Report – William Crawhall to Martin Morrison – 23 Oct 1817

Document Type: Report
Date: 23 Oct 1817
Correspondent: William Crawhall
Recipient: Martin Morrison
Archive Source: NRO 672 E 1F 1
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Michaelmas Bargains 1817

                     Allenheads Mines

      We have now got through the Michs. Bargains which commences the new year and have all the workmen at this place in employ, The appearance of the Mines in general is more flattering  than they have been for a few years past altho' we have no particular rich workings. - We have now discovered Wentworth Vein on the east side of the Cross Vein at Eastend which I have every reason to hope will be as productive as it has hitherto been, and the cross Vein carries Ore tolerably well southward so far as it has been driven, this enables us to drive more men in the foreheads.

      Should the Strata continue dipping eastward as it generally does in all those Mining districts, a low Level would be adviseable for the future Workings of those Mines effectually but from the flatness of the Country  would be under the necessity of going a considerable distance down the Vale to procure the necessary Level, this however if adopted will be a work of time and great expense before it would be accomplished, although by such an undertaking there is a probability of discovering  Veins that are unknown at present and would also intersect the Swinhope Veins (which cross about two miles below this place) in a situation which would not be made practicable without a Level of this kind or an Engine. - Should you think of commencing such a work of time, I'll make the necessary Levellings, Surveys etc and an estimate of the probable expense and time it would require to accomplish.

      The Cross Vein at Eastend is now wrought by 10 Men at 28/ pBing and 6 Men sinking on the eastside of this Vein in Wentworth Vein at 100/ p fathom and 20/ pBing for raising Ore - the other parts of this Vein are now wrought by 20Men at 28/pBing and 34 Men at 30/ pBing, 32 Men driving plate levels, boreing et in this Vein to unwater the Great Limestone.

      The Workings in the Old Vein and at Flat Shaft are much the same as last quarter, wrought by 6 Men at 28/pBing and 18 Men at 30/pBing, the 12 Men opening out the two old shafts as mentioned in last report have nearly finished them and one of the partnerships is raising Ore at 28/ pBing in sinking and in every appearance is likely to continue productive.

Diana Vein in the eastend is richer of Ore than has been for some years past and is now wrought by 12 Men at 28/pBing, & 6 Men at 30/ pBing.

      Swinhope Mines are poorer than last quarter they are now wrought by 14 Men at 30/pBing and the west forehead in the Limestone is driving at 100/pfathom and 28/pBing but it produces little Ore. the String we cut in the plate in September last so flattering is not yet proved in the Limestone, the Men having only got their Sump down a week ago: we have not yet been able to make my further discovery in the North Vein since its quarter. - the Low Level is better to drive than last quarter it is now driving by 8 Men at 160/ pfathom and 28/pBing for what Ore they raise in driving but the Vein continues very poor. 

      I am &c William Crawhall 

                               

Allenheads Octr. 23rd 1817

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The Dukesfield Smelters and Carriers Project aimed to celebrate and discover the heritage of the Dukesfield Arches & lead carriers' routes between Blaydon and the lead mines of Allendale and Weardale. A two year community project, it was led by the Friends of the North Pennines in partnership with Hexhamshire and Slaley Parish Councils and the active support of Allendale Estates. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the generous support of other sponsors. Friends of the North Pennines: Charity No:1137467