Standing tall, a skeleton of our industrial heritage high in the Durham Dales, this headgear is an iconic monument to our past.

Our ancestors mined the area for centuries, so not only do our towns and villages owe their existence to mining, but so do we. It is where we are from, it is who we are. As the last headgear in the County, it has immense importance, not just an impressive landmark but as a reminder of our history, not merely to us but to our children, grandchildren and the generations to follow. "When a place loses its heritage, it loses its soul." - John Grundy

Background: The headgear was due to be demolished in September 2016. 'The Friends of Groverake' was setup and with the backing of the registered charity 'The Friends of Killhope', a business plan was sent to the land agent in September. The press were contacted in a final attempt to halt the demolition. 

Negotiations are ongoing with the land agent for a 25 year lease to conserve the headgear.