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Industrial Archaeology


Snailbeach - Mining history video production


This famous lead mine in Shropshire, once renowned as the "richest per acre of ground in Europe", has had a long and varied history. It is thought that the Romans once mined the site, although its most productive period was the hundred years between the 1780's and the 1880's.

Workings on the 1,000 metre long Snailbeach vein for lead, zinc and baryte, have left numerous shafts, buildings and waste tips, all of which have gradually decayed since mining finally ceased in the 1950's.

George's Shaft Buildings, Malcolm Newton
Crossing a flooded winze

This production traces the rise and fall of Snailbeach through the use of historic photographs, animated plans and sections, and unique video footage recorded deep underground.

Produced in association with the Shropshire Caving & Mining Club in 1991.

"One of the best mining films yet produced" (Industrial Heritage)
"The quality is excellent" (Descent)
"The underground scenes are particularly interesting" (Archive)

  • Written by Kelvin Lake
  • Narrated by Peter Eggleston
  • NGR: (126) SJ 374 022
  • Running time: 20 mins.
  • £12.95 - VHS, or DVD-R (copied from master tape) - including worldwide delivery.
    Please see the 'Sales' page for purchasing information.

For more information see the Snailbeach Site Feature.
Snailbeach is the subject of several compilations.

Loco shed
DVD-R: Before buying, do make sure that your equipment will play recordable (DVD-R) disks!
Please read our VHS/DVD page for more information.

All images taken from the video

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Last modified 15/08/05 Categories: Mining history video, mining video