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The graphite found in this mine is remarkable for its purity; indeed it is unequalled by any other kind of graphite in the world.
Mined in the hillside hereabouts from at least the 14thC and possibly earlier, and used to produce bomb-shells, cannonade, round-shot and cannon balls, it was once a felony to enter these mines unlawfully in the purpose to carry away any of the mineral. These rules did not stop an illicit trade between miners and merchants but the authorities took a dim view and built a house over the mouth of this level (which is now a ruin), and armed men were paid to keep watch during the night. The miners were also stripped and carefully searched on leaving their work; finally when the graphite was sent to the Company's warehouse in London, an armed escort accompanied it as far as Kendal.