Winster Lead Ore House is located on the edge of Winster, Derbyshire. It was used to deposit lead ore for safe keeping. It had a chute for depositing the lead ore at any time day and night. The roof was vaulted, large wooden doors, used for access to empty the lead ore, kept the place secure

The search for lead began with the romans. In the later middle ages the ancient mining laws were strict and enforced by the Barmote court. This still meets today, but it is only for ceremonial and not practical reasons.

The commonest lead ore is called galena, lead sulphide, a silver coloured mineral. Often it is found with barytes, fluorite and calcite.

The lead miners often had smallholdings, with a barn for keeping cattle and for storing hay over the winter months.