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Lochnell Mine (Williamsons Level)

Wanlockhead, Dumfriesshire.

Mine (Lead), 1710-1880.

Extensive linear mine system comprising multiple levels linked by shafts. Adit mouth at given coordinates (in N bank of the Wanlock Water) is for the N-S trending 'Williamsons Level' that follows the Lochnell Vein & was probably driven during the 18th century. This meets the 'blind' Lochnell Shaft within, which links this level to nine others at a lower level within Wanlock Dod (hill), & a higher 'Dod Level'.

Near the base of the Lochnell area of the system was the '160 fathom' Level that was connected to the 160 Fathom level of the New Glencrieff workings to the W by way of an extensive crosscut tunnel.

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"The [Lochnell] Vein has been worked to a depth of 147 fms. from the surface and 77 fms. below adit. The main shoot of ore appears to have been 116 fms. in length and about the same in depth... this is probably the same as Wilson's Vein. With slight undulations it runs more or less in a north-and-south direction and joins the Straitstep Vein a little to the north of the Margaret's Shaft. It was formerly considered to be a branch of the Cove Vein." [Wilson, 1921]

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"After the Cove Vein passes Herrop's Level, it gives off a branch, which runs a few points west of south. This branch has been explored to the extent of several hundred fathoms, in three drifts, by the present Company. The lowest of these commences as low as the sole of the main level, at the Burn Shaft Foot. The middle one on a level with the dam which collected the water for Glencrieve water-wheel; and the highest one enters the Dodhill nearly opposite to, but a little higher than, the Company's stables. This branch of the Cove Vein, generally called Lochnell, has yielded a great quantity of ore, and being level free, with the exception of a trial made in the sole of the low drift, has not only been of great advantage to the Company in a pecuniary point of view, but also from enabling them, on several occasions, when the leading veins became less productive, or the steam-engines on said veins were occasionally stopped, from the low price of lead, or any other particular circumstance, to accommodate a number of workmen till their prospects again brightened, and the various trials could be resumed with a greater prospect of success.

The trial made in the sole of the low drift is near the point where Lochnell leaves the main branch of the Cove Vein, extends to the depth of nearly 20 fathoms, and to rather more than the same extent in length, all of which midland has. been wrought out. The mine, however, has not been abandoned; for Mr Wilson, the present agent, who succeeded Mr Borron in 1836, has erected lately a small water-press engine near the trial referred to, with the intention of exploring the ground, both north and south; and as the prospect is rather favourable, and the quantity of water in the mine moderate, it is probable that the working will be carried to some depth, and that this vein will yield a considerable quantity of ore for some years to come." [History of Sanquhar]

Alternative Names: Williamson's Level

Notes: Mine was operated by Wanlockhead Lead Mining Co.Ltd. Williamson's Level now used for tours by Museum of Lead Mining (adit door locked).