Exploring Forgotten Lead Mines, Hidden Reservoirs, and Historic Ruins in the North Pennines

Today didn’t disappoint—so many new locations explored, some stunning landscapes, and even an unexpected encounter with someone from my hometown, 250 miles away. The weather was cold and grey, but otherwise fine for flying. From abandoned lead mines and old farmhouses to historic churches and a wartime pillbox, the day was a perfect mix of industrial, rural, and military history.

Shanberry Lead Mine

Shanberry Lead Mine is one of the many lesser-known mining sites in the North Pennines, once part of the region’s extensive lead industry. Mining activity here dates back to at least the 18th century, continuing into the 19th century as demand for lead surged. Mines like Shanberry provided vital materials for construction, ammunition, and industrial applications. The remains of the mine include collapsed buildings, spoil heaps, and shaft entrances, now slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding landscape. While larger mines in the area were more commercially successful, smaller workings like this played an essential role in the local economy.

Capturing the site from the air revealed the extent of the workings, with spoil heaps and the faint outlines of structures still visible against the rugged moorland. The overcast conditions added an eerie feel to the abandoned landscape, enhancing the sense of isolation. The drone footage helped to highlight the contrast between the industrial scars on the land and the now peaceful setting that nature has taken back.

Yewtree Lead Mine

Yewtree Lead Mine was another small-scale operation within the North Pennines, likely worked in the 18th and 19th centuries before closing when larger mines took over production. The remains are minimal but still tell the story of the region’s once-thriving mining industry. These smaller mines often supported local communities, with entire families depending on mining for survival. Once closed, they were left to decay, with little documentation of their history.

While exploring the site, I unexpectedly met someone from my hometown in Essex—over 250 miles away. What are the chances of that? The moment was a reminder of how connected the world can be, even in the most remote locations. Aerial photography provided a great overview of the site, showing how the remains are scattered across the hillside. With the grey sky overhead, the muted colours of the landscape gave the images a bleak but captivating quality.

Harnisha Burn Foot Mine

Harnisha Burn Foot Mine is another of the Pennines’ old lead workings, though less documented than larger sites in the area. It would have been a small operation, likely employing only a handful of workers. Like many mines in this region, it relied on water from nearby burns to assist with ore processing, using washing floors and settling ponds to separate the lead from waste material.

Aerial views of the site captured the remains of old structures, blending into the surrounding terrain. The flight conditions were steady, allowing for some close-up captures of the ruins. The nearby burn was flowing fast, adding to the atmosphere of the site. While little remains, the drone helped pick out subtle features that hint at the area’s industrial past.

Bolihope Burn Abandoned House

Bolihope Burn is home to an abandoned farmhouse, one of many isolated dwellings left to decay in the uplands of County Durham. It would have once housed farmers or mining families who lived off the land, battling against the harsh climate and difficult terrain. These farmhouses were often self-sufficient, relying on small-scale agriculture, livestock, and mining for income.

The building is now in a severe state of decay, with a partially collapsed roof and nature slowly reclaiming the stone walls. Capturing it from the air showed its lonely position against the vast moorland. The lack of any nearby structures highlighted how isolated life must have been for those who once lived here. The drone footage provided a striking perspective of the abandoned farmhouse, with the surrounding hills adding to the sense of remoteness.

Hisehope Reservoir

Hisehope Reservoir is a fascinating location with three interesting features—a small farm building, a chimney or tower, and a little bridge. Reservoirs like this were built to store water for industrial and domestic use, often supplying nearby towns or supporting mining operations. The structures surrounding it hint at its past functions, though documentation on them is scarce.

The small farm building appears to have been part of an agricultural settlement, likely used for livestock or storage.

The chimney or tower could have been part of a pumping station or ventilation shaft, potentially linked to mining activity in the area.

The little bridge adds to the character of the site, possibly once providing access to farmland or a trackway.

Capturing all three features from the air helped put them into context, showing how they relate to the reservoir and the surrounding landscape. The drone highlighted the structural details while also providing wider views of the reservoir and moorland.

Harehope Lead Mine

Harehope Lead Mine is a well-documented former mining site with visible remains that provide insight into the lead industry’s history. Mining here took place from the 18th century through to the early 20th century, with operations extracting lead ore before transporting it for processing. The site contains remnants of buildings, spoil heaps, and possibly water management systems used in ore separation.

The ruins made for a great subject to capture, with aerial shots showing the layout of the remaining buildings. The long, straight spoil heaps were particularly striking from above, forming strong visual lines that contrasted with the surrounding natural landscape. The weather added an extra layer of atmosphere, with the light shifting between dull and dramatic as clouds passed overhead.

Muggleswick Priory

Muggleswick Priory, located in the village of Muggleswick, County Durham, was established in the 13th century as a monastic grange for the Priors of Durham. Initially, Brother William constructed a large house before 1229, which was likely made of timber. Subsequently, between 1258 and 1272, Prior Hugh of Darlington erected a substantial stone building, referred to as a 'camera', on the same site. This structure served as a retreat and administrative center, overseeing the surrounding agricultural lands and managing resources for the Durham Priory. The grange was situated within a deer park, enclosed by Prior Hugh in 1259, emphasizing its dual role in agriculture and recreation. By 1464, records indicate the presence of a hall, chapel, grange, and dairy, though they were noted to be in a state of disrepair. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the priory's significance waned, leading to its gradual decline. Today, the remnants of the priory, including substantial stone walls and architectural features, stand as a testament to its historical importance.

Visiting the site, the enduring stone walls of Muggleswick Priory rise prominently amidst the rural landscape. Utilizing aerial photography, I captured the layout of the remaining structures, highlighting the architectural design and the priory's integration with its surroundings. The overcast sky added a somber tone to the images, reflecting the site's historical depth and the passage of time. The juxtaposition of the ancient stonework against the encroaching natural elements underscores the priory's enduring presence through centuries of change.

All Saints Church, Muggleswick

All Saints Church, situated in Muggleswick, has origins that trace back to the medieval period. The original church, believed to have been constructed around 1259, likely served the spiritual needs of those residing at the nearby monastic grange. In 1728, the church underwent significant reconstruction, with stones from the earlier structure being repurposed for the new building. This practice of reusing materials was common, reflecting both resourcefulness and a desire to maintain continuity with the past. The churchyard houses the Mayer tomb, crafted by the renowned sculptor John Graham Lough, adding artistic and historical value to the site. Over the centuries, All Saints Church has remained a focal point for the local community, bearing witness to the village's evolving history and serving as a place of worship and reflection.

Approaching All Saints Church, its historic architecture stands out amidst the tranquil village setting. Through aerial shots, I aimed to showcase the church's structural details, including the stonework that harks back to its 18th-century reconstruction. The surrounding churchyard, with its aged gravestones and mature trees, adds to the serene ambiance. The Mayer tomb, a notable feature within the churchyard, was also captured to highlight its artistic significance. The subdued lighting of the overcast day lent a gentle, diffused quality to the photographs, enhancing the timeless atmosphere of this historic site.

Muggleswick Pillbox FW3/22

This wartime pillbox is a relic from the Second World War, part of Britain’s defensive network built to protect against potential invasion. The FW3/22 design was one of several types constructed across the country, offering a strategic vantage point for troops in the event of an attack.

The pillbox is still largely intact, with its reinforced concrete structure standing strong despite decades of exposure to the elements. Capturing it from the air showed how it was positioned within the landscape, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area. From the ground, the details of its construction were more apparent, including the firing slits and entrance. It remains an important piece of wartime history, a reminder of the defences once spread across Britain.

Wrapping Up the Day

This was an incredible day of exploration, covering everything from abandoned mines and old farmhouses to medieval ruins and wartime relics. Each location had its own unique story to tell, offering a glimpse into the past through photography. The cold weather made conditions challenging, but it was well worth it for the captures taken. Plenty more locations in the area still to explore, so another trip will definitely be on the cards.