Perspectives on the conservation of industrial heritage in the National Parks with specific reference to the lead mining and smelting industry in the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investogate the current state of the industrial heritage of the National Parks of England and Wales and the ways in which this industrial heritage is being preserved and interpreted from the specific standpoint of the reamining fabric of the lead industry within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Assessments were made of the degree of decay of this fabric over the last 50 years by comparing the current state with that describned in a early study of the Industrial Archaeology of leading smelting in the Yorkshire Dales. Investogations were made into the policies and action plans followed by the National Park authority and voluntary bodies interested in this industry. Finally studies were made of other lead mining and smelting sites elsewhere in England and Wales to see how approaches varied and to compare them with thise taken in the National Park. The study found evidecenopf deterioration in the fabric, significant in places, as well as an apparent public indifference to it and the story it tells. However it generally did fins a positive attitude from the authorities involved towards conservation issues. This was especially true in the National Park, largely a consequence of the priority that National Park authorities must place on preserving their cultural heritage. However, the rate at which some of the fabric is deteriorating, along with the finances available, may mean difficult choices as to which sites get conserved, interpreted or simply recorded.