An exhibition on the history of the lead mining industry within the Yorkshire Dales will be running from Saturday 7th January until Wednesday 1st February 2017 at The Station, Richmond. The exhibition will focus on how the remains of the industry have helped shape the cultural heritage of the National Park, and how the National Park Authority has worked to conserve them.
Robert White, the Authority’s Senior Historic Environment Officer, said: “The name of the exhibition comes from a quotation by William Camden, one of the first tourists to visit the Yorkshire Dales over 300 years ago in 1695.
“The industry is as important now to landscape as it was then – although perhaps for different reasons. In those days the mines were vital sources of the raw material as well as being centres of employment.
“Lead mining in the Yorkshire Dales virtually stopped in the late nineteenth century and when the National Park was designated in 1954, the industry was considered an eyesore that disfigured the “natural beauty” of the area. Today, however, many remains of the industry are recognised as being of national importance and an asset to the area.
“Over the last 30 years, the Authority has worked with the support of Historic England, Natural England, local landowners and enthusiasts to record, conserve and interpret some of the remains. Much of the more recent work has been funded by the Yorkshire Dales Industrial Monuments Management Scheme, which is a partnership between the Authority and Historic England.
“More than 50 structures have been conserved and many more have been recorded in detail.”
Entrance to the exhibition is free.
Further information about the exhibition can be found at
http://www.thestation.co.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/the-hills-afford-great-store-of-lead/