Roman Gravels lead mine was supposed to have been worked by the Roman invaders before 400 AD. There are certainly some workings in the area of great antiquity, including the "open cuts" on the hillsides. These are artificial valleys dug or washed away by ancient miners to expose the vein of galena ore. Roman pottery and tools were found in workings 15m down. 
Nothing is recorded for the next 1,380 years until a steam pumping engine was installed in the 1780's. The Roman Gravels mine achieved peak output in the 1870's when it employed 200 men and had an output second only to Snailbeach. All that is left of this period of prosperity is the extensive white spoil heaps of calcite, baryte and quartz and the ruins of a Cornish engine house. NGR SJ 333 001
Back to 
the map.
