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History of Lead Mining
The Romans used lead extensively, notably for their sophisticated water supply systems - indeed the word 'plumber'
comes from the Latin word for lead - plumbum. Lead artefacts are frequently found in the Roman forts on and near
Hadrian's Wall, but no specific evidence of Roman lead-mining activity in County Durham has been found.
Lead was certainly mined in the Durham dales from the 12th century, and was in demand for the roofs of important
medieval buildings such as castles and churches, as well as for water supply systems, especially in monasteries.
It is very difficult to date old lead-mining operations, and earlier underground workings encountered by lead miners
were generally ascribed to "t'owd man".
The amount of lead being mined increased dramatically in the 18th century, and reached its peak in the mid-19th
century. There was then a fairly rapid decline as the price of lead fell due to the opening of lead mines in the
United States of America, Mexico and Australia.
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