This famous lead mine in Shropshire, once renowned as the "richest per acre of ground in Europe", has had a long and varied history. It is thought that the Romans once mined the site, although its most productive period was the hundred years between the 1780's and the 1880's.
Workings on the 1,000 metre long Snailbeach vein for lead, zinc and baryte, have left numerous shafts, buildings and waste tips, all of which have gradually decayed since mining finally ceased in the 1950's.
Despite the years of neglect a number of significant mine buildings survived and since this recording was made many have been preserved or restored and brought back into use.
This production traces the rise and fall of Snailbeach through the use of historic photographs, animated plans and sections, and unique video footage recorded deep underground.
Some of the footage was recorded using the I.A.Recordings MineCam.
"One of the best mining films yet produced" Industrial Heritage
"The quality is excellent" Descent
"The underground scenes are particularly interesting" Archive
The images on this page are taken from the video.