Florence Ullcoats Mine

Introduction

I was lucky enough to know the owner of Florence, and to have permission to roam freely underground.  Gilbert is a lovely guy, who has been used by a lot of people in his time. We have tried to save the mine, and continue to battle for it's survival.  I watched in horror as the water swirled up the levels when the pumps were turned off.  The photos here were taken literally as the water was rising, and we brought out the last rake of trucks ever to come up the decline, loaded with specimens.  Those two tubs, and the loco, are stuck at the bottom of the slope now, under a hundred feet of water.

The winder is the earliest surviving electric winder in the world that still operates.

It's unfortunate that just about everything from West Cumbria is labelled as Florence.  Beckermet produced a lot of specimens too - and different.  We hope to show you the difference between these amazing mines.