The Windmill Stump - a photo on Flickriver

The Windmill Stump

Remains of the windmill at Ards leadmines, Whitespots Country Park, Conlig, Co Down, Northern Ireland.

The vein, which was productive over nearly one mile, ran through the townlands of Whitespots and Conlig in County Down. It was part of a near south to north basalt dyke which was intruded into Silurian grits and shales. The northern part, Conlig, was owned by Robert Ward, and Lord Londonderry owned the southern part, in Whitespots, which was larger.

The first known mining, in 1780, was a lease from Ward to a partnership of five men, called the Bangor and Newtown Mining Company, which had a capital of £1000. They sank two shafts, 300 metres south of the lake at Clandeboye House, and found some ore, but the trial failed.
During the early years of the 19th century, mining of around 15,000 tons of refined lead, as well as small quantities of copper and silver took place. Mining was at its peak between 1849-1864, before coming to an end in 1910.

The estate also served as a training camp for 36th (Ulster) Division prior to The Great War and is now home to the Somme Museum.
Indeed it was even complete with an alleged German spy ... www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-26082799
.. and listen .. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sgsg6

The area is also part of the Columban Way, a heritage trail between Comber and Bangor covering 20 miles (32 km).
The Columban Way forms part of the wider European 'Via Columbani'. It traces the route from Mt. Leinster to Bangor across eight countries of Europe finishing in Bobbio, Italy. “Via Columbani” is inspired by St Columbanus, a 6th century monk and pilgrim whose messages, though delivered nearly 1500 years ago, continue to have remarkable relevance today.
www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/explore/heritage-trails/col...

It's sad that the area has been very neglected over the years and the many plans and ideas have come to nought. Maybe someone or body will come up with plans (and money) and preserve and embellish this place of local history, fauna and science.

Taken in: UK / N Ireland / Conlig (show map)

Taken on: March 26, 2024

Tags:

The

Windmill

black

county

down

newtownards

northern

ireland

sky

ulster

Ards

leadmines

Whitespots

Country

Park

Conlig

German

spy

36th

Division

training

fauna

scientific

WW1

World

War

soldiers « less

Sets appears in: • co Down

Groups appears in: • UK Flickr users • Northern Ireland more » • Amateurs • Windmills • visit the world - the travel guide • Historical places • Europe in Pictures • UK Landscapes, Sea and Country. • ANYTHING ALLOWED!!!!!! • Windmills and whirligigs • North Down • The World Through My Eyes ... • Ulster [tag 'ulster'] • Phones • Northern Ireland / North of Ireland Photographers • worldwidewandering - a travel atlas • Best of Northern Ireland • Windmills of the United Kingdom • ! ART & PHOTOGRAPHY ! All artistic works welcome • Northern Ireland Sights & scenes! *No Limits* • Irish Photographers • Upper Ards Peninsula • Images of Ulster • Windmills: The old fashioned kind. • Borders, Frames and Edges • Flickriver • Members from Northern Ireland • "Unlimited Photos: No Rules" • Digital Art and Mixed Media • NO RULES AT ALL • Official National Geographic Group • Countryfile • Abstract Photography, Art and More... • FlickrCentral With No Posting Limit • The UK Photographer • Ilovethatphoto.net Photography Magazine • Windmills and Watermills • Northern Ireland's Photogenic Locations • Ulster photographic • "U.K. Photo Gallery" ( All Welcome ) • Northern Ireland's Best Places and Buildings • Everything Sky • Photography Northern Ireland • windmills :) • All about the UK • Windmills.... • No Rules & No Limit! • Windmill Wednesday (post 1, comment 2) • Newtownards • Only the Best of the Best. • Amateur Photographer Magazine • WINDMILLS (UK & IRELAND ONLY) • Huawei addicts • This is Why I Bought A Camera • !*Flickr All Stars*! • No rules, just pics! • Group for all users of FLICKR - No 30/60 Groups Limit • * just photos * no rules please use comment code appreciated • The best picture of the world • ! Your Flickr Photos ! • FLICKR INTERNATIONAL - No 30/60 Groups Limit • The best photographs from around the world. • Flickr Photo Album Unlimited & Instant Posting • SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS Photos • Fans of Flickr « less

Stats: 655 views / 4 comments

Link to this photo view:
Link to this photo large view: