The Killhope mines were a significant lead producer on the Beaumont Co.‘s property in Weardale before being acquired by the Weardale Lead Co. in 1883. With a mining history dating back at least 150 years before the period covered by production records, it’s estimated that the total production from the Killhope mines would have been around 60,000 tons of lead concentrates, with the majority coming from Park Level.

The veins worked at Killhope are part of the extensive vein complex of Nenthead and West Allendale and include Whitefield’s, Killhopehead, Burngrove, Siversides, Levelgrove, Tweed, Old Moss, Middlegrove, Bell’s, Hazely, Himer’s or Hindmarch’s, and several cross veins. The remains of the dressing plant at the level mouth are now preserved as part of the Killhope Lead-mining Centre under the management of Durham County Council.

Although visits underground are still possible, the opportunities to examine mineralization are limited. However, there is a small museum showcasing well-displayed and high-quality local specimens, along with the UK’s largest collection of spar boxes.

The digging at what is now Park Level Mine began in 1853 when the WB Lead Company initiated the construction of the adit, also known as the horse level. The initial cutting of the tunnel was slow, with the first 500 meters taking a year to complete. Despite finding very little ore in the first four veins, after 21 years, a rich ore body was discovered, providing employment for over 100 miners. At its peak, Park Level Mine was one of the richest lead mines in Great Britain.

In the North Pennines’ largely treeless landscape, miners used dry stone arching instead of wooden supports to line the tunnel. Visitors to the mine can see the 5.5-meter underground waterwheel installed in the wheel chamber, which was used to pump water out of the lower levels, allowing miners to continue their work. Park Level Mine was reopened to the public in 1996.