The Magpie Mine

These surface remains in Derbyshire are some of the best surviving examples of lead mining to be found in the UK. Mining here goes back to at least as far back as 1682. It was a competitive business - in 1833 in a dispute over who could work which vein fires were lit underground to “smoke out” opponents, resulting in the murder of three men. Mining continued here until 1952.

Now it is difficult to imagine this as an industrial site. There is no one here, sheep graze the surrounding fields, mountain pansies (extra) and cowslips are in bloom, skylarks sing. And I was very pleased to see wheatears, gorgeous birds and one of the first summer migrants to arrive.

I had travelled across to Tideswell to see friends, and for lunch we had gone to the Cock and Pullet at Shedwell for lunch. Real home cooking. The lead mine is nearby (in the main image, we had just got back to the car as this other group were heading to the mine).

Extra - St John the Baptist church in Tideswell. I had a look inside. A large sign apologised for it being cold. The (gas fired) boilers have failed, and the Church of England will not allow new gas boilers under its net zero policy. The local church cannot afford heat pumps and other renewable solutions, so there is a stand off. There is also a separate appeal for funds for new wiring, lighting, toilets and a servery for the many community events which might be held here. It all looks to be a real challenge.