The Challenge
After the lead mining site at Killhope had been abandoned for about 70 years, the stonework supporting the wheel was in a ruinous and dangerous state. It was consolidated and made safe by the Manpower Services Commission’s Community Task Force which gave work to local unemployed people. Then Durham County Council were persuaded to restore the wheel itself if the Friends of Killhope could raise half the funds for the project. In 1991, the Friends of Killhope succeeded in raising over £45,000 and the restoration went ahead. Dorothy Chambers led the fundraising effort and received many generous donations from local companies and charitable foundations. The rest was kindly donated by Friends and visitors to Killhope who bought a rivet at the cost of £1 each.
The Value
Killhope Wheel is an iconic landmark in upper Weardale and one of the main attractions at Killhope museum. It’s wonderful to see this enormous overshot wheel turning, as it would have done in the 19th century when it powered the crushing mill and jigs, which separated the vein material from the mine. It’s the one thing that everyone who has ever been to Killhope remembers about their visit.