Limley Mine

Also known as Lee’s or Thrope Mine, this small mine was driven nearly due west, directly onto Limley Vein, from the side of the river Nidd. It is said to have been worked by Isaac Lee and his son, in about 1845. Lee had reputedly spent all his money on the ‘spec’ and went down the mine with his last pound of candles, saying that when these were burned he would be done with the mine. That very day he cut the vein and continued working, to pay off his debts, build a house and become independent.

Dry Wath Vein was tried from its outcrop on the banks of the River Nidd in 1889 by J. Cradock, who was also prospecting in Limley Level. In January 1902, Joseph Caygill and his son had spent two months enlarging, timbering and arching the level. They had made very little progress, however, and the mine was closed by March that year.

For further details please see British Mining No 60 – The Greenhow Mines by MC Gill