New here from Ilkeston, Derbyshire

Mine exploration, photographs and mining history for mine explorers, industrial archaeologists, researchers and historians

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jack92
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

Hi im Jack im 22 and come from an old mining town in Derbyshire. In these last 6 months I have been researching about mining history and mining exploration and as Im a very inquisitive person I would like to get into exploring mines myself. Could somebody tell me how I can do this, I would like to join a local group if possible? Also I wondered if anybody has any information or experience on whether on any mines local to me (Shipley,Coppice,Mapperley) and others around Derby/Nottingham are accessable as I would like to possibly arrange for some experienced explorers that could take me down? Or, ifthere are any mines close to me that would be good for a beginner. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks:)

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BertyBasset
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Hi Jack,

Due to severe issues with air quality (and the inherent instability of workings due to the mining process), recreational mine explorers give coal mines a wide berth - with regard to underground exploration in any case. Underground exploration by groups is generally in metal and stone mines.

It's obviously a different story with surface relics and mine history. I think there are several users on here with an interest in coal mining.

Cheers, Robin

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Hi, you're within easy reach of the Peak District and its lead mines, there are several in the Matlock and Cromford area that are easy to explore, I'd be happy to take you into one like Devonshire or Mouldridge at some point if you want? There are also a number of mining history societies or caving clubs you could consider joining if you want to go underground more regularly.

Regarding your local area, there are a few site members from down your way that are very knowledgeable about the coal mines; I'm sure they'll post on this thread shortly!

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

jack92
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

Hi AR, that would be great if you could ive been wanting to go down one for a long time. Could you PM me and we talk abit more for more information like what equipment/clothing I would need etc. I would also like to join a group though I don't actually know of any really. Id really appreciate if you could show me one in Matlock as I can get there quite easily. Also are coal mines completely off limits then as the air is too dangerous or are some okay with a monitor? I think the mines where I live are possibly long gone now anyway, ive done some research as to where some shafts and adits were but haven't been to the locations, I do plan to go and have a look around (not to go down) but maybe take some photos of the areas.

BertyBasset
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Coal too dangerous. As AR says, plenty of lead mines all over the Peak District

Horsemaddad
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Hello Jack and welcome to the forum!
If you are interested in exploring a coal mine, you could do a lot worse than contacting the Caphouse mining museum near Wakefield and booking a 'Drift walk'. They have a one off charge of £30 (I think it covers a group), but as entry to the museum is free, its not bad even for just one.
You go down the shaft in the cage like the rest of the public, but when you have finished your underground tour (which is very interesting - lots of machinery deployed just as it would have been in a working mine), you exit the workings via the 'second exit' which is an inclined drift to surface via a switchback. There are tram rails and a conveyor in place. It is an excellent tour and well worth it. Colin.

Colin

jack92
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

Okay, could you tell me how I go about getting to any of the lead mines in the peak district, or how i can arrange to go down? Do you know of any groups I could join?

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

You have a PM...:)

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

Ty Gwyn
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Regarding coalmines in Derbyshire,is Eckington Smallmine still working?
Doubt very much they would give you a tour underground but may let you view the surface layout.

AR
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

#10

Forgot to mention, there is another option for a walk-in coal mine tour which is Apedale Colliery over at Stoke, plus you can have oatcakes in the cafe there afterwards!:thumbup:

Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!

Praada
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

8 years ago

#11

Alright mate,

I'm not far from you, i'm at Tibshelf and have been exploring mines quite a lot this year! If you want to tag along we are regularly visiting local mines and exploring them in more depth each time! Myself and the group of friends that do it with me are now up to around 15 or 16 abandoned mine explores with many more planned and even a few tour guide led explores are in the pipeline!

PM me if you are interested and we can arrange something!

We are a mixed bunch of lads, aged 20 - 28.

"I got enough batteries to live down here indefinitely!"