A stonemason’s apprentice: Spencer

1 June 2026

Blog by Spencer Proudlock, apprentice with Heritage Consolidation Ltd

My name is Spencer, and I recently began a stonemasonry apprenticeship with Heritage Consolidation Ltd, delivered by the North Pennines National Landscape team as part of the Land of Lead and Silver Project. I was initially drawn to this role because it offered the opportunity to learn a traditional heritage trade while working closely on site with experienced professionals. The chance to work with natural materials and learn techniques that have been used for centuries, helping historic buildings stand the test of time, was especially appealing to me.

Since starting, I have worked on three different structures within the ‘Blackett Level’: Holms Linn mine shaft (the second shaft on the level), the Allendale flues, and the Allendale smelt mill. It has been fascinating to contribute to buildings that have stood for so long and carry such rich local and national history. Looking back, choosing this apprenticeship has already proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It’s not just about learning new skills, it’s about getting to play a small part in continuing the legacy of a trade that has been used for generations to shape and preserve the environment around us.

Throughout my experience so far, I have developed a wide range of new skills, including mixing lime mortar, pointing, core work, and constructing mass masonry walls. At first, these were completely new to me, but over time they’ve started to make sense, not just as tasks, but as part of a bigger process. Learning these processes has given me a deeper understanding of the trade and how the historic structures I see every day were originally built and why they’ve endured. One of the aspects I enjoy most is the variety of work – no two jobs are the same, and each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn new skills and apply my knowledge.

I have found that the weather also plays a significant role in our work, influencing what we are able to get done, especially as most of our jobs have been based in the North Pennines in the winter months. As a result, being flexible and responsive to the environment is essential to successfully completing each project.

The Land of Lead and Silver project is led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players, and Historic England.