More about the Peak Alum Works

The Peak Alum Works is found in a remote location, not easily accessible by road. The cheapest way of bringing materials in and out when the works were operational was by sea in small sailing boats. Each craft could carry between 50 and 80 tons. From 1650, boats would berth on the rocky shore below Alum House. During the early 1800s, a narrow inlet was blasted into the rock to allow boats to get nearer to the foot of the cliff.

Every year, 3500 tons of coal from Durham, 400 tons of seaweed, 200 tons of urine collected from the ports of Newcastle, Hull, and London, and huge quantities of lead, timber, and iron were brought to Peak by sea. Up to 600 tons of alum were sent out the same way. Because of the high value of alum, pirate raids were common. A cannon on the cliff top was fired to deter them.

Having learned all about the fascinating history of alum, we continued our walk back to the van. It was a very enjoyable way to spend the morning 😊.Read more