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Belton Grain Mine (Engine Shaft)

Dalus Dyke, Wanlockhead, Dumfriesshire.

Mine (Galena & Sphalerite), 18th c.

Belton Grain Mine comprises a series of parallel levels initially linked by a series of (mostly blind/winze) shafts. The Engine Shaft at the given coordinates was sunk to 'Lorimer's Level' at its junction with a Townhead crosscut adit that had mouths in the bank of the Wanlock Burn to the SW [see site #10112]; see mine plans in refs for detailed layout. Much of the vein is worked-out at this locality. The Engine Pit shaft is fenced off, situated close to the Wanlockhead road sign along the W side of the B979 road.

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"The [Belton Grain] vein trends about N.N.W., and can be traced for a distance of over one and a half miles. It was first opened up at its south end by Sir James Stampfield, and the work was continued by Matthew Wilson, and the Smelting Company. The ore was found in self-pieces, but the vein stuff was so soft and difficult to timber that the Smelting Company finally abandoned the work. In 1755 the north end of the vein, near the head of Whyte's Clench, was opened by Mr. Williamson, and the vein was found to vary from 12 to 20 ft. in width. It was drusy and cavernous, but in a better condition for working than at the south end. The ore often occurred in ribs up to 2 or 3 in. in thickness, and also in small pieces and strings mixed up with broken country-rock. The vein has been worked over a total length of 670 fms., and to a depth of 120 fms. from the surface and 60 fms. below adit. At the north end the ore held up to the surface and continued downwards a distance of 90 fms. At one time this vein was very productive and yielded 1000 tons of lead per annum...

[The Lee] vein trends almost due north and south, but although several trials have been made on it no lead ore has been discovered, though a good deal of hematite was met with." [Wilson, 1921]

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"Beltongrain Vein lies about 85 fathoms east of Crawford's; it is a very strong bold vein, and is so soft even at the depth of 60 fathoms as to require the regular use of wood. This vein was first opened up by Sir James Stampfield, carried on by Mathew Wilson, and latterly by the Smelting Company to the extent of 300 fathoms in two drifts. A water-wheel was erected on it by the latter Company; but here, as in some other of the mining liberties, where the same measures had been adopted, the attempt was rendered in a great measure abortive from the want of surface water. The lead ore during the first trials made on the upper and south end of Beltongrain Vein does not appear to have been formed into a very regular rib, but often lay in large lumps, and in ground so soft and difficult to keep up, even with timber, that, owing to the great expense incurred, the Smelting Company were under the necessity of abandoning it. No sooner, however, had the present Company succeeded to the whole of the mining liberties in 1755, than their principal overseer, a Mr Williamson, directed his attention to the north end of Beltongrain, where it enters the Dodhill, near Whitescleugh Burn, and, in pursuance of his plan opened a cross-cut nearly due east from Crawford's Vein, for the purpose of discovering Belton-grain, which he did 14 fathoms below the waggon sole, in the random of Stewart's Drift. Again, the Wanlockhead Company resumed a cross-cut which had been commenced by some of their predecessors, from the random of Cove Level, which cross-cut discovered Beltongrain a second time, 20 fathoms lower than Stewart's Drift.

The vein having looked rather promising when opened up by the first cross-cut, the managers were induced to sink a shaft from the surface, near Sandilands Drift, 14 fathoms in depth; and from the bottom of said shaft, to prosecute the vein both north and south; north, till they arrived at the surface on the south side of Whitescleugh Glen, and south, to the distance of upwards of 200 fathoms. This random, generally called Waggon Drift, from waggons having been used in it for the removal of the lead ore was divided into three stages of nearly 100 fathoms each, with the exception of the door-stage, and at the end of each stage a sump was sunk 14 fathoms in depth to the random below (Stewart's Drift). The same mode of communication was continued from Stewart's to Kerr's Drift, a distance of 11 fathoms; and finally to Tait's, a distance of 9 fathoms. Thus a communication was formed throughout every part of this extensive mine from the drift (Tait's) to Sandilands, the highest of the series; and the mine was carried on in the most regular and scientific manner possible. As the north end of Beltongrain, like Lochnell, was level free, so like the latter it was often had recourse to for the accommodation of the miners when difficulties occurred in other places, and seldom or never failed to remunerate the adventurous workman, provided his exertions were continued for a sufficient length of time The Beltongrain Vein here, as at Townhead (south end of the vein), was a strong bold vein, often extending to the width of 12 and 14, sometimes to 20 feet; and was occasionally wrought in double drift. Still it was much easier kept than on the south side of the Dodhill, being neither so heavy nor so soft as in that quarter. The lead ore in this part of Beltongrain was occasionally formed into one or more ribs, varying in width from 2 or 3 inches to as many feet; while at other times it lay in distinct pieces (self-lumps), and was often found mixed with Rider, brammeled, as the miners say, in which state considerable difficulty was often experienced in working it, from the number of lough-holes (Druses) it contained. The north end of this vein was very productive, even in the upper workings, and not only carried ore to a considerable height above Sandiland's Drift, but actually to the surface of the earth, where it was got in considerable quantity by merely removing a little moss and gravel from the top of the vein. In this respect, Beltongrain appears to have been rather singular, as no other vein in this quarter, with the exception of the Cove Vein, has hitherto borne lead ore so near the surface.

The present Company commenced sinking their first engine pit on the south side of the Dodhill, at that part of the Beltongrain Vein, generally called Townhead, in January, 1799; and by the end of October, 1800, with the assistance of hand-pumps, which were wrought with great difficulty, they sunk to the distance of 11 fathoms under the level. But the quantity of water in the sinking being large, and a steam-engine of sixty horse power having been created on Mr Symington's plan for cleaning the mine of water, it was started on the 31st October, and the sinking prosecuted, though with considerable difficulty, to the depth of 56 fathoms from the surface, and 40 under the level. The first sinking was calculated to cut the vein at the depth of 56 fathoms, which it did.-The north forehead in the low random (generally called Gibson's), as well as the south one, was prosecuted throughout the whole of 1801, 1802, and 1803; and as the appearance of the vein was extremely flattering, the Company were induced to commence another pit at the surface, 30 fathoms east of the former, for the purpose of cutting the vein at a greater depth. The pit was begun in March, 1803, and continued with a good deal of ardour, till, in 1813, it reached the depth of 123 fathoms. During the sinking of the latter pit the foreheads and other workings immediate connected with engine farthest west were prosecuted with great activity by the late Mr John Bramwell, and also by his successors, Messrs Williamson & Bramwell. Welsh's forehead, the highest of the series, and 10 fathoms under the level, was driven to the extent of north.

Watson's, the next in the order of descent, and 20 fathoms under the level, was cut till it formed a junction with the workings in the north side of the Dodhill; while Gibson's, which is 40 fathoms under the level, was prosecuted to the distance of 270 fathoms north, but was abandoned by the late manager in 1831, at which period the forehead was not only lively, but had actually a rib of ore six inches wide on the Ledger side. The second engine which the Company had recourse to on Townhead Groove, an engine of 70-horse power, on Watt & Bolton's plan, was created in the year 1806. The first fathoms that were sunk under the random of Gibson's Drift, were accomplished with hand-pumps, after which, in consequence of the increase of water, the engine was started, and continued to move, with the exception of a few months in 1816 and 1817, till 1823 or 1824. At this time the bar lead became so much reduced in price, and the expense of coals so excessive, that it was thought advisable to abandon the lower part of the mine, at least till such time as their circumstances should improve, or Milligan's forehead could be cut south through the Dodhill; and merely to keep the large engine created by Mr Symington in 1811 (an engine of 60-horse power), going during 'he summer months, while the feeders were low. These measures were adopted several years previous to 1831. The other part of Townhead groove, I mean that part of it which was cleared of water by Watt & Bolton's engine, was also divided by three principal drifts, the first of which, taking them in the order of desecut, is 20 fathoms under Gibson's, is called Boe's, and is driven 83 fathoms north and 68 south; the second, Law's, 20 fathoms under Boe's, is cut 32 fathoms north, and 90 south; while Lorimer's, the lowest of the series, is cut 80 fathoms south...

... Milligan's forehead is the lowest connected with Beltongrain vein on the north side of the Dodhill; it is 28 fathoms lower than Tait's drift, and had it been continued would have entered the first sunk engine pit at the Townhead, 3 or 4 fathoms from its bottom, and consequently the largest and most expensive engine would have been entirely set aside; Milligan's drift would have been converted into the main level, the forehead would have been cut into the Stakemoss-hill, under 50 fathoms cover, and might have been continued, if necessary, to the extremity of the mining boundary. Further, by this means the lower part of Townhead groove might have been wrought at a trifling expense, and the continuation of Milligan's drift cut quite through the Stakemoss-hill; and thus it would not only have explored the Beltongrain Vein, where it crosses the Mossy Burn, and where the ground looks well, but might have become the centre of communications with other veins through the medium of cross-cuts driven east or west, as the case required. The number of lead bars raised when the Townhead groove was most productive amounted for several years to 20,000 or upwards; and one season to 24,000; at which period the lead was selling from £30 to £40 per ton. The following are a few of the minerals which are frequently found in Townhead groove, viz. :-Ochre of Manganese, Quartz, Calamine, Phosphate of Lead, Brown Iron Ochre, Carbonate of Lead, Sulphate of Lead, Carbonate of Lime, Heavy Spar, and Vanadiate of Lead.

The most extensive knot of ore that occurred in the Townhead groove was first discovered in Gibson's random, and extended 50 fathoms north, and from 15 to 20 south. In Boe's the same knot reached 50 fathoms north, and 45 south ; in Law's drift, 42 north, and 65 south; and in Lorimer's, the lowest of the series, it extended 70 fathoms in length, in the highest 10 fathom; of the midland; whilst in the last ten it was considerably shorter, and in the sole of the drift one place only was deemed worthy of trial, which trial extended to 7 fathoms in depth, and a few fathoms in length. Thus the extent of said knot, in point of height, would not amount to less than from SO to 90 fathoms, while its medium length could not be less than 80-a deposit of ore hitherto unequalled in this district, whether we take into consideration the quality or quantity of the ore raised. And as I am rather below than above its aggregate extent, those individuals who are conversant in mining affairs will be able to form some idea of the prodigious quantity of ore which so rich a mine must have produced. Independent of this principal deposit, several others of less extent were found in the different randoms, as well as in different strings or branches, which occasionally diverge from the course of the vein, a number of which have not yet been fully explored. The medium width of this excellent knot of ore might amount to 8 or 9 inches, or perhaps more.

Having stated thus much respecting what has already been done in Townhead groove, I may also observe that much may yet be done in that quarter, provided proper measures be adopted for freeing the mine of water; and as that object can be effected only by prosecuting the late Mr Taylor's plan, I would beg leave, therefore, to recommend it to the attention of future speculators as well worthy of their notice. It is this- immediately after establishing the first steam-engine on Beltongrain Vein, at the Townhead, and perceiving that a second one would be necessary, he began, with a view to lessen the expense, to cut Milligan's forehead south, through the Dodhill. This plan he in part realised, but it was given up a short time after his death. Milligan's forehead is the lowest connected with Beltongrain vein on the north side of the Dodhill; it is 28 fathoms lower than Tait's drift, and had it been continued would have entered the first sunk engine pit at the Townhead, 3 or 4 fathoms from its bottom, and consequently the largest and most expensive engine would have been entirely set aside; Milligan's drift would have been converted into the main level, the forehead would have been cut into the Stakemoss-hill, under 50 fathoms cover, and might have been continued, if necessary, to the extremity of the mining boundary. Further, by this means the lower part of Townhead groove might have been wrought at a trifling expense, and the continuation of Milligan's drift cut quite through the Stakemoss-hill; and thus it would not only have explored the Beltongrain Vein, where it crosses the Mossy Burn, and where the ground looks well, but might have become the centre of communications with other veins through the medium of cross-cuts driven east or west, as the case required. The number of lead bars raised when the Townhead groove was most productive amounted for several years to 20,000 or upwards; and one season to 24,000; at which period the lead was selling from £30 to £40 per ton. The following are a few of the minerals which are frequently found in Townhead groove, viz. :-Ochre of Manganese, Quartz, Calamine, Phosphate of Lead, Brown Iron Ochre, Carbonate of Lead, Sulphate of Lead, Carbonate of Lime, Heavy Spar, and Vanadiate of Lead. Milligan's forehead has been resumed a few months ago, and may be considered as a prime measure in the prosecution of Townhead groove ; at least, so thought Mr Taylor, the projector of the plan. Mr Williamson and Mr John Bramwell, I have reason to believe, entertain the same ideas, and the opinions of both these gentlemen are entitled to notice." [History of Sanquhar]

Alternative Names: Beltongrain, Townhead

Notes: "Belton Grain vein is one of the more mineralogicaly diverse veins in the Wanlockhead-Leadhills area. The vein has been confirmed over a distance of 1 mile coursing NNW-SSE, and traced for a further 1/2 mile. Belton Grain vein has been developed in Whytes Cleuch and from both sides of Wanlock Dod, by adits and shallow shafts." [Mindat]

Given length based on length of vein; combined passage length will be significantly longer. Name of 'Engine Shaft' is shown on Mine Plan (SP1773).