DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE

AND THE

PEAK DISTRICT

         PEAK DISTRICT MINING MUSEUM 

THE FEATURE

Few records remain about the very early days of lead mining in Britain, but we do know lead was being mined in the Peak District and surrounding area about 2,000 years ago. The Romans mined lead in the area, and it is probable that it was mined before then. During the last two centuries over thirty pigs or ignots of smelted lead have been discovered and traced back to Derbyshire. The majority of them bear the inscription Lutudarum, which was the Roman mining centre in the area.

At the Peak District Mining Museum, visitors will be enthralled by the many hands-on, interactive and novel opportunities to explore this splendid museum. Every nook and cranny a mine of information! A visit to the Temple Mine, only a short walk away, can be arranged at the same time for an insight into what life underground is really like. Here the tools and equipment involved in the extraction of minerals are displayed in a real working environment.

The Peak District Mining Museum is located inside the Pavilion, by the River Derwent in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. In the past, visitors came to drink the spring water for their health, and to dance. Today they come to find out more about lead mining, the Peak District's oldest industry.

The ground floor gives the visitor the feeling of actually being in a mine. Special mining tunnels have been created, where the young and not so young can crawl through to get a feel of what it was like in an old lead mine. The authenticity of the tunnels is such that the Peak Mountain Rescue teams and the  local Fire Brigade use them for training and practice rescues.

Visitors can go up the stairs, or use the lift if they are a wheel chair user, where they can find out what happens to lead ore once it is brought above the ground. They can also look down into the mine shafts and onto the larger displays below. Collections linked to mining and how mining can change the landscape are displayed.

The Peak District Mines Historical Society was formed in 1959, to encourage the study and recording of the mining industry of the Peak District and its mineralogy. Today the interests of the members and the Society are much wider and cover the whole of the UK and beyond. One of the the societies activities is the running of the Peak District Mining Museum.

In partnership with the Derbyshire Environment Trust, The Peak District Mining Museum, has created a large and informative exhibition on the important subject of recycling. The exhibition deals with compost, plastics, glass. metals, paper and provides a detailed display covering the usage of lead products. Almost all lead products are recycled.

The following is a brief summary of what is to be seen at the Peak District Mining Museum and Temple Mine.

Group Visits:-   Welcome by special arrangement, which can include a guided tour and talk. Special rates are available. Contact the museum for further details and a a comprehensive information pack.

Facilities:-        The museum houses a large gift shop with books, gifts and souvenirs. There is an extensive collection of mining and industrial archaeology books for sale by mail order or via the website. Light refreshments are available at the museum cafe. The museum has full disabled access for the disabled.

PEAK DISTRICT MINING MUSEUM

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PLACES OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE LOCALITY

Mining Museum and Temple Mine (Tel. 01629 583834) where you get a very realistic impression of what the conditions used to be like for men who toiled underground. After completing your absorbing tour of the museum you can visit Temple Mine that has been worked since 1922. The museum is open daily throughout the year. Temple Mine is open on a reduced basis in the winter.

National Stone Centre, Wirksworth (Tel. 01629 824833) tells the story of stone, its geological and industrial history. The exhibition inside shows how advanced technology makes use of stone in an incredible number of ways. Outside the visitor centre, the quarry trail takes you back over three million years. Open every day 10-4pm during the winter and 10-5pm in the summer.

The Heights of Abraham (Tel. 01629 582365) where you can take a spectacular journey by cable car to explore two show caverns, follow woodland trails and enjoy the magnificent view from the Treetops café and restaurant. Children’s play area and shop. For further information: www.heights-of-abraham.co.uk

REFRESHMENTS

The Midland Hotel (Tel. 01629 582630) located by the bridge over the Derwent leading to the railway station. The wonderfully sited river gardens and terrace are a very popular place with visitors in the summer. Food available lunchtime and evening daily in the summer, please check for winter arrangements.

Teashops - the main street is lined with cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.

MAGPIE HERITAGE WEEKEND **

All details on this page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made without notification.