Eardiston Copper Mine

Situated near the village of West Felton (on the A5 north of Shrewsbury), this small mine worked a 700m long body of ore, reaching depths of 30 to 60m in Triassic Keuper sandstone.

The ore body has been shown to have contained a mixture of absolite (cobalt), barite, calcite, iron oxides and malachite (copper).

At least 10 shallow shafts are known to have been sunk along the vein, with several cross-cuts, open pits and stopes.

Historical Background

The earlist documented mining (by D.W.Jones) took place about 1826 from shallow shafts - although the miners discovered that the site had already been worked and copper ore removed.

Known working periods:

The most productive period was 1840-44. Ore from here was taken by cart a couple of miles north west to Queens Head canal wharf at Rednal (NGR: SJ 340 268) for transportation to Liverpool, in later years it was sent by train.

Local miners worked the site in 1862 to pay for the building of a nearby Chapel, just prior to its acquisition by the British Copper Co. Ltd. who, despite their claims of high quality ore went into liquidation in 1865.

Remains Today

The mine was reputed to be very wet when working and the present remains include the foundations of a small engine house, possible winder site? (on the west side of the minor road which divides the site).

In front of the engine house is a run-in shaft with another building alongside it (pumping engine site?).

Across the road from the engine house is a quarry with the entrance to a hand picked sandstone adit. Originally 522 feet long the adit is quite close to surface and has collapsed some distance in.

The adit is not straight, going through a 90 degree dog-leg a few metres. Just after this section a weak section in the roof has been lined with large sandstone block arching. A few years ago along the line of the adit, shafts were visible in the field above, however due to modern ploughing techniques these are no longer visible.

Credits

Thanks to:

Kynaston Estate for allowing access to the site.

Report, Sketches & Pictures: Kelvin Lake.

Note

This site is on Private Property there is no public access, permission to visit must be obtained.

Warning

Underground exploration is dangerous if you do not have the right equipment and skills. This is why you should consider joining a well established Club, who can train you and lend you equipment for your first few trips. Have a look at our Links page to find links to other underground exploration groups, both in Britain and around the world.

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