Coniston copper mines

In 1982 the buildings in the valley were purchased by The Coppermines Lakes Cottages founder Philip Johnston who set about a comprehensive scheme of rebuilding, restoration and conservation.

Industrial mining of copper at Coniston is said to have started when Elizabeth I brought over German miners to exploit the local deposits.

In 1756, Charles Roe, a Derbyshire industrialist, started his early copper mining investments at Coniston.

The mines were part of Taylor's extensive portfolio of companies, and while running them, he revolutionized the way water powered ore crushers.

Large black shafts were developed in the mines and a system was created to divert water around the workings.

In 2016 the National Lottery gave a large grant to develop the history of the copper mines in Coniston.