Westend Allotment
Downs, Moorland in Northumberland
England
Westend Allotment
Westend Allotment is a picturesque and well-maintained allotment site located in the county of Northumberland, England. Situated in the midst of the Downs and Moorland area, it offers a serene and idyllic setting for gardening enthusiasts.
Covering a substantial area, Westend Allotment provides ample space for individuals or families to cultivate their own plots. The allotments are divided into well-defined sections, each comprising neatly arranged rows of small plots bordered by well-maintained paths. The site is known for its well-kept grassy areas, which are regularly mowed and provide a pleasant backdrop for the allotments.
The soil in Westend Allotment is renowned for its fertility, allowing gardeners to grow a wide variety of plants and vegetables. The allotment holders take pride in their plots, which are meticulously cared for and often showcase an impressive array of colorful flowers, healthy vegetables, and delicious fruits.
In addition to the individual plots, Westend Allotment also features communal areas for shared projects and activities. These spaces provide an opportunity for members of the community to come together, exchange knowledge and tips, and collaborate on various gardening initiatives.
The site is conveniently located near residential areas, ensuring easy access for allotment holders. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding Downs and Moorland landscape.
Overall, Westend Allotment in Northumberland offers a peaceful and scenic haven for gardening enthusiasts, providing a place where individuals can nurture their green thumbs, connect with nature, and enjoy the beauty of the local countryside.
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Westend Allotment Images
Images are sourced within 2km of 54.798403/-2.2344348 or Grid Reference NY8544. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.
Carriers' Way south of Dodd Reservoir
A hill walker on the Carriers' Way heading towards Killhope Law, the hill to the right side of the image. Dodd Reservoir is above the camera position, also to the right, but out of view.
Parked vehicles and trailers at Allenheads
The area beyond the low wall is part of the site of the Beaumont Mine which was originally a lead mine but more recently it was worked for fluorspar. The bays in the distance separated by stepped walls date from the lead mining phase.
Moorland beyond ruined wall at Pike Dike Nook
Pike Dike Nook is a location on moorland south of Allenheads at or close to the southern point of a coniferous plantation.
Killhope Law is the more pointed skyline hill to the left in the image; right from it is Carrshield Moor.
Moorland beyond ruined wall
The wall is on the north-western slope of Burtree Fell. The wooden boxes beside it are used by gamekeepers for supplying, out on the moorland, grit for the use of grouse.
The broad ridge extending into the distance goes over Westend Moor to Killhope Law.
Ruined buildings on slope of Byerhope
The valley cutting through the image is Byerhope, hope being a term meaning valley. The line of trees at the left side of the image conceal Byerhope Reservoir, a relic of the local lead mining industry. Several ruined buildings can be seen between the trees and the camera location; the one partly hidden by the nearest of them is Heather View.
Moorland with embedded grouse butt
Butt No. 9 is beside a hill road which has climbed from the East Allen valley, seen in the distance in the image. Dodd Reservoir is just visible above the top of the butt.
Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot
On the right side of the photo is the road which leads over the moors to Coalcleugh. The terraced houses known as Slag Hill can be seen in the distance on the right. The remains of Mill Dam, (now filled with reeds) can be seen just left of the existing building (possibly the smeltmill peat store). The other masonry structure is in the centre just below the reservoir. The course of the horizontal flue can be seen extending to the left, directly below the lefthand end of the Mill Dam.
Buildings at site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill
"Lead smelting mill built by the Blacketts in the early 18th century. By 1821 it had three ore hearths, one roasting furnace, and one slag hearth in operation. The mill closed in 1870. Surviving remains consist of a 3118m long flue, a row of deserted cottages and an overgrown reservoir. The mill was mainly for smelted ores for Allenheads and Coalcleugh mines, but was kept to working capacity by ores from Weardale mines. The mill closed in 1870. It had horizontal flues 3410 yards (3118m) long for carrying off the fumes."
Northumberland HER (7251): Link
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Remains of flue near Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill
"Lead smelting mill built by the Blacketts in the early 18th century. By 1821 it had three ore hearths, one roasting furnace, and one slag hearth in operation. The mill closed in 1870. Surviving remains consist of a 3118m long flue, a row of deserted cottages and an overgrown reservoir. The mill was mainly for smelted ores for Allenheads and Coalcleugh mines, but was kept to working capacity by ores from Weardale mines. The mill closed in 1870. It had horizontal flues 3410 yards (3118m) long for carrying off the fumes."
Northumberland HER (7251): Link
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill from west
"Lead smelting mill built by the Blacketts in the early 18th century. By 1821 it had three ore hearths, one roasting furnace, and one slag hearth in operation. The mill closed in 1870. Surviving remains consist of a 3118m long flue, a row of deserted cottages and an overgrown reservoir. The mill was mainly for smelted ores for Allenheads and Coalcleugh mines, but was kept to working capacity by ores from Weardale mines. The mill closed in 1870. It had horizontal flues 3410 yards (3118m) long for carrying off the fumes."
Northumberland HER (7251): Link
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Remains of structure at site of Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill
Shown as a 'sheepwash' on early Ordnance Survey sheets but the old OS maps suggest that it was built on the remains of an earlier structure of the Lead Smelt Mill.
"The sheep dip was situated on the site of the Smelt Mill. It was on the south side of Slag Hill, just below the dam, which held the water for the Mill.
The sheep dip was filled from this dam by releasing a sluice gate allowing water to flow through a pipe into the dip.
The sheep were first put in this area below the dip and then put into the large metal bath by a farmer. In the bath they were held in and had their heads put in by another farmer. They then climbed out, shook themselves and dripped there until they were released back onto the fell through a small gate to the right of the picture. As they went out one at a time they were counted. They were dipped in August during the war years but twice a year in the 1950’s. This sheep dip was used by all the farmers in Allenheads and Sparty Lea."
Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
Archive Link
River East Allen at Dirt Pot
In the foreground is part of the aqueduct for Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill NY8546 : Line of aqueduct from Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill
Line of aqueduct from Allenheads Lead Smelt Mill
Part of an extensive system of control of water resources at the former Lead Smelt Mill.
Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn
A dam is shown in this location on the first edition OS 6" sheet: Link
See also: NY8546 : Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)
See also: NY8546 : Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)
Site of Allenheads Smelt Mill (Lead), Dirt Pot
"Lead smelting mill built by the Blacketts in the early 18th century. By 1821 it had three ore hearths, one roasting furnace, and one slag hearth in operation. The mill closed in 1870. Surviving remains consist of a 3118m long flue, a row of deserted cottages and an overgrown reservoir. The mill was mainly for smelted ores for Allenheads and Coalcleugh mines, but was kept to working capacity by ores from Weardale mines. The mill closed in 1870. It had horizontal flues 3410 yards (3118m) long for carrying off the fumes."
Northumberland HER (7251): Link
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Ordnance Survey Durham Sheet XV (Surveyed: 1858, Published: 1861): Link
OS 25 inch published 1897: Link
The large stone building (which remains in use) is shown in the same location on the first edition 6" OS and may retain parts of an original building of the smeltmill. The ruined stonework to its south is also on in the location of an older building although this is shown as a sheepwash on the 2nd edition 25" OS (Published: 1897) and in a photo (c.1967) from the Allen Valleys Local History Group: Link Archive Link
The smeltmill horizontal flue originally extended to the south-west to a location high up on Middlehope Moor.
Westend Burn (upstream of former dam)
See photo here NY8546 : Probable remains of dam on Westend Burn
Ropehaugh Cottages, Dirt Pot
Mill Cottages are on the right hand side (below and above the road).
Mill Cottages were where the smelt mill workers lived. Smelters were paid more than miners and were often provided with better houses because smelting was such a highly skilled job. In the 19th and early 20th centuries several of the houses here and further along the road were shops.
Confluence of Westend Burn & River East Allen
The farm (above, right) is West End NY8445 : West End farm
Westend Allotment is located at Grid Ref: NY8544 (Lat: 54.798403, Lng: -2.2344348)
Unitary Authority: Northumberland
Police Authority: Northumbria
What 3 Words
///universes.suffix.burden. Near Alston, Cumbria
Nearby Locations
Related Wikis
Nearby Amenities
Located within 500m of 54.798403,-2.2344348Disused: yes
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/453261
Man Made: mineshaft
Lat/Long: 54.801942/-2.2312847
Disused: yes
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/720650
Man Made: mineshaft
Resource: lead
Lat/Long: 54.801856/-2.233254
Disused: yes
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/720648
Man Made: mineshaft
Lat/Long: 54.8020163/-2.2308839
Historic: mine_shaft
Image: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/720707
Resource: lead
Lat/Long: 54.8019928/-2.2374934
Far Westend
Place: locality
Source Name: Historic OS mapping
Lat/Long: 54.8014795/-2.2365895
Middle West End
Place: locality
Source Name: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 54.8019372/-2.231901
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