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 Spring 2012 meets list, now on-line with plenty of events taking place - check the meets and events list for details.
Upcoming Events:
Change to advertised date - Lumsdale Mills Walk
This will now take place on 29 May instead of 22 May as advertised in the April newsletter.
Tuesday 29th May 2012
Lumsdale Mills Tansley Heritage Walk (evening)
This trip takes us around the sites of the former Lumsdale Mills at Tansley, visiting the sites of the former bone mill and bleach works to name just a few.
Optional food and drink at the Duke of Wellington Matlock afterwards.
Click here for more details.
Latest News
Wolf Safety Lamp Company Centenary exhibition - May 2012
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Wolf Safety Lamp Company Centenary exhibition - May 2012
Photo © John Hunter
2012 marks the centenary of the family-owned Wolf Safety Lamp Company, established in Sheffield by William Maurice. The company moved to its Saxon Road location in 1933, where production continues today. From the early days, producing lamps used in mines, to the present focus on the oil and fire-fighting industries, Wolf Safety Lamps are still recognised as one of the world leaders in lighting for safe use in explosive atmospheres.
This display of historic and contemporary lamps draws on the well-kept archive of the company to illustrate the changes which have taken place in lamp technology over the past century.
This free exhibition runs from Tuesday, 21st February to Monday, 2nd July 2012 at Weston Park Museum, Sheffield. More info including opening times can be found
here.
Nenthead Mines (Cumbria) update - April 2012
The Nenthead mining complex is regarded as the most intact mining landscape within the North Pennines. A new society that
aims to conserve the Nenthead Mines site will be launched on 13th May 2012. Further details can be found in this document
and anyone interested in the Nenthead Mines is invited to attend the inaugural meeting.
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 Spring 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 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.
