The community was originally settled by the French in 1720 after lead ore was discovered.
White lead ore was used in the 19th and 20th centuries in the mixture to help it dry.
The lead ore was brought off the hill and down directly to the smelter by a "gravity" track.
It contains veins of lead ore and various other minerals.
The "grey gold" (a common nickname for lead ore) was brought development of businesses and schools.
It is normally found with galena, a lead ore.
By lowering the water table and opening up large new deposits of lead ore, they transformed the industry.
During the 19th century good quality limestone and a small amount of lead ore were quarried in the village.
Mendip lead ore had up to 0.4% silver content, which the Romans used to pay the army.
In its yellow form it is sometimes called "yellow lead ore".