Quick Summary
Drew Pritchard and John Tee visit a 500-year-old copper mine – The pair explores Coniston’s centuries‑old copper mine, uncovering a slipware dairy bowl, historic pattern wheels and an intact retail counter, bringing the site’s rich mining heritage to life for viewers.
About This Program
Programme Overview
Drew Pritchard and John Tee visit a 500‑year‑old copper mine in the village of Coniston, Cumbria – In this episode of the Really series, presenters Drew Pritchard and John Tee embark on an investigative journey into one of England’s historic industrial sites. The pair explore the depths of the centuries‑old copper mine, uncovering a range of unexpected artefacts that reveal the intertwined heritage of mining, local craftsmanship and rural commerce.
What to Expect
The episode begins with a detailed walk‑through of the Coniston copper mine, highlighting its 500‑year legacy and the engineering feats that sustained mining operations through the ages. As the presenters delve deeper, they discover a beautifully preserved slipware dairy bowl, an example of traditional Cumbrian pottery renowned for its distinctive glazing and decorative patterns. Alongside the bowl, the team finds a set of pattern wheels, tools once used by local artisans to create intricate designs on textiles and ceramics. The exploration concludes at a restored retail counter, offering a glimpse into the historic marketplace where miners and villagers would have exchanged goods.
Why Watch
This episode appeals to viewers with an interest in British industrial heritage, folk art and the everyday lives of historic communities. By combining on‑site investigation with expert commentary, the programme provides an engaging, educational experience that showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Cumbria. Fans of documentary‑style entertainment on the Really channel will appreciate the balanced blend of history, craftsmanship and personal discovery presented by Pritchard and Tee.
Viewing Appeal for UK Audiences
For UK television audiences, the episode offers a uniquely local perspective on a site that contributed to the nation’s mining history. It also celebrates regional craftsmanship through the slipware dairy bowl and pattern wheels, resonating with viewers who value traditional British arts. The inclusion of a retail counter adds a social dimension, illustrating how commerce and community life revolved around the mine, making the episode both informative and relatable for a broad audience.
Salvage Hunters broadcasts on Really at 9:00am, Wednesday, 5 November 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)