Ecton Mines, Staffordshire

English Heritage summaries. 2007/2008

The nationally important Ecton copper/lead mines are exceptional for their state of preservation and their range of features in terms of scale, function and date.  They are an invaluable research and interpretation resource.  Core parts of the site are scheduled (SM28883).

Key elements at Ecton include postulated Bronze Age copper mining, only the second such site in England where this can be suggested with any confidence.  In the 18th century, the mines were amongst the richest in Post-Medieval Britain and incomparable underground workings exist, some with relatively easy access.  Exceptional geological conditions led to innovative mining solutions and to the long-term stability of some of the workings.

The objectives of the project, commencing in October 2007, are to implement a suite of works on the key elements of the mines to:
• provide data to identify and inform the long-term conservation priorities at Ecton;
• further our understanding of this important site;
• produce information to inform future presentation of the site to the public.

The project builds on work already completed and will:
• enhance our understanding of copper production in Britain from prehistoric to post-medieval times;
• develop and promote new recording methodologies;
• provide information on condition and on conservation and interpretation needs.

Work on the hill will incorporate locations considered likely to have evidence for prehistoric mining and metal production, as well as assessing the majority of the extensive post-medieval remains in some detail.  The work will comprise:
• surface survey to establish overall contexts and, for the first time, to provide a metrical record of the core area of post-medieval and postulated earlier mining features;
• identification of prehistoric extraction and production sites, using geophysical and  geochemical survey and evaluation excavations;
• more-detailed recording of specific post-medieval surface structures in danger of deterioration or collapse;
• detailed survey of those accessible 17th-19th century underground workings (some with potentially earlier origins), that have not yet been assessed.  All of the main accessible underground workings, including those surveyed previously, will be analysed.

Following completion of fieldwork in June 2009, an Up-dated Project Design will be prepared with costed proposals for further analysis and report writing.  The Project will produce detailed archive catalogues and reports on all aspects of the work and a synthesised interpretative overview will be prepared for publication. 

This page was published on 30/11/2007