Honister Slate Mine
The Honister Slate Mine is a group of slate mines and quarries located at the top of the Honister Pass. The earliest reference to quarrying at this location is from 1728.
History
In 1870 substantial underground workings existed in the Dubs Moor, Yew Crag and Honister Crag mines. Slate from these workings was dragged on sleds down steep paths that traversed the cliffs down to the top of Honister Pass. In 1879 new owners working the Yew Crags mine installed a self-acting incline which proved a great improvement. The company leased the other mines in the area and used aerial ropeways from Honnister crags and drove an 800 yard tunnel from Dubs through to Honister Crags.
By 1891 production had reached 3,000 tons a year and 100 men were employed . Dubs mine was prone to roof collapses and slate discoloration and was closed in 1932.
The First World War saw the mines shut down due to labor shortages and it took many years after the ceasation of hostilities for the workforce to return. In 1926 new electrically powered sawing equipment was brought in and the mines fortunes began to improve. Despite an enforced closure from 1943 to 1945 during the Second World War production continued through the 1950s and 1960s although Yew Crag mine closed in 1966 due to unsafe working conditions.
In 1981 the company was acquired by Mr B.R. Moore and a significant program of capital improvements was undertaken. Despite this the mines ceased production in 1985.
Honister slate today
In 1997 the mine was reopened by Mark Weir and is currently producing slate and is open as a tourist attraqction.
References
- John Adams Mines of the Lake District, Dalesman, 1995, ISBN 0-85206-931-6
