Grinton Smelt Mill, Lead processing mill in Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Grinton Smelt Mill is a historic lead processing mill in Yorkshire Dales with three roasting hearths for ore treatment. An external waterwheel powered air into the furnaces, and the site connects to surrounding mining infrastructure through channels and structures.
The mill was built in 1727 as a processing center for regional ore deposits, following mining rights obtained earlier that sparked disputes with local landowners. It operated as a major facility through the 18th and 19th centuries before eventually closing.
The site reflects the mining heritage of Yorkshire Dales, where lead extraction shaped how people lived and worked for many generations. Visitors can still see the remnants of this working landscape and understand how closely nature and industry were connected here.
The site is reached by a walking route through rough terrain with several stream crossings and surrounding mining remnants. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven and can be muddy or wet.
A notable feature is the wooden water channel built high above ground that once supplied the large waterwheel. This engineering solution shows how operators adapted to the landscape to generate power in this hilly terrain.
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