Peak District Mines Historical Society. Image shows Magpie Mine - an ancient lead mine and agents cottage, now used as the PDMHS field centre.

Welcome to the Peak District Mines Historical Society

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?
Check out the Winter 2011/2012 meets list, now on-line with plenty of events taking place - check the meets and events list for details.


Upcoming Events:

Saturday 28th January 2012
Carsington Pastures - daytime walk
A walk covering the lead mining areas of Brassington and Carsington.
Optional food and drink will be available afterwards at the at the Miners' Arms in Brassington. Click here for full details.

Saturday 5th February 2012
Bakewell Chert Mines - daytime walk
A walk which goes around the town of Bakewell looking at the former chert mining industry. Sites visited will include the Holme Bank & Holme Hall mines, the old pack horse bridge, Endcliffe Mine, Pretoria Mine etc.
Optional food and drink will be available afterwards (venue to be decided). Click here for full details.

Latest News

Additions to Web Site

All January and February 2012 meets are now on-line. Please check here for any updates to your printed newsletter. Details of the latest edition of Mining History (Volume 18 Nos. 1 & 2) 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.


T'Owd Man - the mediaeval miner

T'Owd Man - the mediaeval miner

Side Mine, Matlock Bath.  Photo by M. Long

Side Mine, Matlock Bath.
Photo by M. Long

Blue Shaft, Engine Vein, Alderley Edge copper mines.  Photo by M. Adlam-Stiles

Blue Shaft, Engine Vein, Alderley Edge copper mines

The PDMHS web site sponsored by www.ledcavinglamp.co.uk - the UK stockist of New Wisdom KL5M & KL8M cap lamps - link opens in a new window

The PDMHS web site is sponsored by www.ledcavinglamp.co.uk - the UK stockist of New Wisdom KL5M & KL8M cap lamps

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