The Crockford family operated the deposit, under the names of the Kilbricken Silver and Lead Company, and the Clare United Silver-Lead Mines, under which name it was sold onward for £1,500 in 1850, amidst suspicions about share dealing transactions. From then until 1855, new directors maintained operations with modest production recorded annually from 1852 - 1855. This was not, however, sufficient to offset an accumulated deficit.
Photo shows remains of the Pitmans House (a) and Smithy and carpenters shops (b). Click photofor enlarged view. (Click Back to return to page)

Consequently, the directors decided in November 1855 to recommend closure of the mine at the Company AGM the following month - which gave the Chairman, Mr. Librii, ample time to offload his share holding, and attached liabilities. The mine was sold for £825 in 1856. Apart from a general reference to it in 1878, the deposit lay dormant until the 1990s when there was renewed interest in it for its calcite content.Photo shows remains of the 19th Century partially intact cobbled dressing floor.

Photo shows remains of the 19th Century the remains of a 50" Engine House and chimney stack.
Click photo for enlarged view. (Click Back to return to page)