Ecton Copper Mines (Underground Visit)
GA Cox Study Centre, The Hillocks, Ecton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AH
The mine was worked in the 1700s and 1800s, for over 60 years by the Dukes of Devonshire. It produced large amounts of copper and provided the Devonshire’s with large profits for many years, which are likely to have contributed to their developments in Buxton and improvements at Chatsworth House. You will be led through the Deep Ecton Level a distance of about 500 metres that was started in 1724 to drain the mine workings that descend from the top of Ecton Hill to see where the copper ore was worked in the large pipe vein and learn how it was mined. You will also visit the large underground chambers, situated at a depth of about 120 metres (400 feet) below the top of the hill, that were excavated to enable the mine to be worked deep below river level. The chambers housed a water balance engine, replaced later by a 30 foot diameter water wheel, used to work pumps that drained the mine workings and a capstan for raising and lowering heavy equipment in the mine. Adjacent to the chambers is the winding shaft, originally equipped with horse gins for winding the ore out of the mine, but these were replaced in 1788 by one of the first steam winding engines, this one built by Boulton and Watt in Birmingham. These workings eventually reached a depth of about 300 metres (1000 feet) below river level though these workings are now flooded but have recently been partially explored by submersibles.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1000-1500 Tours running every hour | Fully booked
Location & directions
GA Cox Study Centre, The Hillocks, Ecton, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AH
- Directions:
- A Google search for "EMET Parking" gets you to the exact spot. All tours depart from the road-side, not the study centre.
- Contact on day:
- Martin Long
- Telephone number:
- +447969774801
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- The surface features and engine house are free to visit but underground tours must be pre-booked.
- Booking website:
- https://buytickets.at/peakdistrictmineshistoricalsocietyueg/1258559
- Booking closes:
- 06 Sep 2024 04:00 PM
Accessibility details
These tours are only suitable for able-bodied persons aged 12 years and over. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear is essential: The temperature underground is 8°c regardless of outdoor conditions. There will be standing water usually about 150mm (6 inches) deep, so wellington boots are required.
Additional information
Your name and address will be passed to the British Caving Association for insurance purposes. Already BCA insured? - just let us know.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 15
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)
