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Queensberry Mine

Wanlockhead, Dumfriesshire.

Name of 'Queensberry Mine' appears on a mine fatality report from 1908 (W. Watson, "Fall of lead ore from hanging wall", Wanlockhead Lead Mining Co Ltd). This is possibly a generic name for one of the lead mines at Wanlockhead that is/was situated on the Duke of Buccleuch's Queensberry Estate.

The given coordinates are generic, placed at the remains of the Queensberry Smelting Mill (aka Meadowfield). "The Meadowfoot Smelter was constructed in 1843 and worked until the 1930s, when the depression forced the closure of the surrounding mines. Dates as early as 1928 have been cited for the smelter closure." [Mindat]

"The Meadowfoot Smelter was built in 1845, at the same time as the Dressing Plant, to replace the one at Pates Knowe. It was the most up to date processing plant of its time. The ingredients of lead ore, coal, peat, lime for flux and an air blast were brought together in one hearth. The Meadowfoot smelter was unique in that the flues were lined with wood and not stone or brick, as was the usual practice. The flues wind along and up the hillside and their remains are of considerable interest - the 'Woodhenge of the Industrial Revolution'. The gases fro the ore hearths carried a lot of valuable lead. This was later condensed out on its long journey along the flues which were cleaned out regularly when the lead oxide was recovered and resmelted." [Future Museum SWS]

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: The Queensberry Estate was the name given to the estates administered from Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire.

Abandonment / Mine plans indicate no adit or shaft at the given coordinates.