NAMHO: printable handbook

NAMHO HANDBOOK - PRINTABLE VERSION

NAMHO HANDBOOK

To print this handbook, use your browser menu and print options or click HERE. This will produce an image without headings and with all entries shown. This can be sent to a printer, turned into a PDF or handled in various other ways as you require.

The associated webpages for each member organisation are based on the fourth edition of the NAMHO Mining Heritage Guide. The original cover of this edition is on the right hand side of this page. The webpages includes entries for all the current members of NAMHO and a section to the rear about the formation of NAMHO in 1979. Museum members are listed separately and there is a map showing their locations. There is also a page of mining museums including members and non-members.

The webpages have not been comprehensively revised since publication of the handbook although it is planned that clubs and organisations will be invited to review and correct their own entries over the next few months. The editor and NAMHO, however, cannot accept responsibility for any alterations which may have occurred within the Organisations or Societies subsequent to the date NAMHO received the information. If the reader discovers that any amendments are required, it would be appreciated if details are sent to the secretary at NAMHO.org for inclusion in future updates. You can also send amendments on paper to:

The Secretary, NAMHO, c/o Peak District Mining Museum, The Pavilion, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. DE4 3NR

The Pavilion at Matlock Bath

The Pavilion at Matlock Bath (above) houses the Peak District Mining Museum and is the 'post-box' for correspondence to NAMHO.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In the printed edition, Rob Vernon, the Editor, wrote that he "would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have contributed to the Mining Heritage Guide. Since the previous edition, published in 2000, membership has continued to grow, making the task of Editor even more demanding. I would especially like to thank Adrian Pearce, Ivor Brown and Roger Gosling for their reflections on the formation of NAMHO in 1979, and its development. Contributors or sources of photographs are acknowledged in the text, or [else were] provided by a member organisation. A special thanks to Peter Claughton and Ivor Brown for comments."

MEMBERS' PAGES

The introduction to the pages for each member can be reached from this link.

TOWARDS THE FUTURE, an introduction to the 4th edition by the chairman of NAMHO in 2006, Dr Peter Claughton

For over a quarter of a century NAMHO has worked for mining history interests. Since 1996, the 'National' element has been something of a misnomer for the association now represents organisations throughout Britain and Ireland. The formation in Dublin of what is now the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland marked a widening of our interests, particularly as it has been instrumental in the development of pan-European mining heritage networks.

Nevertheless, if we look back at the issues of concern in the early years there are some familiar subjects - insurance, access, conservation and archives - which continue to demand our attention. Mine exploration interests led to the formation of NAMHO in 1979 and are still important. So in many respects things have not changed, although we are now in a position to apply the experience of the last twenty five years to the challenges which are the future of mining history.

There are new challenges particularly on environmental issues, and their relationship to the legacy of past mining activity, but there is also a new approach which recognises the wider heritage value in abandoned mine workings. Increasingly, conservation attracts grant aid from heritage, and other, bodies; and many of NAMHO's constituent organisations are in a position to facilitate that work. Also, there is an increasing diversity in leisure activities which brings the general public into contact with mining as part of the landscape and consequently there is a need to improve its interpretation.

An important challenge is to attract young people to our ranks. To do that we must ask what it is about old mines, what aspect of this broad subject area that we call 'mining history' that interests a younger generation. Much as I, and others, might believe that the old statistically based approach led by economic history is central to any study of post-medieval, and earlier, mining activity, perhaps this is no longer true for younger people. For some it is the physical environment, the ability to read the landscape, to extract the detail which is beyond the written record, which is attractive today. We should build on that attraction for it can be a powerful tool, a multi-facetted tool, for 'mining history'. The evidence for that is already there as mining related archaeology has moved beyond the 'industrial' tag of twenty five years ago and has helped push the boundaries back into prehistory.

NAMHO has to adapt and to take on new skills. Now is the time to be outward looking, prepared to take up opportunities, exchange ideas across boundaries and accept the challenges. Our membership today, our constituent organisations, represents every aspect of the broad subject area which is 'mining history'. They are well placed to take us forward over the next twenty five years; to keep both the study of 'mining history' and the memory of past mining activity alive.

This, the fourth issue of the Mining Heritage Guide, provides the contact information for NAMHO and its constituent organisations. It is the portal to a wider understanding of the subject at all levels, whatever your involvement.

This section lists all the organisations that are currently members of NAMHO. In the on-line handbook, you can also select to view sets of members according to their activities or geographical areas.

From this page, you can get access to the detail which used to be contained in the NAMHO handbook. Copies of the last version of the handbook are still available but it is considered that publishing the handbook as web pages will mean that the detail can be kept more up to date. The original introduction to the fourth edition can be read on the handbook home page. A separate page contains a map showing the locations of museum members and further information about the museum entries. Information about affiliated organisations is included on a separate page but the affiliated members are listed below.

You can also identify members by interest and members by geographical area of activity.

To go the host DCC site, click HERE.

Mining history societies

AN	AditNow
AIA	Association for Industrial Archaeology
ACG	Axbridge Caving Group
CBMS	Carn Brea Mining Society
CSS	Cerberus Spelaeological Society
CMGS	Cheltenham Mineral and Geological Society
CCHS	China Clay Historical Society
CMSMRPS	Combe Martin Silver Mine Research and Preservation Society
CME	Corris Mine Explorers
CATMHS	Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society
DTRG	Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group
DCC	Derbyshire Caving Club
EMRG	Earby Mines Research Group
ECMHA	East Cornwall Mining History Association
EMET	Ecton Mine Educational Trust
FCW	Friends of Chatterley Whitfield
FK	Friends of Killhope
FSAWD	Friends of the St Aidan's BE1150 Walking Dragline
FWT	Friends of Williamson's Tunnels
GSS	Gloucester Speleological Society
GMPC	Goodluck Mine Preservation Club
GSG	Grampian Speleological Group
GOES	Great Orme Exploration Society
GCC	Grosvenor Caving Club
HCC	Hades Caving Club
KMPS	Kelly Mine Preservation Society
KURG	Kent Underground Research Group
LMRG	Laxey Mines Research Group
MES	Mine Explorer Society, The
MOLES	Mines of Lakeland Exploration Society (MOLES)
MHTI	Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland Ltd
NORPEX	NORPEX Mining Research
NWCC	North Wales Caving Club Clwb Ogofeydd Gogledd Cymru
NMRS	Northern Mine Research Society
PUG	Parys Underground Group
PDMHS	Peak District Mines Historical Society Ltd
PCG	Plymouth Caving Group
PMMG	Plymouth Mineral and Mining Group
RFDCC	Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club
RS	Russell Society, The
SCMC	Shropshire Caving and Mining Club
SMT	Shropshire Mines Trust
SDMPG	South Derbyshire Mining Preservation Group
SGMRG	South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group
SJMR	St Just Mine Research Group
SubBrit	Subterranea Britannica
TS	Trevithick Society, The
WCMS	Wealden Cave and Mine Society
WMPT	Welsh Mines Preservation Trust Yr Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Mwynfeydd Cymru
WMS	Welsh Mines Society Cymdeithas Mwyngloddiau Cymru
WMRG	Wirksworth Mines Research Group

Mining museums within NAMHO

BCLM	Black Country Living Museum
CC	Clearwell Caves - Ancient Iron Mines
CIMM	Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum (formerly The Tom Leonard Mining Museum)
HCMM	Haig Colliery Mining Museum
MLM	Hidden Treasures - Museum of Lead Mining
KMM	Keswick Mining Museum
KLMM	Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum
LSLM	Llywernog Silver - Lead Mine
MM	Moseley Museum
NCM	National Coal Mining Museum for England
NSC	National Stone Centre
PDMM	Peak District Mining Museum and Temple Mine
PCH	Pendeen Community Heritage (Geevor Tin Mine)
SMM	Scottish Mining Museum
YDMM	Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum (Earby Mines Research Group Museum Trust)

Organisations affiliated to NAMHO

CA	Coal Authority, The
EH	English Heritage National Monuments Record
HI	Heritage of Industry Ltd
IAR	I A Recordings
IMMM	Institution of Materials Minerals and Mining
JGC	John Goodchild Collection, The
RCAHMW	Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Wales

Other museums

A number of other museums cater for those with an interest in mining. A list will be found on a separate page which includes the names of museums that are NAMHO members. This list does not imply endorsement by NAMHO or even that the museum is still open to the public.

Key to activities

On the member pages, the activity codes are:

A - Underground exploration	H - Hold archives
B - Underground and surface surveying	I - Publications
C - Excavation of adits / entrances	J - Mine rescue
D - Shaft capping or gating of adits / entrances	K - Lecturing / talks / conferences
E - Archaeology / preservation of remains	L - Education
F - Field meetings	M - Website operator
G - Archive research

Key to areas

On the member pages, the area codes are:

SCOT - Scotland	IRE - Ireland
IOM - Isle of Man	LL - Lake District & Lancashire
NE - Northeast incl. Northumberland, Durham and parts of Cumbria	YH - Yorkshire & Humberside
PD - Peak District	NWM - Northwest Midlands incl. Cheshire and Shropshire
NW - North Wales	SW - South Wales
WM - West Midlands incl. Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire	DC - Devon & Cornwall
SWE - Southwest incl. Somerset, Dorset, etc	EMEA - East Midlands & East Anglia
SE - Southeast England, Sussex, Kent and London	EU - Mainland Europe

Member organisations

Axbridge Caving Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1950

Email:

Membership: 30+

Website:

http://www.axbridgecavinggroup.org/

Activities:

Main geographical areas:

SWE

Classes of membership:

Full £23, honorary and temporary members

Publications:

Journals

Current projects:

A collective list of caves and mines that the ACG are involved.
* Templeton
* Carcas Cave
* The Rift
* Balch Cave
* Redcliffe Caves
* GB Cavern
* Eastwater Cavern
* Alford Well
* Pen Park Hole

Association for Industrial Archaeology

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1973

Email:

AIA [at] le.ac.uk (Publication Editor/enquiries)

Membership: About 700

Website:

http://www.industrial-archaeology.org. uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

All aspects of industrial archaeology,history and heritage

Main geographical areas:

NWM

NWal

SWal

SWE

EMEA

Classes of membership:

Individual £23. Student £13. Affiliated Society £36.
Joint £32

Publications:

Industrial Archaeology News published quarterly. 'Industrial Archaeology Review' published twice a year

Archive collection:

Held at Ironbridge Institute Library, Shropshire

Artefact collection:

None

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

None

Publicity:

Membership leaflet

Services:

None offered

The AlA was established to promote the study of industrial archaeology and to encourage improved standards of recording research, conservation and publication. It aims to assist and support regional and specialist survey and research groups and bodies involved in the preservation of industrial monuments. It holds conferences, seminars and training weekends for its members. It also endeavours to represent the interests of industrial archaeology at the national level, and has been responsible for a nationally accepted policy statement on research priorities in industrial archaeology. The AlA monitor and comment on listed building applications.

The AlA obviously has broader interests than mining history and archaeology, but articles on these subjects are regularly published in the 'Industrial Archaeology Review'. In the past, the AlA have run conferences in conjunction with NAHMO. One held in 1989 dealt with the standards of interpretation and presentation of mining sites. Papers from the Conference were published in a special issue of 'Industrial Archaeology Review', Vol.XII (No 1), Autumn 1989, entitled 'Metalliferous Mining'

Visits are arranged to surface remains of mines when the Annual Conference is at a suitable location, and references to mine sites are included in the Conference Guides. In the past for example, an AlA conference was held at Newton Abbot, Devon and visited ancient mineral working, granite quarries and tin, copper and iron mines.

AditNow

Contact:

AditNow is on an-line resource. For further detai

Year formed: 2005

Email:

info [at] aditnow.co.uk

Website:

http://www.aditnow.co.uk/

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mining sites

Main geographical areas:

NWal

Classes of membership:

Users can create membership on-line

Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1979

Email:

sheila.barker [at] cybermoor.org.uk

Membership: 106

Website:

http://www.catmhs.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mainly Cumbria / Lake District, also Northern Pennines, Yorkshire and Wales

Main geographical areas:

NWal

Classes of membership:

Single £21 inc.surface insurance. £33 with underground
insurance. Joint £32 (underground insurance extra).
Basic membership £15 -no insurance (for members who do
not attend meets).

Publications:

A collection of books and research reports. A Newsletter is published 3 or 4 times a year. The journal

Archive collection:

An extensive archive of books, articles, maps and mine plans is maintained in a purpose built library and is available to members, and also non-members by appointment.

Artefact collection:

On display at the John Ruskin Museum, Coniston.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Keys held for Levers Water and Hudgill Burn mines. Mandels Slate Office, Coniston and Roan Head store, Low Furness.

Current projects:

Exploration, surveying and archaeology of the Hudgill Burn Mine. Survey and recording of Paddy End Mine and other Coniston mines. Consolidation of the Newlands iron furnace. Survey and recording of mining remains of Low Furness. Securing and maintaining Lucy Tongue Level, Greenside. Developing novel systems for recording underground survey results.

Publicity:

Leaflet available.

Services:

Lectures, guided walks, education and restoration. Technical advice on: underground areas, preservation, conservation, geotechnical, mine archaeology and underground excavation.

Additional information:

Meetings are held monthly and include discussion and slide presentations

Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society members reopening
the Levers Water mine at Coniston

Carn Brea Mining Society

Contact:

NAMHO Representative

Year formed: 1974

Email:

Membership: 110

Website:

http://www.carnbreaminingsociety.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mining and associated works, education and field trips

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Single £18. Family £25

Publications:

Two newsletters per annum

Current projects:

Supporting and running the King Edward Mine Museum

(ex-Camborne School of Mines site)

Publicity:

Society Leaflet

The Wheal Kitty engine house has been restored and is now an office. One of a number of mine sites visited in the St. Agnes area, Cornwall on a CB MS evening field meeting (CBMS Internet site).

China Clay Historical Society

Contact:

Chairman

Year formed: 2001

Email:

Membership: 220

Website:

http://www.chinaclayhistory.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

All aspects of the history of the china clay industry in Cornwall and Devon

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

One class, £10 per annum

Publications:

Newsletters, three per year

Archive collection:

Contact Derek Giles

Artefact collection:

Housed at Wheal Martyn Museum, Carthew, St. Austell, Cornwall PL26 8XG (Note: the China Clay History Society is part of Wheal Martyn Museum)

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Museum site held on long leases

The society has a large collection of documents, maps, photographs, etc., relating to the china clay industry over the last 250 years and is anxious to expand it and to encourage research.
Updated: new entry

Corris Mine Explorers

Contact:

Mark Waite

Year formed: 2009

Email:

mark [at] corrismineexplorers.co.uk

Website:

www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Braich Goch Slate Quarry, Corris, Powys

Main geographical areas:

NWal

Artefact collection:

Majority underground at Braich Goch, plus small collection in Corris Mine Explorers reception

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Corris Caverns Limited

Services:

Corris Mine Explorers is one of the very few companies that successfully blends tourism with mine history conservation.
Whilst exploring the mine, people will learn about the importance of preserving them, and will experience for themselves the working lives of the quarrymen.
In the long term we hope that we can encourage young blood to get involved with all aspects of our mining heritage, and not allow it to be left forgotten in the past.
By looking at our website you can discover exactly what is on offer here at Corris Mine Explorers.

Corris Mine Explorers is covered by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (mine exploration).

Membership of NAMHO:

Corris Mine Explorers are new members awaiting confirmation of their membership at the next NAMHO meeting

Above: a young visitor
Right: artefacts in place
Updated: new entry

Cheltenham Mineral and Geological Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1968

Email:

Membership: 65

Website:

http://www.geocities.com/cmgs-99

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mineral and fossil collecting. General geology

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Membership £10 per annum. Junior members are free

Publications:

'Quartzzzz' -Quarterly Newsletter.

The quarried and mined Collyweston and Stonefield Slates, used for roofing and walling, can be seen throughout the Cotswolds. They are sedimentary Jurassic rocks and the fissile quality required for splitting was induced by frost action. The blocks of 'slate' were layed down horizontally in fields (photograph above) over the Winter period.

(Photograph from Practical Stone Quarrying -Greenwell and Elsden 1913 p40)

Combe Martin Silver Mine
Research and Preservation Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 2001

Email:

Membership: 50

Website:

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mine research and preservation

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Only one class of membership - £10 per annum

Publications:

Society Newsletter -four times a year

Archive collection:

None

Artefact collection:

None

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

By private arrangement only

Current projects:

Activities as above

Publicity:

None (Newsletters)

Services:

None

Knap Down engine house, Combe Martin. The engine installed here in 1843 was a Sims combined cylinder, 26"/50", used for pumping in the adjoining shaft. Over the last thirty years the ivy has really taken hold on the surviving stonework compare with the photograph in Atkinson, Exmoor's Industrial Archaeology, (1997), facing p. 96.
Unlike other sites at Combe Martin, access is restricted ensuring survival of some features but limiting the
options for conservation.

P. Claughton

Cerberus Spelaeological Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1956

Email:

admin [at] cerberusspeleo.org.uk

Membership: 75

Website:

http://www.cerberusspeleo.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mines and mining on Mendip, Bath and Wiltshire. Caves elsewhere

Main geographical areas:

SWE

Classes of membership:

Full Member £35. Family Member (spouses & siblings of full member) £23. Full time students or unwaged £23. Provisional Member (valid for 3 months) £16. Extra for mountaineering section (affiliated to BMC) £7.

Publications:

Quarterly Journal and regular News Sheet for members. Occasional special publication

Archive collection:

Contact Librarian (library [at] cerberusspeleo.org.uk).

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Access controlled to various caves / mine sites on Mendip

Current projects:

Mines of Mendip. Publication on the Bath stone mines

Publicity:

Available from secretary.

Services:

Expertise particularly on the Bath stone mines

Additional Information:

All members are covered by the club liability insurance for caving and mining related activities. Mountaineering section members are also covered for all walking, climbing and mountaineering activities.

The Society Headquarters and Hostel are on the Mendip (Larkshall, Midway, Stoke St.
Michael, Somerset BA3 5LZ). Guest bookings available at £3.50 per person per night. Contact
Bookings Officer on 01749 -840795 or email: hostelbookings [at] cerberusspeleo.org.uk

Cerberus Spelaeological Society activities in the Box Mine.

Derbyshire Caving Club

Contact:

via the Secretary

Year formed: 1960

Email:

secretary [at] DerbysCC.org.uk

Membership: 110

Website:

http://www.DerbysCC.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Derbyshire caves, Alderley Edge Copper Mines

Main geographical areas:

NWM

Classes of membership:

Full £27 (with caving insurance) and £10 (without insurance). Associate and family membership available

Publications:

Newsletters biannually and Journals infrequently

Archive collection:

Email: recorder [at] DerbysCC.org.uk

Artefact collection:

Small museum linked to the National Trust Centre at Alderley Edge

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Alderley Edge Copper Mines

Current projects:

Re-opening of the Alderley Edge Copper Mines, Cheshire

Services:

Admission to the mines for interest groups. Open Days. Reports on the mines.

Additional information:

The Derbyshire Caving Club website contains a wealth of information on the Alderley Edge Copper Mines, Cheshire.

Updated: 01/09/2011

Left: an 18thC Coffin Level in Engine Vein.
Above: the original entrance to West Mine, which is now accessed by a short shaft.

Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1991

Email:

Membership: 160

Website:

http://www.dtrg.freeserve.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Research and archaeological investigation of the Dartmoor tin industry

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Ordinary £5. Joint membership £7.50.
Institutional £13 Honorary -nil.

Publications:

Newsletter (twice yearly -Winter and Summer). Booklet entitled 'The Brimpts Tin Mines'.

Current projects:

1. Field survey of the Walkham Valley mines and tin stream workings.
2. Production of the Merrivale tin mill post-excavation report.
3. Field survey of tinner's huts on Dartmoor.

Survey by the Dartmoor Tinworking Research
Group of the Lower Merrivale Tin Mill.

Source: Greeves and Newman, Tin Working and Land-Use in the Walkham Valley: A preliminary analysis. In Griffiths D. (ed) The Archaeology of Dartmoor: Perspectives from the 1990s. Proceedings of the Devon Archaeology Society 52, 1994

East Cornwall Mining History Association

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: c1989

Email:

Membership: 30 to 35

Website:

Activities:

Area of interest:

Social history and living conditions in 19th century mining community.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Ordinary member £5 per annum

Publications:

Annual Newsletter

Archive collection:

By arrangement through the secretary ( 01579 370411).

Artefact collection:

By arrangement through the secretary ( 01579 370411).

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

The Association owns two miners' cottages and the East Kit Hill mine. Contact the secretary regarding access

Current projects:

Consolidation of the cottages and the mine structures as a wayside museum and a mine site with open access (neither project is completed yet).

Publicity:

Leaflet, newsletter, AGM and social events

Above: The East Kit Hill Mine engine house occupies a prominent position and is the only surviving engine house on Kit Hill

Right: The miners' cottages on Luckett Hill date from the late 1700s/early 1800s and offer two contrasting styles of building

Ecton Mine Educational Trust

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 2005

Email:

Imorrow-uk [at] yahoo.co.uk

Website:

http://www.ectonmine.org

Activities:

Area of interest:

The Trust's charitable objectives are: (a) to promote education and research in applied geology, mining and mineral extraction; and (b) to preserve for the benefit of the public Ecton Mine and all its shafts and adits.

Main geographical areas:

Current admission details:

Requires the specific permission of the Trustees on each and every occasion, such permission being requested in writing at least 4 weeks in advance of the intended visit, with full details of the purposes and nature of the activities to be undertaken and of the persons involved. Such purposes must be in accordance with the objectives of the Trust.

Classes of membership:

Classes of Membership and Subscription Rates:
Individual members £50.00 Voting rights
Individual affiliates £10.00 No right to vote
Affiliated societies £100.00 One vote negotiable
Institutional (e.g. IoM3) £1000.00 One vote
Corporate £2500.00 minimum One vote
Honorary Nil One vote

Current projects:

Refurbishment of "The G A Cox Study Centre"

Services:

See main areas of interest, above. Enquiries for educational courses should be sent to: Dr G J M Woodrow, Deputy Chief Executive, Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, Danum House, South Parade, Doncaster, DNl 2DY

The Ecton Mine Educational Trust (Reg. Charity No. 1112892) has been formed as a company limited by guarantee to revive and continue the work of the late owner of Ecton Copper Mines, G A Cox. Following the completion oflegal fonnalities, the Trust will become the owner ofthe relevant mineral rights, of the study centre at the entrance to Salts Level and the dressing area and adjacent hillocks.

The chief role of the Trust is to provide the facilities for' A' Level and University teachers to run field courses that have the primary aim of introducing young people to applied geology, metalliferous mining and mineral extraction. For many years, up to the foot and mouth outbreak of 200 1, such courses were run by a number of organisations of which the leading one was the Ecton Hill Field Studies Association (EHFSA). This is an association of enthusiastic volunteer schoolteachers, which still exists and is gearing up to resume its activities. It is planned to resume courses in 2007.

Left: Deep Ecton Level

Earby Mines Research Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1945

Email:

Membership: 28

Website:

Activities:

Area of interest:

Northern England especially the Yorkshire and Durham Dales.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Ordinary £5 plus insurance.

Publications:

Occasional Newsletter.

Archive collection:

Held in North Yorkshire County Record Office

Artefact collection:

Held at Earby Mine Research Group Museum, Earby. ( See Museum Section ).

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

None

Current projects:

Making mining history videos -for sale at Museum.
Underground projects in Arkengarthdale.

Publicity:

Leaflet available at Museum.

Services:

Full mining consultancy available by a qualified mining engineer.

Friends of Chatterley Whitfield

Contact:

Mike Wood, Secretary

Year formed: 2001

Email:

michaeltoyman [at] virginmedia.com

Membership: 41

Website:

http://www.chatwhitfriends.org.uk/

Activities:

Area of interest:

Chatterly Whitfield mining museum, North Staffordshire

Main geographical areas:

NWM

Classes of membership:

Individual £12 - Family £17
Junior £2 - Institutional £25
Corporate £50 - Honorary

Archive collection:

Contact Secretary

Artefact collection:

Contact Secretary

Current projects:

Archiving of Plans, photographs and documents
Promoting the site and the North Staffs Coalfield in Schools and talks to various professional organisations.

Publicity:

Introductory Leaflet

Additional Information:

The objects of the Friends shall be the education of the public in general by promotion, support, assistance and improvement of the Chatterley Whitfield site in co-operation the Stoke on Trent Council and its staff.

Updated: 28/09/2011

Friends of Killhope

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1984

Address:

c/o Killhope Lead Mining Museum,Cowshill, Upper Weardale, County Durham DL13 1AR

Email:

Membership: 320

Website:

http://www.killhope.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Publications and restoration work

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Individual £10. Family £15.
Senior Citizens & Students £7.50

Publications:

Newsletter published - 3 issues a year and occasional books.

Archive collection:

Available most Fridays from November to April at the Killhope Museum (Contact secretary).

Artefact collection:

Killhope Museum opening hours (see Killhope Lead Mining Museum).

Current projects:

Various restoration / consolidation projects at the Killhope Lead Mining Centre (See Museums Section). On-going archiving during the Winter months.

Publicity:

Leaflets and website

The principal aim of the Friends is to assist in restoration work at Killhope. This involves research as well as physical work, and members have free access to the site. Exploration, surveying and research are also carried on at some other sites in the Northern Pennines.

The photograph shows a working underground waterwheel. It demonstrates how mine water was pumped out of deeper workings. It has been constructed in a special chamber in a section of the mine that is visited on the Killhope underground tour.

Friends of the St Aidan's BE1150 Walking Dragline

Contact:

Dr. I.J. Brown

Year formed: 1997

Address:

95, Manygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield West Yorkshire WF2 7DL

Email:

Membership: 80

Website:

http://www.iarecordings.org/dragline

Activities:

Area of interest:

To assist in preserving the walking dragline at St. Aidans former opencast site, near Leeds. To arrange visits to other sites with draglines or historical associations.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Individual £5. Family £6. (One newsletter only)

Publications:

Newsletter - 4 issues a year, plus occasional Specials.

Archive collection:

Small collection relating to opencast coalmining only.

Artefact collection:

None at present

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

By appointment and on Open Days (details on internet site). Although it is only open on a limited number of days per year the dragline is visible to the public at any time at grid ref SE 399 287, satnav LS26 8AL.

Current projects:

To conserve the 1200 tonne BEl150 Walking Dragline which is over 60 years old and develop a visitors centre.

Publicity:

Historical Fact Sheet available.

Services:

Talks and guided tours.

Updated: 12/11/2011

The BE1150 is one of the few remaining examples of a large (greater than 1000 tons) Walking Dragline in western Europe. The first large dragline to be imported into the country from the USA was a BE (Bucyrus Erie) 1150B in 1948. It operated on an opencast coal site in Northumberland. Others were to follow, not just for coal sites, but at ironstone mines in the Northamptonshire/ Rutland areas. The St. Aidans BE1150 is not at present generally open to the public, but can be viewed from the road at Astley, between Swillington and Allerton Bywater to the south-east of Leeds, West Yorkshire at NG ref. SE 399 287. Visits can be arranged by contacting the Friends by writing to the above address.

The photograph (by Ivor Brown) on the left shows the BE1150, known as 'Oddball' because of its unusual electric equipment, being prepared for its final walk in January 1999.

Friends of Williamson's Tunnels

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1996

Address:

15-17, Chatham Place Liverpool Merseyside L7 3HD

Email:

info [at] williamsontunnels.com

Membership: 1100

Website:

http://www.williamsontunnels.com

Activities:

Area of interest:

Location and excavation of the Williamson's Tunnel, Liverpool

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Individual £5. Concession £3.50. Family £7.50. Overseas £10.00

Publications:

Members' newsletter The Mole, published twice a year.

Archive collection:

By enquiry to the society

Artefact collection:

By enquiry to the society

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Enquiries to the society

Current projects:

Ongoing projects to excavate two major sections of the Williamson Tunnels network

Publicity:

Website plus information booklets, video and DVD.

Services:

Illustrated talks, tours of the tunnels for members and special interest groups.

The Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels and underground caverns under the Edge Hill district of Liverpool in north-west England. They were built in the first few decades of the l800s under the control of a retired tobacco merchant called Joseph Williamson. The purpose of their construction was to give jobs to unemployed men. Although some of the tunnels have been lost over the years, a lot of them still exist today, under what is now a residential area.

The tunnels are cut in Triassic sandstone. The photograph shows 'Friends' digging out one of the vaulted tunnels.

Grosvenor Caving Club

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1982

Email:

Membership: c80

Website:

http://www.grosvenorcavingclub.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Lead mines and caves in north-east Wales

Main geographical areas:

NWal

Classes of membership:

Full and Associate membership £16. (Reduces quarterly)

Publications:

Approximately 6 Newsletters per annum.

Archive collection:

Large collection of old mine plans belonging to individual members. Contact: Stephen Brown, 8 Ffordd Mailyn, Wrexham LL13 7JB, for information.

Artefact collection:

None, but the Club have a register of underground artefacts still in situ. Contact the Secretary, for information.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

License for access to mines on the Grosvenor and other Estates. For access to the Milwr Tunnel and Halkyn mines, contact the Access Officer: - Stephen Brown (Contact address above).

N.B. Visits to the Milwr Tunnel require BCA Insurance.

Current projects:

Continuing exploration of the Halkyn Mines and several other projects.

Services:

Consultancy work carried out by several members. Contact the Secretary for details.

In the 24 years since the club's formation, the GCC have re-opened ten important mines in which 26 miles of passage have been explored. The club's chief activity is the re-opening of old lead mines in Flintshire and Denbighshire where several major excavations are currently under way. Access agreements are in place for the Milwr Tunnel and Halkyn mines and the club regularly take visiting clubs from all over the country into these workings.

Most of Halkyn Mines are reached via the Milwr (sea-level) Tunnel. Exploration then centres on pushing upwards. This photograph shows a passage and stope 400 feet above the Milwr Tunnel, in the Great Halkyn Vein, some two miles from the entrance. The surface is a further 400 feet above.

Chris Ebbs

Goodluck Mine Preservation Club

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed:

Email:

secretary [at] goodluckmine.org

Website:

http://www.goodluckmine.org.uk/

Activities:

Area of interest:

Goodluck Mine, Middleton by Wirksworth, Derbyshire

Main geographical areas:

Current admission details:

The mine is accessible by appointment or on ‘open days’ but only to parties interested in mining history. The normal route for visitors is about 1/4 mile long and takes about 1 1/4 hrs to complete. There is a short stooping section as you enter, and then the roof can be low in sections, but is generally easy walking.

Above: inside at an ore chute

Right: the entrance

Great Orme Exploration Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1985

Email:

secretary [at] goes.org.uk

Membership: 46

Website:

http://www.goes.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Great Orme Llandudno, Gwydyr

Main geographical areas:

NWal

Classes of membership:

Underground £30.00 per year. Above ground £15 per annum.

Publications:

Great Orme Exploration Society Journal four times a year.

Archive collection:

Contact: Tom Parry, 3 Cromlech Road, Great Orme, Llandudno LL30 2JW

Artefact collection:

None

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Contact Gareth Davies -contact details above.

Current projects:

Many underground digs on the Great Orme. Shaft capping on the Great Orme.

GOES member Mark Beardsall at the portal of the Sims Engine Shaft

Grampian Speleological Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1961

Email:

enquiries [at] gsg.org.uk

Membership: 150

Website:

http://www.gsg.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Finding and exploring caves and mines in Scotland, publishing the results in the GSG Bulletin and producing regional guides. About 20% of activity is connected with abandoned mines.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Full membership is £31 including caving membership of BCA, or £20 for non-caving membership of BCA. Joint membership rates are £52 and £30. Reductions for those in full-time education, the unemployed and retired (over 65).

Publications:

GSG Bulletin-March and October every year. GSG Newsletter approximately four issues per year. The GSG has also published cave guides for Assynt, Skye, Appin, the Southern Highlands and Schichallion. Also available are Caves of Applecross and Kishorn (£6), 'De Profundis' (caving poetry book) (£3) and Decades in the Dark (50th Jubilee publication) (£20)

Archive collection:

Contact Honorary Recorder - Alan Jefferys (Tel: 0131-6611123. Email: goon90 [at] hotmail.com) NB. The GSG library is in the interlibrary loan system and its contents can be found on the GSG web site, as can a list of artefacts held in the club museum.

Artefact collection:

See Archive Collection.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

No cave or mine sites.

Current projects:

Campbell's Cave, Sutherland and Flood Resurgence No.2, Applecross. Producing new editions of Caves of Assynt and the Appin Cave Guide.

Publicity:

Prospectus

Services:

Club hut at Elphin, Sutherland. Self catering accommodation for up to 20. More details on web site. Bookings to hutbookings [at] gsg.org.uk

GSG member Peter Ireson standing by an ore chute in the New Level of the Tyndrum lead mines, Perthshire

Updated: 20/09/2011

Gloucester Speleological Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1956

Email:

Membership: c30

Website:

http://www.gloucester-speleo.org

Activities:

Area of interest:

Exploration of caves, and stone and iron mines.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Full £15 p.a. Family £21 p.a. Guest £5 (for 17 day period).

Publications:

Newsletter at irregular intervals.

Archive collection:

Held by Society Librarian. Contact via secretary.

Above: Looking at fire setting evidence in Old Ham Iron Mine

Right: Equipment and unsold pieces of cut stone in Lower Balls Green stone mine

Hades Caving Club

Contact:

Roger Gosling

Year formed: 1974

Email:

Membership: 50

Website:

http://www.hadescc.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Caving, Cotswold and Bath stone mines

Main geographical areas:

SWE

Classes of membership:

Full £20

Publications:

Occasional members newsletter

Current projects:

Mining projects conducted in conjunction with the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group

Kelly Mine Preservation Society

Contact:

Nick Walter

Year formed: 1984

Email:

Membership: 50

Website:

http://www.kellymine.freeserve.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Preservation and reconstruction of the Kelly Mine

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Ordinary £10 per annum. Honorary - nil.

Publications:

Monthly newsletters.

Archive collection:

Contact the secretary.

Artefact collection:

Contact the secretary.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Kelly Mine. Contact the secretary or Brian Brett (01626 834261)
-Site work party days are on the 1st Sunday of the month (except January).

Current projects:

1. Construction of an 18ft diameter water-wheel.
2. Stabilization of shaft collar.
3. Publication of a book on the Kelly Mine and micaceous haematite mines of the area.

Publicity:

Leaflet available.

The Kelly mine lies close to the village of Lustleigh within and on the east side of the Dartmoor National Park. The mine was first referred to in 1797 as a mine of 'black lead' and other substances. In reality the 'black lead' was micaceous haematite. The site retains a variety of features ranging from a Blackstone oil engine, Californian stamps, ore drying furnace and blacksmith shop. The restoration work is divided up into projects that are allocated to groups and individuals.

Left: Survey of the Californian Stamps at the Kelly Mine

Kent Underground Research Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1981

Email:

kurgsec [at] gmail.com

Membership: 110

Website:

http://www.kurg.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mines of Kent and Southeast England. Underground exploration.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Full members £25. Joint Members at shared address £22.50. Dual members insured elsewhere £10. Subscriber £10.

Publications:

Newsletter published four issues a year, and an annual research report.

Archive collection:

For access to the Group's archives contact Harry Pearman, tel: 01322523512 or Email: hape [at] aol.com

Artefact collection:

None held.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Contact the Secretary.

Current projects:

East Sussex limestone workings; Snape Wood iron mine.
Excavations into new underground sites, followed by conservation, stabilisation, and grilling, often in conjunction with Kent Bat Group.

Publicity:

Contact the Secretary.

Services:

Exploration, consultancy, preparation of reports.

Updated: 20/09/2011

Descending a well in north Kent

Laxey Mines Research Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1988

Email:

pete.geddes [at] manx.net

Membership: 20

Website:

http://www.manxmines.com

Activities:

Area of interest:

Isle of Man

Main geographical areas:

IOM

Classes of membership:

No subscription

Archive collection:

Contact Pete Geddes

Current projects:

Snaefell Wheel Project on the Laxey site

Services:

Consultancy

Access control:

Under review

A wheel in motion!
The Snaefell Mine waterwheel (50ft diam.) was originally erected at the head of Laxey Glen, in the late-1800s (top left). It was later sold to, and erected at, a china clay works at Blislands, Cornwall. In the 1970s the wheel was removed to the Llywernog Museum in Central Wales as a potential exhibit.

A few years ago the wheel was returned to the Isle of Mine and is now residing in a wheelpit on the Laxey Mine dressing floors (left), a few miles from its original site. Photographs courtesy of Sue Jones. (Editor)

Mine Explorer Society, The

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 2005

Email:

mike [at] mineexplorer.org.uk

Membership: 4

Website:

http://www.mineexplorer.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Underground photography

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

None available, still establishing a structure

Publications:

Website trip reports, approximately once a month

Archive collection:

Contact via email.

Publicity:

Internet site.

Services:

Mine Plans.

Additional information:

The Society exists to research and publish information for the use and enjoyment of like-minded people, and as such does not operate any organised underground trips other than those for the purposes of research. The Society at this stage of its development has no actual membership outside of the small group of people who run the Society.

We are always pleased to hear from people and will answer any emails received. If you have any information that you would like to share; or have any queries please contact us and help us in our attempts to put together a comprehensive library of old mining history.

Above: A junction past Baron's Chamber in Longcleugh Mine

Top left: Brownley Hill Low Level, at the junction where you drop out from the Scaleburn Cross Vein from Scaleburn Mine on the Rampgill to Brownley Hill through trip

Middle: The passages and flats above the horse level in Longcleugh Mine, on the way to Baron's Chamber

Bottom: Re-anchoring the rise which takes you into the flats above Bogg's Shaft, Longcleugh Mine

Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland Ltd

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 2001

Address:

Natural History Museum, Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Email:

nmonaghan [at] museum.ie

Membership: 65

Website:

http://www.mhti.com

Activities:

Area of interest:

All aspects of the mining heritage of all parts of Ireland.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Full member 25 Euro p.a. (£22)
Full member (concession) 15 Euro p.a. (£13)

In addition, BCA Insurance must be held by members, either directly from BCA or via MHTI:
Caver: 21 Euro p.a. (£17)
Non-caver: 7 Euro p.a. (£6)
Full-time student/Under 18 Caver: 10 Euro p.a. (£8)

The following Subscriber categories are NOT members of MHTI Ltd.
Publication Subscriber: 20 Euros p.a. (£18), aimed at libraries / armchair followers.
Corporate Subscriber: 100+ Euros p.a. (£90+), aimed at major sponsors. Publications and other entitlements to be agreed with each body, based to an extent on the amount paid annually.

Publications:

An annual Journal and 3 or 4 Newsletters each year.

Archive collection:

By appointment, contact secretary. See Internet site.

Current projects:

Preparation of mine inventory for all Irish counties.

Mines of Lakeland Exploration Society (MOLES)

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1991

Email:

coppermaid [at] aol.com

Membership: 140

Website:

Activities:

Area of interest:

Lake District and Northern Pennines.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Surface only £12 p.a. Full membership including underground is £25 per year.

Publications:

Two newsletters per year - January and June.

Archive collection:

Contact the secretary

Current projects:

Underground dig in Newlands Valley

Florence (Egremont) Haematite Mine in 1996. The last working metal mine in the area. (Ivor Brown Collection)

Northern Mine Research Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1960

Email:

Membership: 450

Website:

http://www.nmrs.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mining both national and international.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Full £15. Overseas £18.

Publications:

Newsletters - four issues per annum. 'British Mining' (Monographs and Memoirs), a minimum of two issues per annum.

Archive collection:

Contact the Recorder via the address above

Artefact collection:

Held at the Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum (see entry)

Current projects:

1. Yorkshire Coal Mines.
2. Lead mining population studies.
3. Development of research sources for internet site.
4. Conversion of Society records to GIS format.

Publicity:

Leaflets available from the address above.

Services:

Lectures and guided tours of mining remains and consultancy with respect to mining history and industrial archaeology.

NMRS Members working on the Hebden Aerial Ropeway Project

NORPEX Mining Research

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1980

Email:

wilkmining [at] telinco.co.uk

Membership: 12

Website:

Activities:

Area of interest:

Northern Pennines.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Full Membership £6. (Membership by invitation only)

Publications:

Occasional Newsletters and Information Sheets

Archive collection:

Consultation by request.

Artefact collection:

Small collection, contact Secretary.

Current projects:

Continued underground exploration at Nenthead and detailed surveying of the workings.
Photographic surveys of North Pennine mining and quarrying sites.
Specialist research on Alston Moor.

Services:

Advice, consultation and specialist visits.

The group continues to be centred upon Alston Moor, and specialises in detailed research relating to lead and zinc mining within that area and in particular the complex system at Nenthead. Members’ interests also cover the mining of fluorspar, iron and barytes within the North Pennines, as well as quarrying activities. Individual members give illustrated talks and lectures on many aspects of mining and quarrying and a wide range of subjects relating to local history, archaeology, mining personalities, etc.

Advice is given regarding local mine safety and access, and some members are closely associated with the Northern Pennine Heritage Trust and the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre.

Nent Force Level, Alston.
The Nent Force Level ran for nearly 5 miles between Alston and Nentheads. The photograph shows the entrance to the 3 1/4 mile long boat level section, c1900. P. Wilkinson Collection.

North Wales Caving Club
Clwb Ogofeydd Gogledd Cymru

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1972

Email:

Membership: 40

Website:

http://www.northwalescavingclub.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Caves and mines of North Wales.

Main geographical areas:

NWal

Classes of membership:

Single £20. Joint £26. Student / Unwaged / Retired £12.

Publications:

Regular newsletter.

Archive collection:

Held by individual members, contact Secretary.

Artefact collection:

Held by individual members, contact Secretary.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

For a list of sites with access controlled by the NWCC, contact the Secretary

The NWCC winching a shaft

Plymouth Caving Group

Contact:

Year formed: 1963

Email:

Membership: 48

Website:

http://www.plymouthcavinggroup.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Caves and mines particularly in Devon and Cornwall, also the rest of the United Kingdom and Abroad.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Single £25. Joint (2 persons) £41. The rate includes £16 BCA insurance per person.

Publications:

Newsletter / Journal published at least once a year.

Archive collection:

The Club has a large library, contact the Club Librarian A. Neill on 01752 -262206.

Artefact collection:

Contact Club Secretary.

Stopes at Wheal Fanny - August 2005
( Photo by Chris Popham from the Group’s website.)

Peak District Mines Historical Society Ltd

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1959
(Ltd.Co. in 1975)

Email:

Membership: 460

Website:

http://www.pdmhs.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mines and mining in and around the Peak District.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Ordinary £15. Joint £17. Family £19. Junior £7.

Publications:

Newsletters four issues per annum. 'Mining History' (Journal) two issues per annum. Occasional special publications.

Archive collection:

Held in Local Studies Dept. of Matlock Library.

Artefact collection:

Contact Peak District Mining Museum (See Museums Section).

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

The Society holds the surface lease at Magpie Mine at Sheldon, near Bakewell and has ownership of the Temple Mine at Matlock Bath. Contact Secretary and / or Cottage Wardens.
For access to the Good Luck Mine contact Paul Chandler on 01246-220773.

Current projects:

Improvements to facilities at the Magpie Mine Field Centre, Temple Mine, Horsebuttocks Mine & Old Millclose Mine.
Archaeological excavation at High Rake.
Maintenanceof access to GoodluckMine, Via Gellia.

Publicity:

Leaflet

The Magpie Mine Field Centre contains many interesting remains of 19th to 20th Century mining. The horse gin is a replica.

Plymouth Mineral and Mining Group

Contact:

Mr Steve Roberts

Year formed: 1970

Email:

Membership: 100

Website:

http://www.geocities.com/dolcoath/Pmmcpage.htm

Activities:

Area of interest:

Field trips, Journal, Publications, Advisory Panels, Preservation.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Classes of Membership: Ordinary (UK and European) £7.00,
Family and Institutional (UK and European) £8.00
Overseas £9.00

Membership Secretary;
Dedric Munro
20, Merrymeet,
Whitestone,
Exeter,
Devon EX4 2JP

Publications:

Three Journals (16pp) per annum.

Current projects:

Marke Valley - clearance of vegetation.

Publicity:

Internet site.

Services:

Any enquiries welcome. We will try to find someone to advise you.

Parys Underground Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1998

Email:

Membership: 30

Website:

http://www.parysmountain.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Exploration, conservation and promotion

Main geographical areas:

NWal

Classes of membership:

Full membership £6 per annum. Members must also hold BCA insurance either taken out through the Group, or by another channel (CDG or other caving club). This is an additional £18 for standard underground insurance.
Temporary membership (17 days) £10. This includes 17 days BCA underground insurance, for guided underground tours.

Publications:

Newsletter

Archive collection:

See internet sites: http:// www.copperkingdom.co.uk and http://www.amlwchdata.co.uk

Artefact collection:

Some artefacts on show at the Amlwch Industrial Heritage Centre Tel: 01407-832277. 0pen seasonally.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Contact:
Alan Kelly, Access Officer.
1, Bryn Seion, Rhosgoch,
Amlwch, Anglesey LL68 OAE Tel: 01407 711094

Current projects:

Negotiating leases for the Parys and Mona mines.

Publicity:

Heritage Trust leaflets for marked surface trail can be downloaded from http://www.copperkingdom.co.uk. Underground information sheet available on request via Group website.

Services:

Microbiological/mineralogical and geochemical analysis.

This mine has a proven history of 4000 years of copper mining. Bronze age sites and tools have been found underground. In the 18th century the Parys mines under Thomas Williams dominated the world market in copper.

The Parys mine open pit, with the ruins of the windmill on the skyline, once used for pumping

Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1964

Email:

Membership: 60

Website:

http://www.rfdcc.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Caves and mines in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Honorary, Full and Family membership. Subscription £12.

Publications:

Newsletter published bi-annually.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Access to old mines in the area via Forest of Dean Conservation and Access Group (FODCCAG). Contact secretary for further information.

Current projects:

Various digs in caves and old mines.

Photograph shows the Perseverance mine chimney that was consolidated by the Club in 1974

Russell Society, The

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1972

Email:

Membership: 520

Website:

http://www.russellsoc.org

Activities:

Area of interest:

Topographical mineralogy

Main geographical areas:

NWM

NWal

SWal

SWE

EMEA

Classes of membership:

Ordinary £15. Family £20. Student/Junior £10.

Publications:

Newsletter (twice yearly). Journal of the Russell Society (occasional).

Archive collection:

Contact the Honorary Librarian via the Secretary.

Current projects:

Cataloguing the Chatsworth Mineral Collection.

Publicity:

Information leaflet and internet site.

Additional Information:

The Russell Society is Britain's leading society specialising in topographical mineralogy. It is named after the eminent amateur mineralogist Sir Arthur Russell (1878-1964). The wide spectrum of membership ranges from beginners to professional mineralogists and geologists. Currently over 500 members are spread throughout the United Kingdom as well as overseas. The Society is organised into seven branches: Northern North West, Central, Wales and West, Southern, South East and South West.

The principal aims of the Society are the study, understanding, recording and conservation of minerals and mineralogical sites. The Society works closely with museums and other like-minded organisations in the pursuit of these aims. It encourages responsible collecting and exploration.

Each branch of the Society organises programmes of winter meetings inviting guest speakers and holds social events. There are excursions to sites of mineralogical and geological interest. Over forty winter meetings and fifty field meetings take place each year making the Russell Society programme the most extensive and varied of any comparable society in this country. Any member can attend any meeting.

Both formal symposia and informal discussion sessions are held and there is always a free exchange of ideas and knowledge between members. 'Hands-on' experience with mineral specimens is encouraged.

Shropshire Caving and Mining Club

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1959

Email:

wmdavies50 [at] hotmail.com

Membership: 90

Website:

http://www.serve.com/scmc/

Activities:

Area of interest:

Shropshire, mid and north Wales, Northern Pennines.

Main geographical areas:

NWM

Classes of membership:

Individual £15. Family £20. Junior £10.

Publications:

Quarterly Newsletter, Annual Journal and occasional Accounts.

Archive collection:

Members only.

Artefact collection:

Not kept by club.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Clive, Snailbeach, Huglith and Burgam mines in Shropshire.

Current projects:

Surveying Snailbeach smelter and mines.

Publicity:

See internet sites

Services:

Library, BCA Insurance, Training.

Above: Club members trying out the Hay phone in the Crawstone iron mine

Left: Traversing around a shaft in Clive Mine

South Derbyshire Mining Preservation Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1999

Email:

m_hudson [at] onetel.com

Membership: 40

Website:

Activities:

Area of interest:

South Derbyshire.

Main geographical areas:

EMEA

Classes of membership:

Ordinary £10.00. Joint Membership £10.00.

Publications:

Introductory Leaflet.

Archive collection:

Contact Secretary.

Artefact collection:

Contact Secretary.

Current projects:

Promoting South Derbyshire coal mining in schools / museums and community functions.

Cadley Hill Colliery: Overhead view of the Colliery and the entrance to the Little Coal Drift.

The aim of the Group is to collect and preserve all they can of the mining heritage of the South Derbyshire coal mining area. The collection of tools, books, photographs and multi-media is held at Gresley. The Group meets every first Thursday in the month at Gresley Miners Welfare Club. All are welcome.

South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 2002

Email:

secretary [at] sgmrg.co.uk

Membership: 125

Website:

http://www.sgmrg.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

South Gloucestershire area as a whole, coal mining.

Main geographical areas:

SWE

Classes of membership:

Classes of Membership: Full membership £15 in 2012 onward.

Publications:

Newsletter - four times a year.

Archive collection:

Contact: secretary [at] sgmrg.co.uk

Artefact collection:

Contact: chairman [at] sgmrg.co.uk

Current projects:

Archaeological Excavation at Serridge Pit, Henfield and supporting the Friends of Ram Hill Colliery at Ram Hill site

Publicity:

Display panels for use at museums, meetings and conferences etc.

Above: Remains of horse gin house

Right: Engine house: Ram Hill Colliery

St Just Mine Research Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1983

Email:

info [at] tinmining.co.uk

Membership: 24

Website:

http://www.tinmining.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

All aspects of mining in the St. Just area of Cornwall.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Full membership £15 (plus a supplement if underground insurance is required).

Shropshire Mines Trust

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1995

Email:

mike.worsfold [at] tiscali.co.uk

Membership: 140

Website:

http://shropshiremines.org.uk/

Activities:

Area of interest:

Shropshire and adjacent areas.

Main geographical areas:

NWM

Classes of membership:

Members £6 per family plus insurance.
Friends £6 per family.

Publications:

Quarterly Newsletters; Leaflets about mine sites and proposed guide books / publications.

Archive collection:

Contact Secretary.

Artefact collection:

Contact Secretary.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Snailbeach -always open to visitors. Buildings are unlocked and attended most Sundays during summer, and by special arrangements.
Tankerville -site open to public 364 days per year.

Current projects:

Restoration and conservation work on South Shropshire mines and the Alverley area.

Services:

Management & consultancy on mining site, heritage, bat surveys.

Other activities:

Preservation of remains; Presentation of mining remains to the public; Management of Snail beach Mine site; Demonstrations;

SMT members at Tankerville Mine

Subterranea Britannica

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1974

Email:

secretary [at] subbrit.org.uk

Membership: 1000+

Website:

http://www.subbrit.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

All man-made and man-used underground spaces.

Main geographical areas:

IOM

NWM

NWal

SWal

SWE

EMEA

Classes of membership:

Ordinary membership £19. Overseas £28.

Publications:

'Subterranea'.

Archive collection:

Contact Paul W. Sowan

Additional information:

Subterranea Britannica is a UK-based society for all those interested in man-made and man-used underground structures and space. Founded in 1974, the society (often known simply as Sub Brit) has grown to over a thousand members. Our interests cover all manner of underground sites, from Neolithic flint mines to nuclear bunkers. Many of these sites are documented on this website. Some can be easily visited, others require more specialist training or equipment; some, sadly, no longer exist.

Sub Brit's activities include twice-yearly meetings with presentations from speakers and updates from members. Regular visits are held to underground sites both in the UK and overseas and a number of weekend trips are made which give the opportunity to study an area in more depth (pun intended!). A magazine named Subterranea is published three times a year with details of recent research and visits. Sub Brit's website, publications and many of our activities are accessible to the public in line with our objectives to benefit the public at large. Membership is available to anyone who wishes to support the aims of the society and get more involved. Current members include many who are world experts in their chosen field.

The society is run by an annually elected committee and enjoys good relationships with other UK groups such as the Council for British Archaeology and English Heritage. In addition Sub Brit has strong links with similar organisations elsewhere in Europe. All trips and visits made by the society are done with the permission of site or land owners and follow appropriate safety guidelines.

Updated: 23/09/2011

Trevithick Society, The

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1935

Address:

PO Box 62, Camborne, Cornwall TR147ZN

Email:

secretary [at] trevithick-society.org.uk

Membership: 500+

Website:

http://www.trevithick-society.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Industrial history research,surveying, book publishing, lectures and field trips. The society covers mining and general industrial archaeology.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Individual £15. Family, Overseas and Corporate £18.
Student (under 18) £5.

Publications:

Quarterly Newsletters and an Annual Journal.

Archive collection:

By arrangement.

Artefact collection:

See King Edward Mine

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

See King Edward Mine

Current projects:

Development of King Edward Mine.

Publicity:

Material available

Additional information:

The Society traces its beginnings to 1935, when a group of individuals acquired for preservation a number of Cornish beam pumping and winding engines, which were about to be replaced or scrapped. This far sighted group formed the Cornish Engines Preservation Society and were in the vanguard of the preservation movement. In 1969 this society combined with the Cornish Water-wheel Preservation Society to create the Trevithick Society. The name was chosen in honour of Cornwall's greatest engineer, Richard Trevithick (1771 -1833), a key figure in the development of high pressure steam and its application for mining and transport use.

The Society has a regular programme of ectures, outings and other meetings. Together with the National Trust, the Society was responsible for the restoration to steam working of the Levant beam whim engine. The study of mining history and its remains does however form the main theme for the Society's interests and activities. Members interests embrace a wider spectrum of our industrial past, including all the trades that arose to service the mining industry; the foundries, the manufacture of explosives and safety fuse. Also studied is the development that took place in the design and production of machinery. Wider interests include trade, transport and social history.

Wealden Cave and Mine Society

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1967

Email:

Howard.Walden [at] hwaltd.co.uk

Membership: 80

Website:

http://www.wcms.org.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Underground sites of Surrey / natural caves of Somerset.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Annual membership £26. Includes Public Liability insurance.

Publications:

'News of the Weald' (members only) 4 times per annum.

Archive collection:

Any request from non-members to access online archives considered on its merit.

Artefact collection:

None held.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Leaders can be provided for a number of sites in East Surrey on request.

Current projects:

Discovery and study of mine workings at Merstham and Godstone, Surrey.

Publicity:

See Internet site.

Additional information:

The Society was originally named "Unit Two Cave Research and Exploration". It was formed in 1967 from two then existing groups, hence the former title. The new name was adopted in 1990.

The photograph shows WCMS members in Barons Cave, Reigate for which the Society have a licence to open the cave to the public.

Welsh Mines Preservation Trust
Yr Ymddiriedolaeth Cadwraeth Mwynfeydd Cymru

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1992

Email:

WMPTSecretary [at] welshmines.org

Membership: 60+

Website:

http://www.mikemunro.cwc.net/mininglwmpt/wmpt_fun.htm

Activities:

Area of interest:

Mines of Wales

Main geographical areas:

NWal

SWal

Classes of membership:

Ordinary member £8.00 per annum

Publications:

Newsletters -twice a year.

Current projects:

1. Catherine and lane Consols near Penrhyndeudraeth. Clearance of undergrowth and trees from mine structures. Some of the structures have been stabilised and fenced off. The Biglands' waterwheel pit has been cleared of silt and a stream diverted. This is an ongoing project with two working weekends a year. Contact the Secretary.
2. Mid-Wales. Small active group in carry out projects. During 2005 the group cleared gorse away from the entrance of Taylor's Incline Plane at Goginan.
3. Heritage Weekends -August Bank Holiday. An initiative to forge links between the local community and the Trust. It includes guided walks and an evening event of talks and slide shows. Previous events have been held at Cwmystwyth mine.
4. Glyn Pits, Pontypool. Ongoing project to restore the engine houses in conjunction with the local council and various other organisations. The project has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Ground clearance by WMPT members at the Catherine and lane Consols mine, North Wales

Wirksworth Mines Research Group

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1978

Email:

Membership: 20

Website:

Activities:

Area of interest:

Lead mines and soughs, Wirksworth area, Derbyshire.

Main geographical areas:

Classes of membership:

Ordinary £30

Archive collection:

Extensive photographic records

Artefact collection:

Donated to Peak District Mining Museum.

Owned or leased site
or access controlled:

Access to mines in the Wirksworth area. Underground visits must be accompanied by Group members.

Current projects:

Bage Mine and Alabaster Sough.

Services:

Two powered winches and two generators.

Club Headquarters:

Bage Cottage, Bolehill, Wirksworth.

The Peak District of Derbyshire undoubtedly has many more secrets to reveal in addition to the Wills Founder water pressure engine pictured left. The engine was found in 1975 by members of the North Staffordshire Mining Club 360ft down a vertical shaft. Many organisations were subsequently involved in 1976 with the raising of the engine. Help consisted of the donation of equipment or financial aid plus a whole team of helpers as the recovery work progressed. The engine is now on public display in the Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire.

The photograph by P.R. Deakin, shows the engine in-situ just prior to Its recovery.

Welsh Mines Society
Cymdeithas Mwyngloddiau Cymru

Contact:

Secretary

Year formed: 1979

Email:

secretary [at] welshmines.org

Membership: 220

Website:

http://www.welshmines.org

Activities:

Area of interest:

Welsh Mining History.

Main geographical areas:

NWal

SWal

Classes of membership:

Newsletter only £5 p.a. Overground (field meetings) £10 p.a. Underground £20 p.a.

Publications:

Two Newsletters per year (typically 40-plus A5 pages) per year (Spring and Autumn) plus occasional volumes in the series Welsh Mines and Mining.

Current projects:

Many members are involved with individual research projects. Most archaeological and conservation projects are done in conjunction with the sister organisation, the Welsh Mines Preservation Trust.

Services:

Some members carry out a mining history consultancy.

Activities:

Two weekend field meets per year (or, in some years, a weekend field meet plus a one-day conference).

Updated: 09/11/2011

Welsh Mines Society weekend field meetings are held twice a year and are well attended. The photograph shows the late David Bick (inset), founder and first President of the Society, addressing members on a visit to a mid-Wales lead mine site.

Affiliate members

Coal Authority, The

Address:

The Coal Authority, 200 Lichfield Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4RG
Tel (Work): 01623 638250 Fax: 01623 427316

Email:

johndelaney [at] coal.gov.uk

Website:

http://coal.decc.gov.uk/

Activities:

Main geographical areas:

NWM

NWal

SWal

EMEA

Activities:

The Coal Authority was established by Parliament to undertake specific statutory responsibilities associated with: (i) licensing coal mining operations in Britain; (ii) handling subsidence damage claims which are not the responsibility of licensed coalmine operators; (iii) dealing with property and historic liability issues, such as treatment of minewater discharges, and (iv) providing public access to information on past and present coal mining operations. Accounts and Report are published annually at the end of July and Environmental News annually in September. Current projects include the 'Access to Mineral Heritage' website (http://www.mineral.org.uk).

Connections with mining history:

The Mining Records Office at the Coal Authority headquarters holds three main sets of records:
Coal Abandonment Plans. The Mining Records office houses the collection of coal abandonment plans (deposited since 1872), covering both opencast and deep mining operations. The collection numbering in excess of 100,000 plans. All plans have been microfilmed, and prints can be supplied from the microfilms as per current charges, a quotation for which can be supplied upon request.
The Coal Holdings Register and associated records dealt with the transfer in ownership of coal prior to the Nationalisation of the Coal Industry on the 1 January 1947. In conjunction with the Registers, the collection includes 26,500 former Coal Commission claim files that contain the relevant plans and Mining Leases, to supplement the Register entry.
The Licence Register contains information on all current granted licences together with any applications for the same received by the Coal Authority.

Inspection of Records -All the above records, which cover England, Scotland and Wales, can be viewed at the Mining Records Office, any day Monday to Friday, between the hours of 09.00 and 12:00 and 13:30 to 16:30 (13:00 to 16:00 Fridays), subject to the making of a prior appointment.
Telephone number 01623 638233, Fax number 01623 629100.
The inspection of coal abandonment plans is free of charge subject to a maximum visit of half a day per working week. Visits in excess of half a day per working week will be subject to a room hire charge of £50 plus VAT per half day of visit.
Visits to view the Coal Holdings Register and the Licence Register are subject also to a charge of £50 plus VAT per half day visit.

Additional information:

There is a 24-hour call out service for Surface Hazards associated with coal workings and outcrops (e.g. shaft collapses, gas emissions, spontaneous combustion). The telephone number is: 01623 646333.

English Heritage
National Monuments Record

Address:

National Monuments Record Centre, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2GZ Tel: 01793-414600 Fax: 01793-414606

Email:

nmrinfo [at] english-heritage.org.uk

Website:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Activities:

Main geographical areas:

NWM

SWE

EMEA

Activities:

The National Monuments Record (NMR), English Heritage's extensive public archive, is based in the former GWR General Offices in Swindon. With over eight million photographs of historic buildings and aerial photographs, measured plans and reports, and a database of over 250,000 archaeological monuments in England, it is the first port of call for people interested in the historic environment. View this database on:-http://www.englishheritage.org.uk/pastscape-orhistoricphotographson:-http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ viewfinder.

Connections with mining history:

CONNECTIONS WITH MINING HISTORY
The NMR is national in scope. Its holdings include aerial photographic coverage for the whole country as well as all the surveys undertaken by the former RCHME, including those of the coal, Cornish tin and Lakeland slate mining industries. Other mining-related material has been deposited with the NMR by researchers, and the NMR's national database of archaeological monuments includes many extractive sites. Phone for details.

Additional information:

The public search room is open Tuesday -Friday between 9:30am and 5:00pm.
There is free on-site parking at Swindon, clear signposting, toilet facilities for disabled visitors and full access (via ramps and lift) for wheelchair users.

Access to consult the NMR is tree of charge and offers:
- complete coverage of England in air photographs.
- data on most archaeological sites, excavations and archive in England.
- records of all listed buildings and scheduled monuments in England.
- eight million photographs, plans and reports, which include industrial buildings.
- 32,000 reference books and journals, and 300,000 Ordnance Survey historical maps.
- specialist staff to help you get the most from the NMR.

NB Please pre-book your visit to ensure material is available

Publications can be ordered from English Heritage Postal Sales on 01761-453408 or via the English Heritage website.

Heritage of Industry Ltd

Contact:

Paul Saulter to 31/3/2012 then Bill Barksfield

Address:

(Bill Barksfield) Hunters Moon, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4HQ

Email:

bill [at] heritageofindustry.co.uk

Website:

http://www.heritageofindustry.co.uk

Activities:

Area of interest:

Industrial archaeological tours

Main geographical areas:

IOM

NWM

NWal

SWal

SWE

EMEA

Publicity:

See website

Information from the member's website:

We are the leading specalists in creating tours which give people the opportunity to explore the world of Engineering History and Industrial Archaeology and to discover Enterprise & Innovation over the Centuries.

We use our expertise to open up areas and sites to anyone who has an interest in this field and, using our many contacts, are often able to gain access to places not generally visited by, or indeed not open to, members of the public or other tour groups.

Tours are researched and led by experts in the field who provide a wealth of information to tour members many of whom return time and again to enjoy the experience of travelling with Heritage of Industry.

We are small, friendly and flexible and have been organising specialist tours to many parts of the world including the UK, Europe and further afield for more than 21 years.

We are also the exclusive overseas tour provider for the Association for Industrial Archaeology

Updated

I A Recordings

Address:

P.O.Box 476, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4RB

Email:

info [at] iarecordings.org

Website:

http://www.iarecordings.org

Activities:

Area of interest:

Digital cinematography & photography of Industrial Archaeology, particularly mining. Produce several new DVDs and Blu-ray^TM discs per year.

Main geographical areas:

NWM

NWal

SWal

SWE

EMEA

Publications:

Web site, map notes and occasional leaflets.

Archive collection:

Copies of tapes, discs, and photographs. Details of main contents available on the web site.

Activities:

Digital cinematography, surface & underground.

Additional information:

I.A. Recordings is a voluntary organisation formed in 1982 to make moving picture records of historic industry. We have shot hundreds of hours of broadcast video footage, covering everything from Aqueducts to Zinc mines; creating an archive for posterity and providing copies on DVD and Blu-ray^TM for sale to help fund the recording work.

Mining is particularly well represented with hundreds of disused and working mines recorded both above and below ground, in the UK and abroad. Since February 2005 all new footage has been shot in 'High Definition'. See our award-winning website at www.iarecordings.org for many details and an A-Z index of mines recorded.

Updated

IA Recordings at Snailbeach Lead Mine

Institution of Materials Minerals and Mining

Address:

1 Carlton House Terrace, London, SWl Y 5DB, UK Tel: 020 7451 7300 Fax: 020 7839 1702

Email:

Website:

http://www.iom3.org

Activities:

The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (10M3) was officially recognised by the UK's Privy Council on 26 June 2002. Created from the merger of The Institute of Materials (IOM) and The Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (IMM), the Institute intends to develop to be the leading international professional body for the advancement of materials, minerals and mining to governments, industry, academia, the public and the professions.

Materials Information Services
The Information Services group of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining provides a service for members, non-members, industry, academia and the public. The Information Services group provides both a technical enquiry service and more traditional library-style services. Company membership of the Institute through the Industrial Affiliate Scheme provides rapid access to all these services.

Technical Enquiry Service
Correct materials and process selection is fundamental to the success of a product get it right and profitability and product performance are maximised, get it wrong and poor performance and product failure soon lead to a damaged reputation in the marketplace.

The Institute's Materials Information Service typically handles 300 enquiries per month for advice and information from members, industry and academia alike.

Enquiries can be for specific information, eg details of operations at a specific mine, for details such as specifications, properties, materials selection, or for more comprehensive information such as an evaluative review of current state of the art.

In most cases an answer is given over the telephone, in others, depending on the time involved, within a few days. Call the Information Services Helpdesk on 020-7451-7360 / 7344 or 01302-320486.

The London office of the IOM3

John Goodchild Collection, The

Address:

Local History Study Centre, below Central Library, Drury Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 2DT Tel: 01924-298929 (Centre) 01924-891871 (Home)

Email:

None

Website:

http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/CultureAndLeisure/HistoricWakefield/Investigate/WhereToGo/JohnGoodchild/default.htm

Activities:

Main geographical areas:

Activities:

The Centre was opened in January 1995 to provide a regional historical service to individuals and communities. The richest part of the Collection relates to the area shown on the logo and contains a significant amount of material about the Yorkshire Coalfield.

Aims and purpose of the centre To utilise the Collection through: historical research facilities; advice and discussion; lectures, talks and guided walks; group visits to the Centre displays which change frequently; the continuing growth of the collection. The Centre is primarily for research. A publicity leaflet is available.

Availability The Centre is open, free of charge, bv appointment, at any time which is convenient to both the users and Mr Goodchild, including evenings and weekends. All are welcome -dogs too. Appointments can be made by letter or by telephone, although costs preclude the provision of Ansaphone or Fax services. Photocopying is not available, but source material if it is in a suitable format may be photographed, and the Collection source must be acknowledged.

The collection This relates primarily, although by no means exclusively, to the area of the West Riding of Yorkshire, shown on the logo. The Collection includes material from the twelfth century onwards, and it is especially rich in source materials of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The material has been derived from active collecting over more than four decades. Gifts, purchases or finds have come from or been made by industrialists, institutions, solicitors, accountants, surveyors, individuals, and from a constant combing of auction sales and booksellers and second-hand shops, and from derelict premises.

Indexes and lists A card index of some tens of thousands of items is available and there are detailed listings of larger collections. A process that still continues, thanks to a recently deposited collection. There are also Mr Goodchild's own research files -some hundreds in number.

Lectures, talks and displays The Centre is able to seat some two dozen persons. Groups or individuals are offered lecture series or single talks, and each of these will be illustrated with examples of the source materials on which it is based. Special displays will be put on for visitors who have a particular interest in some place, person or subject. All are free.

Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Wales

Address:

Crown Buildings, Plas Crug, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 1Nl Tel: 01970-621200 Fax: 01970-627701

Email:

nmr.wales [at] rcahmw.gov.uk

Website:

http://www.rcahmw.gov.uk.

Activities:

RCAHMW, founded in 1908, is the national Welsh body of archaeological and architectural survey and record. It maintains the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW),a national public archive, database and information service. NMRW holds over a million photographs (both ground and air), drawings, maps, published works and manuscript material relating to sites from the earliest prehistoric periods to the most recent industrial landscapes. The information is made available via the free public online database -Coflein, which combines information about archaeological sites and buildings of all periods, with catalogue information about the NMRW archive collections.

Connections with mining history:

RCAHMW is concerned with the recording of all archaeological sites, buildings and historic landscapes, including those associated with mining. Records resulting from this work, together with records from many other organisations and individuals, are deposited in the NMRW and are available for public consultation. The NMRW is pleased to receive gifts or deposits of suitable material to enhance the collections.

Additional information:

The public information service may be accessed in person by visiting the NMRW search room at Plas Crug (open each weekday from 9.30 to 16.00); please note that a prior appointment is advisable. The service can also be accessed remotely by post, telephone, fax, internet site, or email. No charge, other than for copies of material (price list on request), is made for this service.

Further information, including current projects, publications in print and the RCAHMW's newsletter Cofrod, is available on the website. Alternatively please contact NMRW Reader Services at the above address.

Museum members

BCLM

CIMM

HCMM

MLM

KMM

KLMM

LSLM

NCM

NSC

PDMM

PCH

SMM

YDMM

UK map

MINING MUSEUMS

The museums show on the map are themselves members of NAHMO or are operated by NAHMO organisations. Some are devoted solely to one aspect of mining, while others include mining as part of a more extensive programme. The descriptive pages which follow list the more usual facilities, while the educational, preservation, storage and the research aspects are described more fully in the text where they are available.

ACCURACY OF INFORMATION In the world of the museums, facilities are continually being altered, generally to extend and improve them, but occasionally having to contract or close for various reasons. The details in these Handbook pages are accurate at the time of going to print, but NAHMO cannot accept responsibility for subsequent changes. If you are travelling any distance, or stewarding a large party, we would certainly suggest a prior telephone call to confirm availability. This caveat also extends to entrance fees and opening times.

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES Many museums cater for school parties, etc., though facilities vary greatly. Some have worksheets only, some have special rooms available for hire and some provide a guide. Most allow a free initial visit for teachers to view facilities and make arrangements. Details are found on the museum pages.

RESEARCH FACILITIES Most museums collect relevant books and archive material. Where available this has been listed, but emphasis is placed on the necessity to make prior arrangements to consult this material.

PRESERVATION FACILITIES All museums collect artefacts, many of which cannot be put on public display for lack of sufficient space. They welcome the donation or loan of appropriate items, and are often pleased to allow researchers to examine stored items -again we stress the necessity to make firm prior arrangements with the museum. Larger museums have on-site preservation capabilities, while smaller museums may have to keep items elsewhere

OTHER FEATURES Many museums provide a range of other attractions such as souvenir shops, surface trails, workshops and railway relics as well as services such as cafes or tea rooms, picnic areas and occasional barbecue hearths. Special one-day events are sometimes organised perhaps revolving around some local mining tradition. Some museums often make provisions for holding conferences, functions and even parties. The list of topics below is cross-referenced to the activities section on each Museum page. To find out what events and what additional facilities may be available, contact the museum or the local tourist information office. The locations of museums are also given a map reference using the national grid coordinates (NGR).

Black Country Living Museum

Contact for visits:

Booking office; 0121-520-8054

Year established: 1978

Address:

Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SQ

Email:

info [at] bclm.co.uk

Website:

http://www.bclm.co.uk

Show on museum map

Activities:

Area of interest:

Black Country (southern part of the South Staffordshire Coalfield).

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

March to October open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.
November to February open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Christmas Day.

Current admission details:

Adults £11.00. Children (5 to 18) £6.00.
Concessions (senior citizens) £9.00. Student £6.00.
Family (2 adults and 3 children) £30.00

Educational facilities:

Contact museum via booking office.

Archive collection:

Contact Curatorial Department

Artefact collection:

Contact Curatorial Department

Current projects:

Further development of Brook Shaft small colliery, depending on availability of funding.

Publicity:

Leaflets available.

Location:

Tipton Road, Dudley is near Castle Hill at NGR SO 950 912

How to get there:

Easily accessible by road, rail, bus and canal.

Additional Information:

The museum consists of several sites which represent local life and industry during the 19th and 20th centuries. The centrepiece is the village, which comprises buildings which have been reconstructed in situ. Other sites include an iron works, a canal dock, a tramway and a fairground.

Boat trips take visitors by canal tunnel into the old limestone mines. Electric tram or trolley bus rides can be taken through the museum site. There is a full scale working replica of a Newcomen Steam Engine as used from about 1712 to pump water from Lord Dudley's local mines.

Visitors may explore a full scale reconstructed coal mine showing how a 7 metres thick seam was worked locally. It is entered via a drift entrance. There is also an audiovisual presentation in the mine.

A second colliery exhibit is the reconstruction of the Racecourse Colliery, complete with surface equipment and a steam operated winding engine. A third colliery at Brook Shaft is being constructed to show more modem operations and equipment and it is hoped that eventually visitors may be able to view the actual workings underground.

The museum also contains a well stocked gift shop, a Cafe that can provide a three-course meal, whilst the "Bottle & Glass" pub serves traditional Black Country Ale.

Clearwell Caves - Ancient Iron Mines

Contact for visits:

Jonathan Wright

Year established: 1968

Address:

Clearwell Caves - Ancient Iron Mines, Near Coleford, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire GLl6 8JR Tel: 01594-832535

Email:

TBA

Website:

http://www.cIearwellcaves.com

Show on museum map

Activities:

Area of interest:

Iron ore mining

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

12th February to 31st October. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Weekends only in January and February 10:00 am 5:00 pm

Current admission details:

Adult £4.50. Children £2.80. Concessionary £4.00

Educational facilities:

Contact museum

Archive collection:

Contact museum

Artefact collection:

Contact museum

Publicity:

Guide books, leaflets and other occasional publications

Location:

1.5 miles south of Coleford town centre at NGR SO 576 082

How to get there:

By Road: Leave the M5 at junction 11 and follow the A40 towards Ross-on-Wye. Turn left onto the A4136 towards Monmouth and then left again onto the B4228 towards Coleford. Pass through Coleford and turn right at the Lambsquay Hotel. Clearwell Caves are signposted from Coleford. By Rail and Bus: The nearest station is at Lydney Then 722 bus -alight at Milkwall -0.5 mile walk. The Stage Coach bus No. 31 from Gloucester also stops at Milkwall.

Additional information:

The caves are a natural system in Carboniferous Limestone, known locally as 'Crease' limestone. The caves became partially filled with iron ore. The underground tour is unaccompanied and takes the visitor through nine well-lit caverns. There are displays of minerals, mining tools and machinery. Traces of older mining techniques such as fire-setting and use of picks may be seen on the walls. Stout footwear is recommended, however the mine is unsuitable for the less able.
Parking is free and there is a large picnic area. The tea room sells snacks and refreshments. A variety of gifts and information on local mining are also on sale.
Guided tours can also be arranged for the more adventurous groups (over 15 people). They involve some climbing, some crawling and getting dirty! Experienced guides ensure that the trips are educational and interesting. Helmets and lamps are supplied. Telephone for details.

Clearwell Caves now produce a range of paints (yellow, red and purple ochre) made from the native iron ores suitable for artwork. decor and pottery glazes. Telephone for details and leaflet, or email ochre [at] clearwellcaves.com.

Visitors examine one of the iron-working caverns on the unaccompanied tour

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
(formerly The Tom Leonard Mining Museum)

Contact for visits:

Alan Chilton

Year established: 1983

Address:

Deepdale, Skinningrove, Saltburn on Sea, Cleveland TS14 8JB

Email:

visits [at] ironstonemuseum.co.uk

Website:

Show on museum map

Activities:

Area of interest:

Guided tours

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

Open daily 1:00to 4:00 (1st April to 31st October)
Closed 1st November to 31st March except for school visits and special bookings.
Group bookings all year (10 or more people).

Current admission details:

Adults £4.00. Children £2.00. Family (2 + 2) £10.00.

Educational facilities:

Guided tours / beach walk. Contact Lynn Laines.
Teachers packs and worksheets are available for Key Stages 1and2.

Archive collection:

Telephone museum prior to visit.

Artefact collection:

Telephone museum prior to visit.

Publicity:

Leaflet and Internet site.

Location:

Skinningrove,just off the A174 Road (Saltburn to Whitby)
NGR NZ 712192.

How to get there:

By Road: Take the A174 from Middlesbrough towards Whitby. After passing through Saltburn look for the Museum sign, where you will turn left.
By Rail: Station at Saltburn.
By Bus: There is a hourly local bus service from Saltburn.

Additional Information:

The Museum is built on the site of the old Loftus Mine, which was worked for ironstone between 1865 and 1958. The museum offers free car parking, shop, a picnic area and toilets. Induction loop and wheelchairs available.

The Museum (right) is based in the old Loftus Mine engine house.

Haig Colliery Mining Museum

Contact for visits:

Pamela Telford.

Year established: 1999

Address:

Solway Road, Kells, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 9BG

Email:

museum [at] haigpit.com

Website:

http://www.haigpit.com

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Mining museum on the site of the last deep coal mine in Cumbria

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

Seven days a week 9:00am. to 4:30pm. .

Current admission details:

Free

Educational facilities:

Contact Pamela Telford

Current projects:

Phase 2 development of former derelict area for community use, restoration of a blacksmiths forge, four locomotives (3 diesel, 1 steam) being restored.

Location:

Kells, Whitehaven, Cumbria. NGR NX 966 176

How to get there:

Follow signs from Whitehaven town centre.

Additional Information:

Haig Colliery (named after General, Sir Douglas Haig, Commander in Chief of the British Forces) was the last working deep mine in the Cumberland Coalfield. The shafts, sunk between 1914 and 1918 by the Whitehaven Colliery Company Limited, were 366m deep. Drivages extended out from the shafts under the Irish Sea to access the Upper Metal Band coal seam. In 1980, the mine employed 938 men and produced 372,800 tonnes of coal. The colliery officially closed on the 27th March 1986. Most of the site was demolished but the headgear and winding engine house were saved and were given listed building status in 1987. There are two original Bever Dorling steam winding engines, one of which has been restored to working order. The single head frame is one of only two left in Cumbria.

Interior of the Winding Engine House

Killhope, The North of England
Lead Mining Museum

Contact for visits:

lan Forbes.

Year established: 1984

Address:

Cowshill, Upper Weardale, County Durham DU3 1AR

Email:

killhope [at] durham.gov.uk

Website:

http://www.durham.gov.uk/killhope

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Activities:

Area of interest:

North Pennine lead mining and ore separation. See also Friends of Killhope.

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

1st April to 31st October: Daily 10:30am to 5:00pm.
Extended opening hours on Bank Holidays and during school Summer holidays.

Current admission details:

Surface only Including mine.
Adult £4.50 £6.00
Child £1.70 £3.00
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £11.00 £17.00
Over 60s / Concessions. £4.00 £5.50

Educational facilities:

Killhope specialises in arranging visits to suit all ages and interests, with guided tours.

Archive collection:

By appointment.

Artefact collection:

By appointment.

Current projects:

New exhibits: Sir Kingsley Dunham display of North Pennine minerals and spar boxes. Completion of two replica and working Brunton buddies and reconstruction of sizing trommels in the jigger house by the Friends of Killhope.

Location:

Beside the A689 between Stanhope & Alston NGR NY 825 431.

How to get there:

By Road: Leave the M6 at junction 40. and follow the A686 to Alston. Turn right onto the A689, when the Centre is on the right hand side, midway between Alston and Stanhope.
By Bus: Buses run regularly to Killhope via Stanhope. During the summer months there are direct connections from further afield.

Additional information:

The Centre is developed on the site of a large 19th century ore dressing mill. The most imposing feature is the 34ft diameter overshot waterwheel which once operated machinery in the mill building. Working hand dressing machinery. Underground there is another working waterwheel used to demonstrate how water was pumped out of the deeper mine workings. Staff on the site are trained in disability awareness and wherever possible are available to assist. The Visitor Centre contains exhibits, a cafe and a well stocked gift shop. There is ample free parking.

Keswick Mining Museum

Contact for visits:

Ian and Jean Tyler

Year established: 1988

Address:

Otley House, Otley Road, Keswick, Cumbria CA125LE

Email:

coppermaid [at] aol.com

Website:

http://www.keswickminingmuseum.co.uk

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Area of interest:

Cumbria

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

10.00amto 5.00pm every day of the week but closed Mondays in January and February.
Excludes Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day.

Current admission details:

Adults £3.00. Children £1.50. Under 6s free.

Educational facilities:

Talks given in museum and at outside venues, worksheets provided free of charge for children. Contact Ian or Jean.

Archive collection:

Contact Ian Tyler.

Artefact collection:

Contact Ian Tyler.

Location:

Across the road from Bell Close car park as one drives into Keswick from the first turning from A66.

How to get there:

From the M6 motorway turn onto A66 at junction 40, turn off A66 for Keswick at first exit and stay on one way road system.

Llywernog Silver - Lead Mine

Contact for visits:

Year established: 1974

Address:

Llywernog Mine Museum, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AB

Email:

silverrivermine [at] aol.com

Website:

http://www.silverminetours.co.uk

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Metalliferous mining in Wales

Main geographical areas:

NWal

SWal

Opening times:

Every day from April to August. 10:00am. to 6:00pm. Last admissions 4:00pm. September to October 11:00am to 5:00pm Last admissions 3:00pm.Closed on Saturdays except for August. Open for groups by arrangement in Winter months.

Current admission details:

Adult £6.50. Senior Citizen / Student £5.50.
Children (aged 4 to 15) £3.95. Family (2+2) £18.50.
(additional children £2.75 )

Educational facilities:

Contact Peter Lloyd Harvey

Archive collection:

Mainly on display, contact Peter Lloyd Harvey.

Artefact collection:

Mainly on display, contact Peter Lloyd Harvey.

Current projects:

Dig in the Pooles stope to extend the tour / renovation of the gunpowder magazine.

Publicity:

Leaflets available.

Location:

On the north side of the A44 at GR SN 732 809.

How to get there:

By Road: On A44, 11miles east of Aberystwyth.
By Rail: There is a main line stationat Aberystwyth and a station at Devils Bridge (Vale of Rheidol Narrow Gauge Railway.
By Bus: A bus runs from Aberystwyth to Ponterwyd.

Additional Information:

Llywernog is a fine
example of a Welsh water-powered metalliferous mine. A trail takes visitor around the machinery and displays that illustrate various ore-dressing processes, from ore crushing to mineral separation. Surfaces features include a reconstructed horse-gin, windlasses and working waterwheels. The panning shed presents an opportunity to try your hand atwashing mined minerals. There is easy underground access to Balcombes's Level which was driven to intersect the Main Lode in 1790.

There is free coach and car parking, and free access to the Shop and Tea Room. which provides light refreshment. There is also a picnicsite.

Display of waterwheels at Llywernog.

Hidden Treasures - Museum of Lead Mining

Contact for visits:

Gwen Smart.

Year established: 1974

Address:

Wanlockhead Museum Trust, Wanlockhead via Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6UT

Email:

miningmuseum [at] hotmail.com

Website:

http://www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Preservation and interpretation of the Scottish metal mining industry.

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

Daily from 31st March to 31st October -11:00am.to 4:30pm.
July, August and Bank Holidays 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Current admission details:

Adults £5.50. Child £4.00. Concessionary £4.00. Family (2 adults + 2 children) £17.50.

Educational facilities:

Contact Brian Montgomery, Manager.

Archive collection:

Access to archives by appointment

Artefact collection:

Artefacts are on display.

Current projects:

Archive database project.

Publicity:

Leaflets available.

Location:

Wanlockhead. NGR NS 870 130

How to get there:

By Road: Driving south from Glasgow the Museum is signposted off the M74 at Abington. Then take the A76 and B797 to Mennock which passes through Wanlockhead.
From the south take the A76 and turn right onto the B7040. At Leadhills turn onto the B797 to Wanlockhead.

Additional information:

The Visitor Centre houses displays relating to mining, minerals and smelting. Exploration of the surrounding mines has resulted in the discovery of a horizontal hydraulic engine in-situ underground. A model illustrates how the engine worked. There is a guided underground trip into the Lochnell Mine Level where mining techniques are described.

The Straightsteps Cottages have been converted into typical miners accommodation of 1740 to 1890. Adjacent to the cottages lies a unique wooden water-balance engine which worked between 1875 and 1943. (See photograph page 24) Other features to visit include the Miners Library, Smelting Mill and Wheel Pits. Surface displays illustrate methods of raising ore. Car parking is free. The Centre houses a gift shop and a 60 seater licensed tea room. Large groups can be catered for if a booking is made in advance. There is wheelchair access throughout the museum.

Moseley Museum

Contact for visits:

Colin & Diana Saxton

Year established:

Address:

Tumblydown Farm, Tolgus Mount, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3TA

Email:

colinsaxton494 [at] btinternet.com

Website:

http://www.moseleymuseum.com/

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Industrial narrow gauge, tramway and toy museum

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

MOSELEY MUSEUM is open to the public on selected days and on an appointment basis throughout the year. All visitors are most welcome. Individual and group visits can be accommodated.

Current admission details:

The Museum does not CHARGE for visits. However voluntary donations towards restoration and to assist with running costs are accepted with thanks.

How to get there:

From Exeter follow the A30 signs to Redruth. Take the second exit off the dual carriageway past Chiverton Cross roundabout, signed Redruth. Bear right onto the Redruth by-pass following the signs for Camborne. At the end use the large roundabout to turn back onto the by-pass. Take the third exit left opposite the Tesco filling station and signed Tricky Dickies. Follow this lane over the A30 passing Tricky Dickies. Tumblydown Farm is about 200 yards further on your right.

Additional information:

At Moseley Museum a series of walk through galleries depict various scenes underground and on the surface as would have been found in smaller British coal mines, including an 1805 pit bottom, a chain haulage tramway, a stables, a lamp room and pit cages. All exhibits in this section of the museum are static and some have yet to be completed. Completion date is summer 2009.

Above: General view of the narrow gauge site
Left: Mining exhibits

National Coal Mining Museum for England

Contact for visits:

Bookings Officer.

Year established: 1988

Address:

Caphouse Colliery, New Road, West Yorkshire. WF44RH

Email:

info [at] ncm.org.uk

Website:

http://www.ncm.org.uk

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Museum of the English Coalfields.

Opening times:

Seven days a week from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Closed December 24, 25, 26 and January 1.

Current admission details:

Free admission

Educational facilities:

Contact Education Officer. Purpose built education centre.

Archive collection:

Contact museum in advance of visit.

Artefact collection:

Contact museum in advance of visit.

Current projects:

The Hope Pit complex was opened in 2005. The site is now packed with interactive displays and multimedia science exhibits that demonstrate the science of coal mining. The opening times of Hope Pit vary and some exhibits may only be available at certain times. Please contact the Museum Reception for details.

Publicity:

Publicity leaflets available.

Location:

The Museum lies on the north side of the A642 halfway between Wakefield and Huddersfield. (GR SE 254 166)

How to get there:

By Road: On the A642 halfway between Wakefield and Huddersfield. Easy access from both Ml and M62. Follow brown heritage signs.
By Rail: Nearest Main Line Station is Wakefield Westgate with direct services to London.
By Bus: Bus services run within walking distance of the museum.

Additional Information:

The museum opened in 1988 as the Overton, Wakefield, Yorkshire Mining Museum.

The guided underground visit takes about 1 hour to complete. A tour through the authentic working illustrates a variety of mining conditions from the early days to the present. Warm clothes and sensible shoes should be worn.
The surface exhibits include a steam winding engine, various mining machinery and extensive displays to illustrate technical, historical and social aspects of mining. The facilities include a nature trail, adventure area, picnic area, shire horses and pit ponies. In addition an extensive gift shop, the Miners Pantry offers a range of meals from a Sunday roast to snacks.

Left: Visitors on a guided underground tour

National Stone Centre

Contact for visits:

Janice Critchley, Diane Payne, Jerry Climpson.

Year established: 1990

Address:

Porter Lane, Middleton, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4LS

Email:

nsc [at] nationalstonecentre.org.uk

Website:

http://www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Stone craft-related training / hosting visits / holding archives / library /specimen collection / publications /preservation of remains / advice on stone.

Main geographical areas:

NWal

SWal

SWE

EMEA

Opening times:

Office Hours: 9:00am to 5:15pm –Monday to Friday.
Exhibition Centre & Shop: Summer 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. (Monday to Sunday) Winter 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Current admission details:

Exhibition: Adults £1.80. Concessionary £1.20. Children 90p. Guided trails: £25 per group (25 per group). prices vary for other activities.

Educational facilities:

Contact Diane Payne - quarry visits / guided trails etc.

Current projects:

Various quarry history projects (Mendips, Peak District, Derbyshire, Devon, Wales, Leicestershire, Channel Islands).
Geodiversity project in Peak District, Derbyshire. Virtual Quarry Internet site (with Quarry Products Association).

Publicity:

See Internet site, particularly "Educational Use of Aggregates".

Location:

One mile north of Wirksworth NGR SK 288552

How to get there:

By Road: From the A6 at Cromford turn south and follow the signs to Wirksworth (A5012 / B5036); turn right at the top of the hill (onto B5035) at which point the centre is signposted. From Ashbourne take the B5035 (9 miles).
By Rail: 2.5 mile walk from Cromford Station.
By Bus: Bus services to Cromford and Wirksworth.

Additional information:

The site is based on a complex of six disused quarries that contain many features of quarrying, mining and geological interest. The High Peak Trail, a disused railway line used by cyclists and walkers cuts through the site. The Visitor Centre tells the "Story of Stone" in the UK -its formation, history, uses, technology and environmental aspects. The site contains a gift shop, cafe and there is disabled access to the trails and buildings. Large free coach and car park.

Pendeen Community Heritage
(Geevor Tin Mine)

Contact for visits:

Rhonda Judd.

Year established: 1976

Address:

Geevor Tin Mine Pendeen Community Heritage, (Museum) Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall TR197TR

Email:

pch [at] geevor.com

Website:

http://www.geevor.com/

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Tin mining in West Penwith until 1991.

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

Sunday to Friday throughout the year from 9:00am onwards. Check with the museum for Christmas holiday closure dates.

Current admission details:

Adults £7.50. Senior citizen £7.00. Child/Student £4.30.
Students £4.30.
Family £21.00 (two adults and three children)
Ex-Geevor Staff and Pendeen CH members free.
NAMHO organisation members 10% off.

Educational facilities:

Educational package structured to visiting group requirements. Contact Bill Lakin.

Archive collection:

Archives of Geevor Plc (1911 to 1991) available on request. Prior notice needed.

Artefact collection:

Museum is open to all visitors.

Current projects:

(i) Creation of a new museum to national standards,
(ii) Complete restoration of site buildings.
(iii) Increase visitor access underground.

Publicity:

Leaflet available.

Location:

Located at Pendeen, Cornwall at NGR SW 370 340.

How to get there:

Take the A30 road to Penzance. At Penzance take the A3071 and after about 6 kilometres take the B3318 to Pendeen. Buses from Penzance stop at the site.

Left: Geevor miners at Wethered Shaft, 1920s.

Peak District Mining Museum and Temple Mine

Contact for visits:

Maxine Hall.

Year established: 1978

Address:

Peak District Mining Museum, The Pavilion, South Parade, Matlock Bath, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3NR

Email:

mail [at] peakmines.co.uk

Website:

http://www.peakmines.co.uk

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Activities:

Area of interest:

Heritage museum & fluorspar mine.

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

All year except Christmas Day.
Summer 10:00am.to 5:00pm. (Longer hours when busy).
Winter. 11:00am.to 3:00pm (4:00pm at weekends).

Current admission details:

Educational facilities:

Facilities available, contact Maxine Hall.

Archive collection:

Contact museum.

Artefact collection:

Contact museum.

Publicity:

Leaflets and information packs available.

Location:

At Matlock Bath NGR SK 293 581

How to get there:

By Road: Leave the Ml at Junction 28 and follow the A38 towards Derby. Turn right at the A615 and head for the centre of Matlock. Turn left at roundabout onto the A6 and follow to Matlock Bath. The mine is signposted to the right.
By Bus: Regular services run from most adjacent towns.
By Rail: There is a station at Matlock Bath.

Additional information:

The well stocked Museum bookshop contains books on mining history and archaeology, geology and the Peak District in general. Displays include a water pressure engine, exhibits on Derbyshire lead mining and a series of artificial mine levels and shafts, very popular with children. Light refreshments are available. Top floor of museum accessible by lift for wheel chair users.
Temple Mine was worked intermittently for lead and fluorspar between 1922 and the 1940s. It is now operated by the Peak District Mines Historical Society, who acquired the title under the old Derbyshire Lead Mining Laws (a procedure known as 'nicking').
The mine is lit throughout, and visitors walk round at their own pace. Helmets are provided. There is a display of tools and equipment, and information boards explaining the various mining techniques employed. It has purposely been laid out to simulate a mine, therefore it appears untidy but realistic.
Visitors may also make arrangements to visit the surface remains found at the Magpie Mine near Bakewell.

Left: A school party examine the Wills Founder Shaft Engine (compare with the photograph of the engine in the shaft on the Wirksworth Group page).
Above: A miner with a tub of ore and the explosives store.

Scottish Mining Museum

Contact for visits:

Alison Shepherd (School visits).

Year established: 1984

Address:

Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4QN

Email:

Website:

http://www.scottishminingmuseum.com

Show on museum map

Activities:

Area of interest:

Coal mining areas of Scotland

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

Summer: Daily from 10:00am. to 5:00pm.
Winter: Daily from 10:00am.to 4:00pm.
Closed Christmas and New Year (Please contact to confirm)

Current admission details:

Adults £4.95. Child / Senior citizen £3.30. Family £15.
Group and School rates: (Please contact to confirm).

Educational facilities:

"Operation Move It" interactives, (see Friends of the Scottish Mining Museum ). Schoolroom, education packs, lessons, inset days -contact Alison Shepherd.

Archive collection:

The extensive reference library covers the social, economic and technological history of Scotland, the U.K. and overseas, and contains a large archive and photographic collection. The Library is open all year, 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, to bona fide researchers. Appointments should be made with the Keeper.

Current projects:

Building refurbishments, exhibition programme, collections, programmes and events.

Publicity:

Leaflets, publications and information packs.

Location:

In Newtongrange 10 miles south-east of Edinburgh on the A7 road at GR NT 335 630.

How to get there:

By Road: Take the A702 (city Bypass) and A7 south from Edinburgh and follow the signs in Newtongrange.
By Rail: Edinburgh.
By Bus: Bus services run from Edinburgh to Newtongrange.

Additional information:

Lady Victoria Colliery was the showpiece of the Scottish Coalfields from its opening in the 1890s. An audio-visual presentation "Talking Tableaux" describes the day in the life of a miner in the pit village and underground. Guided tours take the visitor round the Grant Ritchie steam winding engine and the pit head. Other exhibits describe the hard working conditions the miner endured, mining skills and the Scottish Coalfields. The hands-on models for children, "Operation Move It!" are also gaining a reputation nationally for their originality. The tour of the site also includes a visit to a surface "mock-up" of a modern coal face. Steps, however, make part of the tour difficult for wheelchair users. The site also includes a gift shop and tea room. Some picnic facilities are available. Parking is free.

Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum
(Earby Mines Research Group Museum Trust)

Contact for visits:

Peter Hart

Year established: 1971

Address:

Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum, The Old Grammar School, Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancashire BBl8 6QF

Email:

P.RHart23 [at] aol.com

Website:

http://www.yorkshiredalesminingmuseum.com

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Activities:

Area of interest:

The Yorkshire Dales - lead and other mining.

Main geographical areas:

Opening times:

Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. (Telephone to confirm). Parties by appointment. Other times by appointment.

Current admission details:

Adults £4.00. Children £3.00. Senior Citizens £3.50.
Families (4 in group) £12.

Educational facilities:

Contact Peter Hart.

Archive collection:

On display in museum -contact museum.

Artefact collection:

On display in museum -contact museum.

Current projects:

Following a successful application for National Lottery funding the museum has undergone a complete refurbishment and will reopen in late 2005.

Publicity:

Leaflets available.

Location:

The museum is located at Earby, 150 metres off the A56 Colne to Skipton Road at NGR SD 907 470

How to get there:

By Road: Take the A59 that runs from the M6 (Junction 31) to Skipton and turn onto the A56 to Earby.
By Rail: Stations at Colne (4 miles) & Skipton (7 miles).

Additional information:

The Museum is operated part time by members of the Earby Mines Research. Group, and is one of the oldest museums devoted to mining.
The exhibits include a waterwheel and crusher, (photograph on right (M) , machinery and mine tubs, methods of lighting, samples of minerals, miners' personal belongings, plans and working models. It is housed in the old Grammar School which was vacated by the West Riding County Council in 1970.
The museum holds one of the most comprehensive collections of mining artefacts (over 700 items) in the northern Pennines.

The Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum

Some other mining museums

A number of other museums cater for those with an interest in mining. A list will be found below. Except where the entry refers to a NAMHO Member (highlighted in bold and with a link to the relevant page on this site), this list does not imply endorsement by NAMHO or even that the museum is still open to the public. Click here to return to the main list of members. Any museum wishing to add their name to or remove it from this list is invited to email the webmaster at namho.org.

England

Apedale Heritage Centre, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire. http://www.apedale.co.uk/ (Coal)
Astley Green Colliery Museum, Tyldesley, Manchester. http://www.agcm.org.uk/ (Coal)
Beamish, County Durham. http://www.beamish.org.uk/ (Coal)
Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands (Coal and limestone)
Clearwell Caves - Ancient Iron Mines, Gloucestershire (Iron and ochre)
Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, Cleveland (Iron)
Dudley Canal Trust, Dudley, West Midlands. http://www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk/ (Limestone)
Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. http://www.barnsley.gov.uk/elsecar-heritage-centre (Coal)
Geevor Mine: see Pendeen Community Heritage
Haig Colliery Mining Museum, Cumbria (Coal)
Hopewell Colliery Museum, Coleford, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. (Coal)
Keswick Mining Museum, Cumbria (Lead, copper, etc)
Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum, Co. Durham (Lead)
King Edward Mine Museum, Cornwall (Tin)
Lion Salt Works, Northwich, Cheshire. http://www.lionsaltworks.org/ (Salt)
Moseley Museum, Cornwall (Mine transport)
National Coal Mining Museum for England, South Yorkshire (Coal)
National Stone Centre, Derbyshire (Stone)
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre, Cumbria (Lead)
Peak District Mining Museum and Temple Mine, Derbyshire (Lead, fluorspar)
Pendeen Community Heritage (Geevor Tin Mine), Cornwall (Tin)
St Aidan's BE1150 Walking Dragline (Industrial heritage)
Salt Museum (Weaver Hall Museum), Northwich, Cheshire. http://www.fowhm.org.uk/ (Salt)
Snibston Discovery Park, Coalville, Leicestershire. http://www.leics.gov.uk/snibston.htm/ (Coal)
Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum, Keswick, Cumbria. http://www.threlkeldminingmuseum.co.uk/ (Lead)
Woodhorn Mining Museum, Northumberland. http://www.experiencewoodhorn.com/ (Coal)
Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum, Lancashire (Lead and other)

Scotland

Almond Valley Heritage Trust, Livingston, West Lothian. http://www.almondvalley.co.uk/ (Shale Oil)
Birkhill Fireclay Mine, Bo'ness, West Lothian. http://www.srps.org.uk/ (Fireclay)
Hidden Treasures - Museum of Lead Mining (Lead)
Scottish Mining Museum, Edinburgh (Coal)
Summerlee Heritage Park, Coatbridge. http://www.visitlanarkshire.com/attractions/historic-heritage/Summerlee-The-Museum-of-Scottish-Industrial-Life/ (Coal)
Wanlockhead: see Hidden Treasures

Wales

Bersham Colliery Mining Museum, Wrexham. http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/heritage/bersham_colliery.htm/ (Coal)
Big Pit: National Coal Museum (Wales), Blaenafon, Torfaen. http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/bigpit/ (Coal)
Dolaucothi Gold Mine, Pumsaint, Carmarthenshire. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-dolaucothigoldmines/ (Gold)
Great Orme Mines, Llandudno, North Wales. http://www.greatormemines.info/ (Copper)
Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd. http://www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk/ (Slate)
Llywernog Silver - Lead Mine, Ceredigion (Lead, Silver)
Minera Lead Mines, Wrexham. http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/heritage/minera_lead_mines/ (Lead)
National Slate Museum, Llanberis, Gwynedd. http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/slate/ (Slate)
Rhondda Heritage Park, Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Rhondda Cynon Taff. http://www.rhonddaheritagepark.co.uk/ (Coal)
South Wales Miners' Museum, West Glamorgan (Coal)
Sygun Copper Mine, Beddgelert. http://www.syguncoppermine.co.uk/ (Copper)

Ireland

Allihies Copper Mines Museum, Beara, Co Cork. http://www.acmm.ie/ (Copper)
Arigna Mining Experience, North Roscommon. http://www.arignaminingexperience.ie/ (Coal)
Glengowla Mines, Connemara, Co Galway. http://glengowla.goegi.com/ (Silver and Lead)

Isle of Man

Laxey Wheel and Mines Trail, Laxey. http://www.gov.im/mnh/heritage/museums/laxeywheel.xml/ (Lead)

Printed: 18/05/2012

Page updated: 17/01/2012