The Caldbeck fells have an extensive and important history, in the case of Roughtongill, there is evidence of working from the 12th century.
Taken on by the Elizabethans in 1566, and worked throughout, finally ceasing operations in 1878 when the mineral content had ultimately became exhausted.
Much remains across the Caldbeck fells for the casual or experienced visitor, it's hard to appreciate how heavily worked the area was today, but these fell's employed many men over their mainly fruitful mining lifespans, and have produced some rare and fantastic mineral types!
Please feel free to amend my photo descriptions, I try not to make assumptions so my detail may be sketchy where I don't have a definitive description.
I'm happy to let the pictures speak for themselves in most cases.
The most informed source on The Caldbeck & Cumbrian mineral mines is Mr Ian Tyler, who has written in great detail & several volumes, including one on 'Roughton Gill, Goldscope, Force Crag, and a field guide detailing localities amongst many others..
Ian currently owns & runs the 'Keswick mining Museum' on Otley rd in Keswick, Cumbria..
I have no affiliation with Ian, other than my admiration for his breadth of knowledge on the subject, interested parties could consider Ian's 'biblical' works..
From a mineralogical point of view, 'Minerals of Caldbeck Fells' by MP Cooper & CJ Stanley' is also worth a mention here..
Be advised that the Caldbeck fell's have been closed to collectors for a number of years now, and a permit is required for any collecting whatever, and in the 'Red zones' no collecting is allowed at all..
A maximum penalty of £20,000 applies to breaches!
So the advice is look but don't touch..