The Peak District National Park and much of the surrounding countryside was once mined
extensively for Lead, Fluorspar, Barytes, Copper, Calcite 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?
Take a look at the Spring 2013 meets and events list, now on-line with plenty of events taking place both above and below ground.
Upcoming Events:
SPRING/SUMMER 2013 MEETS LIST COMING SOON
Tuesday 7th May 2013
Bakewell Chert Mines - evening mining heritage walk
An informative walk covering the chert mining industry in the local Bakewell area.
Click here for more details.
Tuesday 21st May 2013
Wardlow Mires area - evening mining heritage walk
Friday 14 - Sunday 16 June 2013
Of interest to PDMHS members who are also members of BCA:
"Joint BCA/BCRA Party Weekend, Castleton"
BCA and BCRA are hosting a party weekend on 14-16 June 2013 based at the Rotary Centre, Castleton. The draft programme is available to download as a pdf via the link below and all BCA member are invited. The weekend will include various workshops and activities and accommodation, beer and food will all be available on-site.
Please see the attached flyer for more details and booking information.
Latest News
Keswick Mining Museum now closed
Due to the impending retirement of its founder Ian Tyler, the entire Keswick Mining Museum collection is for sale and the Museum itself will close on 27 October 2012.
Three Sale dates have been announced for the general public:
- 21 August 2012 - Books & Ephemera
- 15 September - Minerals & Fossils
- 6 October - Lamps and Instruments
Contact: Ian Tyler - Tel: 017687-80055 (Museum) or 01228-561883 (Home).
http://www.keswickminingmuseum.co.uk/
Additions to Web Site
February 2012
Lead miners' heyday: the great days of mining in Wirksworth and the Low Peak of Derbyshire, by Ron Slack
Now available to download, one of one of the books written by Ron Slack. Originally he
self-published this but has now run out of copies. Therefore he has kindly offered to make this available
direct from the PDMHS web site. To start downloading this publication now, please click here.
The full Winter - Spring 2012/2013 meets list is now on-line. Please check here for any updates to your printed newsletter.
Details of the latest edition of
Mining History (Volume 18 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.
