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Format: MPEG. Size: 0.06 Mb.
Length: infinte loop
Estimated download time:
with a 56.6 modem - 30 sec
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Old Rookhope Video Clips: Ore Hearth
Ore hearths were used for smelting lead ore to a molten lead. The solid lead ore was mined and then sent to the ore
hearths. This was done by charging the fire with peat (see fuel for smelting). When it was hot, mixtures of peat and
lead ore were fed to the fire. The fire in the hearth would need to be really hot to reduce the lead ore to a molten
state. To increase the temperature of the fire so it could melt the lead ore oxygen was supplied. This was done
through the use of the bellows, which fed oxygen to the fire through a pipe that led into the back of the ore hearths.
The ore and peat would be moved around and pulled out onto the workstone by the smelter. This stone protruded from
the front of the hearth where it was easy to manipulate the peat and ore and then push it back into the fire until the lead melted.
When the lead reduced to a molten state it ran down a groove in the workstone and into the tub underneath. Underneath this tub there would be a small fire to keep the lead hot and in a molten state.
When there was enough molten lead it would be ladled into a pig mould to cool down and return to a solid state before it was transported.
You can view the clip now by clicking the 'Play' button, view
a still image of bellows or click the 'Post-medieval lead working' tab below to return to the
Wark Castle home page or explore the reconstruction of the lead mine.
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