Foxdale (Cross Vein) Lead Mine

A plaque installed by the Isle of Man Forestry, Mines and Land Board on the Engine House records that Cross Vein Mine, which was popularly known as ‘Snuff the Wind” was worked from 1832 until 1881.

The mine had two shafts which were sunk to work part of a vein of Lead ore. The two shafts were roughly 240 feet apart. The Whim Shaft which was originally worked with the assistance of a Horse Gin or Whim.

When operational there was a 30-inch engine at the mine for pumping and winding, and the shaft reached a depth of 480 feet (146 metres).

In the mid-nineteenth century there were thirteen mines in the Foxdale area. These mines produced zinc blende, lead ore and silver.