Exploring Forgotten History: From WW2 Relics to Abandoned Mines

Today turned out to be one of those spontaneous days of discovery. With an unexpected free afternoon, I grabbed my drone and camera and set out to explore some lesser-known locations around County Durham. The wind was a bit stronger than I’d have liked, meaning I had to keep the drone low, but I still managed to capture some fantastic footage and photos from each site.

There’s nothing quite like stumbling upon relics from the past. Whether it's from World War II or the remnants of the mining industry, each site holds a piece of history that’s waiting to be rediscovered. Here’s what I explored today:

Hamsteels WW2 Pillbox near Lanchester

My first stop was the Hamsteels WW2 Pillbox, located near Lanchester. Built during 1940-41, this concrete structure is a FW3/22-type pillbox, part of Britain’s extensive network of defences constructed during the early stages of World War II. The pillbox, with its commanding view over the Lanchester Valley, was intended to help defend the area against potential German invasions. It’s small, but standing next to it, you can still feel its significance as part of Britain’s war effort. I managed to capture aerial photos, drone footage, and camera shots, bringing the simple but important structure to life.

Healeyfield Mine Dene Howl Remains

Next, I explored the Healeyfield Mine Dene Howl Remains, a fascinating set of ruins connected to the region’s lead mining past. The red-brick structure here is likely part of the old mine workings, perhaps an office or storage building related to the larger Healeyfield Mine operation. Lead mining was a significant industry in County Durham during the 18th and 19th centuries, and sites like this offer a glimpse into the working lives of miners from that time. Alongside the brick structure, there’s also a square feature that could be a capped mine shaft. The wind limited my drone usage, but I still got some fantastic aerial shots and ground-level photos of this intriguing site.

Healeyfield Mine Office

Not far from the Dene Howl site is the Healeyfield Mine Office, another relic of the once-flourishing mining industry in the area. This building, now in ruins, was part of the administrative side of the mine’s operations. While much of the structure has crumbled over time, the remnants still stand as a testament to the industrial importance of lead mining in County Durham during the 19th century. The surrounding landscape, now overgrown, makes for a striking contrast between nature reclaiming the site and the decayed remnants of human activity. I captured drone photos, aerial video, and camera shots that really highlight the story this site has to tell.

Wolsingham Train Depot and Shed

On my way home, I made a quick stop at the Wolsingham Train Depot, an impressive structure that caught my eye during a previous visit to the area. Built in the mid-19th century, the depot was part of the Weardale Railway, which was vital for transporting coal, minerals, and later passengers through the region. The shed itself is vast, a reminder of the critical role railways played in County Durham’s industrial development. Today, I captured some drone footage and aerial photos of the depot, but I didn’t have time for a full exploration. This location is definitely one I’ll return to when I can spend more time.

Wrapping Up the Day

It’s always a thrill to spend the day capturing such varied locations, from wartime relics like the Hamsteels Pillbox to industrial ruins such as Healeyfield Mine and the Wolsingham Train Depot. Each site offers a glimpse into a different period of history, and it’s rewarding to document them through aerial photography and traditional camera work. I’ve got a mountain of editing ahead, but I’m excited to dive into today’s material.

If you have a location you’d like documented or are interested in aerial photography services, don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’m always up for a new challenge!