Unveiling the Industrial Heart of the Lake District: The Leven Valley Story

The Lakeland Motor Museum isn't just about classic cars and motorbikes! Dive deeper into the rich industrial heritage of the Leven Valley, nestled in the heart of the South Lakes.

From Blue Skies to Blue Pigment: The Rise and Fall of the Blue Mill

Explore the fascinating story of the Blue Mill, once a bustling factory producing Ultramarine Blue pigment. Established in 1890, the mill employed around 100 people and became a local landmark. Witness the intriguing process of transforming raw materials like sulfur and china clay into this vibrant blue pigment, used not just for laundry but in countless other applications.

Take a step back in time and discover:

• The Grinding Process: Imagine a giant ball mill pulverising the mix into a fine powder.
• The Power of Fire: Witness how the powder was baked in coal-fired kilns, initially turning moss green.
• The Chemistry of Colour: Marvel at the process of oxidation, where sealed kilns allowed the green pigment to transform into a deep blue over two weeks.
• Washing and Refining: Learn how the blue was meticulously washed and separated into various shades through settling tanks.
• Blending for Perfection: Discover how a micronising machine blended the pigment into a guaranteed palette of around eighty distinct shades.
• Packing and Distribution: See how the finished product was hand-packed and shipped worldwide.

Today, the Leven Valley Heritage Centre, housed within the historic mill buildings, preserves this remarkable story for future generations.

The Wood that Fueled the Revolution:

Coppicing, the cyclical cutting of trees close to the ground, wasn't just a practice; it was the lifeblood of the Leven Valley's early industries. Every seven years, a skilled workforce harvested these fast-growing trees, ensuring a sustainable supply of wood. This seemingly simple practice fueled a diverse range of industries:

• Essential Crafts: Coppiced wood provided the raw material for a multitude of everyday items. Skilled artisans crafted hurdles for livestock, besom brooms for sweeping, and swill baskets for carrying liquids. These essential tools were not only used locally but also traded in nearby towns and cities.
• Textile Powerhouses: The bobbin mills of Backbarrow and Stott Park relied heavily on coppiced wood. These bobbins, essential components in textile production, were turned from the wood, keeping the looms of the Industrial Revolution humming.
• Cooperage Craft: The shop currently occupying the Lakeland Motor Museum space holds a hidden history. Originally Curwen's Coopers Shop, their skilled craft supplied the Blue Mill with essential wooden barrels and vats used in the Ultramarine Blue production process. Their expertise, fueled by the local coppiced wood, was a vital cog in the Blue Mill's success.

Iron and Gunpowder: The Valley's Powerhouse Industries

Two industries left a significant mark on the region's history:

Backbarrow Ironworks: Backbarrow boasts a remarkable claim to fame: the first iron furnace to be constructed in the North of England. Established in the early 18th century, the ironworks drew on the abundant local iron ore and limestone, fueled by charcoal produced from the surrounding woodlands. The high-grade iron produced here, with its high carbon content, was used for various applications. Interestingly, the ironworks continued to utilise charcoal for firing until the 1920s, a testament to the deep connection between the iron industry and the Leven Valley's woodlands.

The story of the Backbarrow Ironworks is further enriched by the Wilkinson family. John Wilkinson, born in the village and raised amidst the ironworks, rose to become a world-famous iron master. His contributions included co-designing the Iron Bridge, a revolutionary feat of engineering, and building the world's first iron barge. These innovations, fueled by his early experiences in the Leven Valley, helped shape the course of industrial history.

Low Wood Gunpowder Mills: National security also played a part in the Leven Valley's industrial story. Established in 1798, the Low Wood Gunpowder Mills supplied this crucial material for centuries. The fast-flowing River Leven provided the necessary power, while the surrounding woodlands contributed charcoal, a key ingredient. Although not without its dangers (the mills suffered several explosions throughout their history), Low Wood played a vital role in national defense until its closure in 1935.

The Leven Valley's Enduring Legacy: A Testament to Resourcefulness and Progress

The Leven Valley's story is a fascinating tapestry woven from human ingenuity, natural resources, and a drive for progress. From the sustainable practices of coppicing to the groundbreaking innovations in iron and gunpowder production, this valley played a vital role in shaping the Industrial Revolution. Explore the exhibits at the Lakeland Motor Museum and delve deeper into the captivating history of the people and industries that made the Leven Valley a true powerhouse of the past.