68 



Tradition says that the mine was discovered by the wind having 

 blowni np an ash tree by the roots. Although probably known for a long 

 time before, it seems to have been wrought with great success after it came 

 into possession of the Banks' family and their co-partners. 



The mine has eight stages, Thirty Veins, Eight Pipes, and four great 

 Sops or bunches of wad or plumbago as it is usually called. In Winkles 

 pipe at the meeting of the Veins a Sop was discovered in 1812 which 

 produced 87 casks of best lead for pencils and 495 casks of coarse lead, in 

 all 582. The 87 casks of best lead alone would realize £24,360. The 

 grand pipe which was the one discovered as before described was wrought 

 to the depth of 64 yards to the top of Harrison's pipe. In 1778 no fewer 

 than 417 casks containing about 701bs. each, of the best quality, were 

 extracted ; this at 30s. per lb. would amount to £43,785. There were 

 besides two other openings of this pipe in the ten years ending in 1788. 

 In 1802 — 3, Dixon's pipe was discovered, when ore to the value of 

 £98,74:2 was got. So valuable a mine needed more than ordinary 

 protection. Consequently an Act of Parliament was passed enacting that 

 any one breaking into the mine or picking Wad or Black-cawke at the 

 rubbish heaps would be guilty of Felony. Notwithstanding, some black 

 lead did find its way to Keswick, and Jews came regularly to the George 

 Hotel to buy it. The owners had aU the mineral taken to London and 

 monthly sales were held at their warehouse only. Thus, any sold privately 

 in the country must have been got dishonestly, except scattered pieces 

 which were not unfrequently foimd in the beds of the streams, washed 

 down by the floods. Great care was taken to guard the mine. A house 

 was built over the entrance and guards slept there with fire arms. When 

 the ore was taken to London in the six horse waggon then used by car- 

 riers, half a dozen men, armed with blunderbusses, slept in the warehouse 

 with the precious load, and guarded it on its way as far as Kendal. The 

 present worthy steward of the mine is the fourth of the name who has 

 held the office with great reputation for integrity and ability. His great 

 grandfather Thomas Dixon, came from Langdale 150 years ago, and his 

 descendants have continued in the office till the present time. The mine 

 is now being re-opened, and it is hoped that it will be a profitable under- 



