History | Mine Buildings at Nenthead
1. Smelt Mill (1737)
The smelt mill was in production for almost 160 years. By the time it closed in 1896 it had grown to 6 ore hearths, 1 slag hearth, 2 reverbatory furnaces, 2 refining furnaces and 1 de-silvering house.
2. Refinery Buildings
Silver production at Nenthead started in 1792 when the first refinery was built. The new Pattinson Crystallizing House was erected in 1839. Further improvements in de-silvering techniques led to the erection of the Rozan House in 1876.
3. Barracks
The Barracks was probably originally used to store peat, which needed to be kept dry for the smelting hearths. It may also have been used for stabling. In 1897 the building was converted into a lodging house (barracks) for miners brought in from surrounding dales and later for foreign labour. The upper floor was for sleeping. Downstairs were the kitchen, washing, drying and eating areas.
4. Compressor Plant
In 1897 The Vielle Montagne Zinc Company introduced Pelton Wheel Turbines to Nenthead. The turbines provided power for the dressing floors. By 1899 a steam driven compressor plant had been installed in the Rozan building.
Four compressors supplied compressed air into the mines along 6" (15cm) main pipelines at a pressure of 85ib per square inch (187kg per 6.45 square cm). Smaller pipes distributed power to every working area, including mines away from the Nenthead site. The total length of the piping was then 6 miles.
5. Assay House (1833, Rebuilt 1855)
The Assay House was purpose built for the Assayer to test and monitor samples of ore. The assay hearth operated all year and is still connected to the tall chimney. The Assayer worked with small samples and delicate instruments - the large windows helped him make the most of the natural light.
