was a 19th century access tunnel
driven to meet Lordshill Shaft. Lead ore was wound up the shaft to this level
and pushed out to the adjacent crushing machinery. Rails have being re-laid
in this level and visitors will be pushed in most of the way on a truck with
seats. Helmets and lights will be provided. It is on
the level and is upright walking apart from a short section. Remember,
however, that it is not a show mine so don't expect concrete floors and be
prepared to get dirty shoes. You should also wear warm clothes as it will be
cool underground. At the end is the shaft but it is covered by a grille so
you can look down into its dark depths! There will be displays of
mining equipment and a guide will tell you about working methods. Note that, on Open
Days and once a month, the longer and more adventurous Perkins Level will
also be open Virtual
Tour of Day Level & Perkins Level |
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Costs |
We make no charge for access to the buildings
or standard underground tour of the mine. However, visitors may wish to make
a donation to our Preservation Fund so we can continue to carry out
preservation work and buy more mining artifacts and machinery. A charge is made for the tour into Perkins
Level. |
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Tankerville Mine |
This is another lead mine a few miles to the
south, which is owned by the Trust. It has an almost complete engine house
and chimney, as well as other features which are being preserved. You are welcome to visit it during the day
and, if you are part of a large group, ask a helper to see if we can provide
a guide. click on map to get
larger version More
details of the mine can be seen by clicking HERE |
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Refreshments |
No
refreshments are available but if you wish for a cooked meal then the
Stiperstones Inn nearby will cater for your needs (children welcome). |
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Accommodation |
If you
wish to stay over in the area we recommend the Stiperstones Inn |
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Further Information |
If you
wish to enquire further about any of the above contact Adrian
Pearce T. 01952-405369 |
Last revised: 11 Mar 2009