Description and History of Site:-
Any evidence of the copper mining has probably been destroyed by later, and extensive, limestone quarrying in the area. The likely site is now partly active quarries and part reclaimed and landscaped ex-quarries. The general location is evidenced by the appearance of the phrase 'Copper Holes' on the OS map of 1857, but the precise location of the mine (or mines) is uncertain. In 1754, Layton was described as '.. a place where copper is got' and the writer alluded to the fact that the workings there were '.. very old, and ancient'. Working at the mine is documented from 1806 when it was run by one William Clay, and by 1810 by Thomas Lumley & Partners who sold an old engine and ordered a new 50 inch, 8 foot stroke, parallel motion steam engine from Boulton and Watt. The new engine, of 53 HP, was specified to lift water from 48 fathoms (88m) depth. They also built a new engine house in 1811. By 1812 it is reported that there were a blacksmith, carpenter and ten labourers at the site along with Captains Vivian and Buxton who were evidently in charge of the operations.

The mine apparently went out of use in December 1812, the mine materials and engine (which was transferred to Cockfield Colliery near Darlington) being sold in March 1813.

Further Reading and References:-
Goodchild, J., 'The East Layton Copper Mine in Yorkshire and Its Cost Book', British Mining No. 48, NMRS, 1993.

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Key Words :- copper mine

Address :- Forcett,, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL11 7SG
Grid Ref :- NZ 162 114
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.497671 , Long -1.751384
Local Authority :- Richmondshire District Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Site demolished or no longer extant
Site Condition :- Site cleared - no above ground remains visible
Site Dates :- 1806 - 1813
Record Date :- 28 November 2019

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