Nenthead Mines

Nenthead is one of the highest villages in England at 1500feet.

It was one of the first purpose-built industrial villages in Britain and was built in the middle of the 18th century. Nenthead mines are among the oldest and largest mines in the country, mining silver and lead.

Nenthead was one of the first villages in the UK to have electric street lighting from excess power generated by the mines.

Nenthead in 1861 was a bustling village of some 2,000 souls, mostly Methodist and employed by the Quaker-owned London Lead Company in the Nenthead Mines - some of the most productive in the country.

The benevolent Quakers built, amongst other things, housing, a school, a reading room, public baths and a wash-house for the miners and their families. The Reading Room was the first free library in England, built by the company in 1833

Nenthead is considered to be a mecca for many mine explorers as it has hundreds of miles of accessible mines remaining. The mines are some of the most stunning in the country having many artifacts left behind, such as horse whims, and some amazing mineral formations.

I spent 3 days and nights in the area as a guest of the DCC (Derbyshire Caving Club - see the links section for their website). I had an amazing time, in great company, and although I seemed to spend much of my time knee deep - and sometimes hip deep - in freezing water, I would do it again in a second.

I didn't take a great deal of photos as I was too busy saying "WOW" at all the sparkly stuff surrounding us....

Around the abandoned mine sites specialised plants, known as metallophytes, survive on soil that has poor nutrient levels and a high toxic heavy metal content. These include the Mountain pansey of which I took some photos.

Huge thanks to the DCC for letting me tag along, big hugs guys, and special thanks to Paul for keeping me fed all weekend with awesome food :)