The remnants of slate mining and quarrying form as much a part of the Lakeland historic landscape as the stone walls, heathered moorlands and Lakeland farms do. A significant number of local families currently living in Lake District villages has had some connections with the slate industry in the past, and a few are still involved in the industry today.

Although many believe that slate was worked during the Roman era, the present ‘style’ of slate-working started shortly after the Norman Conquest to help build the Norman castles, abbeys and priories in Britain. The Normans were familiar with slate; it had been worked for centuries earlier at sites in the Ardennes and in the Loire valley. By 1280 there are references to slate being worked at Longsleddale and by the fifteenth century the industry was well established throughout the district.

Using historic detail, photographs and captions, Slate Mining in the Lake District: An Illustrated History explores the history of the industry in the Lake District. Considering slate mining’s key role in the heritage of this iconic national park, Alastair Cameron also details its present-day operations.

• Tourism in the Lake District is interested in

  the history of the land, industrial heritage plays a key part in this.

• There is a gap in the market for a full

  colour, comprehensive history of slate mining in the Lake District. 

• Alastair Cameron has previously written and

  co-authored several books on slate mining in the Lake District, including

  'Slate from Coniston', 'Slate from Honister' and 'Lakeland's Mining Heritage'.

• Giving clear detail of the content of the

  photographs included, the book will appeal to both enthusiasts and people with

  a general interest in the subject.