Monument record MDR7764 - Lead bole and shaft, Beeley Moor, Beeley
Type and Period (2)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
The main features at this site are two, or possibly three, lines of stones a few metres apart. Comparison with other sites suggests that these could be interpreted as part of a lead smelting bole. However, the purpose of the features is unclear. That closest to the scarp comprises a linear pile of stones in a slightly curved arc c. 4m long on the south-western side of a small flat area. Behind this is a second line of larger sub-angular stones, also c. 4m long. Close by to the north-west is a further possible line of similar character, although this line could just be a fortuitous natural arrangement. The site is ideal for smelting lead in a bole hearth in that it catches strong wind from the west and is close to hollow way routes for transporting ore from the west and taking the smelted product to the main ports/markets to the east. The lack of extensive hillocks of slag suggests this bole was relatively small and may well be pre-16th century in date. (1)
The site has been scheduled, with the designated area drawn to include a nearby funerary cairn [SMR 1482]. The bole stands on the edge of a minor escarpment facing south west. It comprises at least two alignments of stone in close proximity to each other, together with an arc of stones closer to the escarpment edge. The ground contains traces of slag, burnt stone and other waste from lead smelting and ore processing. The size of the workings indicates that they are late Medieval, possibly dating from the 13th to the 16th century. (2)
Site monitoring has been carried out and site appears not to be under threat. (3)
Adjacent shaft along with bole may be the remains of lead mining vestiges or the remains of a small coal pit. (4)
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SDR19851 Unpublished document: Barnatt, J (PDNPA). 1998. The Chatsworth Estate Historic Landscape Survey, Chatsworth Moorlands: Archaeological Survey 1997-8. p 110, Feature 18.45.
- <2> SDR18667 Scheduling record: English Heritage. 2001. Scheduling Notification: Bole and Cairn 1120m West of Harewood Grange. 31288. Cat. No.: 510.
- <3> SDR22285 Unpublished document: Bell, S (PDNPA). 2010. Scheduled Monument Monitoring Form: Site of Bole and Funerary Cairn 1120m West of Harewood Grange.
- <4> SDR18788 Bibliographic reference: Fowkes, D (ed.). 1997. Derbyshire Industrial Archaeology. A Gazetteer of Sites. Part IV. Derbyshire Dales.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 30064 68171 (29m by 28m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | BEELEY, DERBYSHIRE DALES, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
- EDR3856
- EDR3271
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Jun 8 2015 10:56AM