Roanhead facts for kids
Roanhead is a beautiful area in Cumbria, England. It's known for its sandy beaches and amazing sand dunes. While the name originally meant a rocky hill called Roanhead Crag and the land around it, today most people think of the lovely beaches next to Sandscale Haws. The Irish Sea is to the west, and two important water channels, the Duddon Estuary and Walney Channel, are nearby. Roanhead is a special place, protected by the National Trust, a group that looks after important natural areas. You can even walk along a two-mile part of the Cumbria Coastal Way here!
A Look at Roanhead's History
Roanhead Crag, the rocky hill, shows signs that it was once used for quarrying. This means people dug out limestone from it. There's even a small limekiln nearby, which was used to heat limestone to make lime. This lime was important for building and farming.
Mining for Iron Ore
For many years, Roanhead was a busy place for mining. In 1852, a man named Myles Kennedy started mining for iron ore here. His company, Kennedy Brothers, worked the mines until 1942.
One of the mines, called Nigel pit, produced a huge amount of iron ore – about 11 million tons! This iron ore was very important for making steel and other metal products. The old farmhouse in the area was even moved in 1902 after the Nigel mine was discovered.
Ponds and Fishing
When the mining stopped, it left behind large holes in the ground. These holes have since filled with water, creating several ponds. Today, these ponds, along with others from nearby Park mines, are managed by the Furness Fishing Association. They are popular spots for fishing!
