Despite the early morning clouds, the sun eventually shone on the Year 5s as they set off for their much‑anticipated residential to Eyam, a village steeped in history.
Our first stop was Magpie Mine, where the children explored the remains of a once busy lead mine.
Here are some interesting facts we can share:
- Lead mining at Magpie Mine has roots going back several centuries.
- In 1827 the mine produced about 800 tons of lead — a record for the time.
- The mine was troubled by disputes with nearby mines over rights to certain veins, and in 1833 three miners from a neighbouring mine died after smoke was used underground.
- It was the last working lead mine in the Derbyshire ore field, finally closing in 1958.
- There is also a local legend known as the Widow’s Curse — after the court case over the miner deaths, it is said that a curse was placed on the mine.
After Magpie Mine, the group headed to Ashford‑in‑the‑Water, where the children enjoyed a well‑earned break and some fun at the local park.
