The Peak District National Park and much of the surrounding countryside was once mined
extensively for Lead, Fluorspar, Barytes, Copper and other minerals. Much of the now-familiar and naturalised
landscape has been modified considerably by ancient miners, with hillocks, old lead veins,
engine houses and mine buildings forming an integral part of the modern-day
landscape. Across the area are many archaeological features relating to mining activities
– some dating back several hundred years, some considerably more recent.
The Peak District Mines Historical Society exists to preserve these important industrial
heritage sites, and to promote interest and understanding in mines, mining and minerals –
and in the fascinating and varied mining history.
Through this website, we hope to present to a wider audience the aims, objectives,
activities and resources of the society.
Interested in joining the Peak District Mines Historical Society?
Then go to the
"joining PDMHS" page of this website to find out more -
or you can simply download a membership application form if you prefer.
Want to come along to one of our meets?
The Summer 2010 meets list is now on-line - check the meets and events list for details.
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday 31st August 2010
Heritage Walk
Magpie Mine (evening walk)
A chance for new and old members alike to visit this magnificent mine for a guided walk and explanation of its history. Non-members and
guests welcome, though a donation to Society funds is appreciated.
See newsletter or
click here for full details.
Saturday 11th September 2010
Heritage Day 2010
Magpie Mine (daytime event)
The mine will be open to visitors between 12.00 and 17.00. Surface tours will take place every hour or as needs
require. There will be refreshments on offer and a souvenir stall.
Click here for full details or visit the
Magpie Mine page at the Heritage Open Days web site.
Latest News
March 23rd 2010 - Magpie Mine Gains Higher Level Stewardship Status
The Magpie Mine site has been awarded Higher Level Stewardship status by Natural
England, commencing on the 1st of January 2010 for a period of 10 years.
This scheme enables the Society to receive funding for scrub clearance, grazing, maintenance
work and educational visits to the site.
Signage has been provided for all access points to the site and is in the course of being fitted.
Natural England are pleased to accept this historic site into their Stewardship Scheme. A
press release and further information can be accessed via their website.
We acknowledge the invaluable advice and assistance from Bec Penney of the Peak District
National Park Authority and Ben Rodgers of Natural England.
For group visits (6+) please contact MagpieBookings@pdmhs.com or the Mining Museum.
For those looking to make an educational visit to the site, a
Teacher's Pack for Magpie Mine is available for download in pdf format.
Mike & Mave Luff
March 1th 2010 - NAMHO project
The National Association of Mining History Organisations (NAMHO) has begun a project, part funded by English Heritage over the
next two years, to develop a Research Framework for the Archaeology of the Extractive Industries (Mining and Quarrying). As part
of the first stage of that project NAMHO will be holding a series of regional seminar/workshops across England. The first of
these seminars, to discuss the current state of knowledge for mining and quarrying archaeology in the South West of England, was
held on the 20th of February at the Tamar Valley Centre, Gunnislake. There were three presentations on aspects of the archaeology
over the course of the day, with ample time for discussion and contributions from the floor. The second seminar will be held at
the Snibston Discovery Park in Leicestershire on the 10th of April, and the third on the 25th of April at Carnforth Railway
Station in Lancashire. Would those interested in attending please contact the Project Director - Dr Peter Claughton - by e-mail
P.F.Claughton[at]exeter.ac.uk or by 'phone 01437 532578.
Contributing to the Newsletter
A note from the Newsletter Editor:
Contributions to the PDMHS Newsletter will always be gratefully received. There are a number of ways you can send your masterpiece in:-
- By Email
This is perhaps in many ways the most convenient way for those equipped to use it. Preferably please send text as a Microsoft Word document. Try to keep to a simple format,
I would recommend Times New Roman in 16 point for main headings, 14 point for sub-headings and 12 point for the main body of the text. Please try to give your work a meaningful title.
DO NOT embed photographs or diagrams in the text, send the images separately. Ideally send photographs as 300dpi RGB JPEG or TIFF files, drawings and diagrams may be sent in any convenient bitmap or vector format.
- By Post
If you wish to send your work by post it is best typed following the email guidelines - the text can then be scanned in directly using OCR. However, I am perfectly happy to accept legible hand written articles too...
Good quality photographs and drawings are always welcome, or could be sent as digital images on a CD.
- By Telephone
You could even phone me and dictate an item while I crayon it on the wall to be typed later. However you choose your contribution will be most welcome.
My contact details can be found in the PDMHS Newsletter, or you can email items to: newsletter[at]pdmhs.com
Additions to Web Site
Details of the latest edition of Mining History (Volume 17 No. 4) are now on-line. This is free to paid-up members; non-members
who would like to purchase a copy are advised to contact the Mining Museum at Matlock Bath.
