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History of Iron Mining
Iron mining and smelting started in Weardale and Teesdale at least as early as Roman times, as shown by the slag
found on small native British settlements. The earliest documented iron working in the Rookhope Valley is a
reference to iron mines in 1154 AD.
Both Weardale and Teesdale have abundant evidence for medieval iron smelting. Medieval smelting sites called
bloomeries left distinctive heaps of slag, many of which can be found in the Durham Dales.
In the latter half of the 19th century iron mining and quarrying underwent a massive expansion. Thousands of
tons of iron ore were taken from Weardale including Rookhope. This was transported by rail to blast furnaces
at Consett and Tow Law.
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