Pretty Alston’s main claim to fame is that, at 1000 feet above sea level, it is England’s highest market town, but it is well worth exploring for its steeply cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and quaint shops that invite exploration at every turn.
Surrounding the town is Alston Moor, a beautiful and diverse area known for its rare alpine flora and moorland birds, but 250 years ago it was all very different. This was once one of the richest mining areas in Britain and reminders of this industry are everywhere. Grassed-over spoil heaps, sunken pits, rusting machinery and a myriad of tracks and byways all speak of the riches once gleaned from underground. Nestling in these upland valleys are the lead-mining villages of Nenthead and Garrigill.
Historically, this harsh landscape nurtured close-knit, self-sufficient communities but it has now become an inspiration for the many craftspeople that live and work in this scenic corner of Cumbria. Today, the special combination of open moorlands and dales, scattered communities and a rich mining heritage defines the North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Culture & Heritage
Early days
The Romans worked opencast lead mines on Alston Moor (the whole area is honeycombed with old mine workings), while the earliest settlers scratched a living by raising animals and growing hardy crops. It was, to say, the least, a tough existence.
Over time, parts of the barren moorland were converted into productive farmland. However, farming alone wasn't enough to survive on and many householders supplemented their income through mining. Life on these upland hills was unremittingly hard, leading to poverty and a high infant mortality rate.
Valleys were repeatedly dammed and hushed, creating an overdeepened notch on the fellside - one of the best known being Dowgang Hush, near Nenthead. The difficulties of access created close-knit communities bonded by the common interests of mining, farming and religion. There are numerous Methodist, Quaker and Congregational chapels dotted all over Alston Moor.
Alston's Industrial Rise
In 1753 a Quaker-owned London Lead Company took over the mining rights and began to expand production. In 1828, the company designed and built Nenthead, the first purpose built industrial village in England. These small field enclosures remain as distinctive features of the area. Nenthead became the main centre of lead mining in the North Pennines – and the population of Alston Moor grew as a result to be five times what it is now. By the 1880s, however, many of the miners left for North America.
Steam train enthusiasts will be familiar with the Alston branch of the South Tynedale Railway, which puffed its way between Alston and Lintley between 1852 and 1976, eventually reopening in parts in 1983.
Surrounding Areas
Nenthead - The village of Nenthead was once one of the main lead mining sites in the North Pennines and here Quaker influence established facilities for schooling, reading, housing and bathing. Nenthead is one of the many villages to have had a huge influence on the North Pennines landscape.
Garrigill - Garigill village lies on the edge of the River South Tyne. In the centre of the village is a green, pub, post office and village store that has changed little since the 1950s.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about the town of Alston. Click for more details.
