Ep 6. Lost Mines of Lakeland

In the sixth episode of the twentieth season of Time Team, the team of archaeologists travels to the English Lake District to investigate the Lost Mines of Lakeland. The episode starts with an introduction to the history of the Lake District, which is famous for its picturesque scenery, but less well-known for its mining history.

The team is led by archaeologist Neil Holbrook, who has been interested in the Lost Mines of Lakeland for years. He explains that mining in the Lake District can be traced back to Roman times, and that the area was a major producer of lead, copper, and slate during the 18th and 19th centuries.

However, the team is not looking for just any old mine. They are searching for a specific mine that was supposedly discovered in the early 18th century by a farmer named John Graves. According to local legend, Graves stumbled upon a rich vein of copper while out hunting, and proceeded to mine it for many years. The location of the mine was lost over time, but stories of its wealth have persisted to this day.

The Time Team sets up base in a field overlooking the area where the mine is believed to be located. They start by surveying the landscape using drones and other high-tech equipment, in an effort to find any clues as to the mine's whereabouts. They also speak to local experts, including geologists, historians, and mine explorers, to gain a better understanding of the area and its mining history.

One of the challenges facing the team is the fact that the Lake District is a popular tourist destination, and many of the areas they want to investigate are privately owned. They must obtain permissions and navigate through various legal and logistical obstacles to gain access to the land.

As they explore the area, the team uncovers numerous traces of the region's mining past. They find abandoned mine entrances, spoil heaps, and other evidence of human activity. They also uncover some unexpected discoveries, such as a Roman signal station and a prehistoric burial mound.

Throughout the investigation, the team faces numerous challenges. They must deal with harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and a lack of reliable data about the location of the mine. They also encounter unexpected obstacles, such as a herd of curious cows that investigates their equipment.

Despite these challenges, the team doggedly pursues their goal, determined to uncover the truth about the Lost Mines of Lakeland. Along the way, they learn about the ingenuity of the people who worked the mines, and gain a deeper appreciation for the history of the Lake District.

The episode concludes with the team packing up their equipment and setting off into the sunset, having failed to locate the exact location of the Lost Mines of Lakeland. However, they have gained valuable insights into the area's mining history, and have proven that even in the age of modern technology, there are still mysteries waiting to be uncovered.