Standing Building Recording

Date 13 July 2022 - 25 August 2023

Event ID 1200666

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1200666

NX 52964 93598 A building survey was undertaken at Woodhead Lead Mine, Carsphairn. The works were carried out by volunteers supported by Rathmell Archaeology staff. The mine at Woodhead was a rare example of a total production unit in Scotland – one which mined, crushed, washed and smelted the lead before it was exported – but it was also a village: the landowner who established the mine built housing, a school and even founded a library for the workers so that they could form their own community in this remote setting. The building survey aimed to generate a record of the historic fabric of the structures before they deteriorate any further and comprised a photographic record, a written record, and sketched plans and elevations of the existing structures. Focusing on the buildings at the western end of the mining complex, seven structures were recorded, which included the manager’s house and office, two rows of miners’ cottages, stables, a powder magazine and a school. The structures vary in their state of survival; while none remain roofed, the height of the standing walls range from one or two courses up to full height. Over 300 photographs were generated from the survey, capturing information on fabric, current condition and varying phases of modification and use.

Information from C. Williamson - Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, 2023.

OASIS ID: rathmell1-437549