Conksbury

Settlement in Derbyshire Derbyshire Dales

England

Conksbury

Broadmeadow Shaft Adjacent to the cottages here, which were once the offices of the Alport Mining Company, can be seen a large mound which marks the site of the Broadmeadow Shaft on the Alport mines. This company was an amalgamation of various separate mining concerns and operated the very rich lead mines of this area. They were classed as the most heavily watered mines in the country and suffered from inflows of more than 6000 gallons a minute. Consequently, heavy pumping was necessary, chiefly by water pressure engines which used a column of water to power them. The well known Cornish engineer, Richard Trevithick was consulted and he was responsible for the first of many such underground machines within this region. Water to power the engine in this shaft was taken from the River Lathkill and over Alport village in wooden launders and then by a tunnel to the shaft. All the pumped water, along with that used by the engines (of which there were upwards of seven scattered throughout the workings) was drained away by the deep Hillcarr Sough, a tunnel driven from the River Derwent near Darley Dale. — Broadmeadow Shaft Credit: Richard Bird

Conksbury is a charming village located in the county of Derbyshire, England. Situated in the picturesque Peak District National Park, it offers residents and visitors alike a tranquil and idyllic setting. With a population of around 500, it maintains a close-knit community feel.

The village is known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by rolling hills, lush green meadows, and dense woodlands. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous walking and cycling trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The nearby Conksbury Reservoir offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

Conksbury is proud of its rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Roman era. The village boasts several well-preserved historical buildings, including St. Peter's Church, which dates back to the 12th century and features beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework.

The village center is home to a variety of amenities, including a post office, a village shop, and a quaint pub that serves delicious traditional English fare. The close proximity to larger towns such as Derby and Sheffield allows residents to easily access additional services and amenities.

Conksbury hosts a range of community events throughout the year, including a summer fete and a Christmas market, which bring locals and visitors together in a celebration of village life.

Overall, Conksbury offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat, combining natural beauty with a strong sense of community and historical charm.

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Conksbury Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.185491/-1.6872142 or Grid Reference SK2065. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Broadmeadow Shaft

Adjacent to the cottages here, which were once the offices of the Alport Mining Company, can be seen a large mound which marks the site of the Broadmeadow Shaft on the Alport mines. This company was an amalgamation of various separate mining concerns and operated the very rich lead mines of this area. They were classed as the most heavily watered mines in the country and suffered from inflows of more than 6000 gallons a minute. Consequently, heavy pumping was necessary, chiefly by water pressure engines which used a column of water to power them. The well known Cornish engineer, Richard Trevithick was consulted and he was responsible for the first of many such underground machines within this region. Water to power the engine in this shaft was taken from the River Lathkill and over Alport village in wooden launders and then by a tunnel to the shaft. All the pumped water, along with that used by the engines (of which there were upwards of seven scattered throughout the workings) was drained away by the deep Hillcarr Sough, a tunnel driven from the River Derwent near Darley Dale.

Richard Bird

Grave of John Millington, railway navvy, Youlgreave Churchyard

During the construction of the Midland Railway near Haddon Hall in 1861 a tunnel was insisted upon by the Duke of Rutland so that the line could not be seen from the hall. A part of this tunnel collapsed during construction on 2nd July 1861 killing five workers. The grave of one of these can be found in the churchyard. The inscription reads: "In memory of John Millington of Stanton, killed by the falling of an arch on the railway near Haddon Hall, July 2nd 1861 aged 46 years". Reference to his 6 year old daughter is also on the stone whose body rests in Warrick churchyard, Ruthin, North Wales.

Richard Bird

St Anne's Church Over Haddon

Martin Dawes

Old stone barn alongside River Lathkill

Martin Dawes

Stone flagged footbridge over dry River Lathkill

Martin Dawes

Evening sun on Over Haddon Village Hall

Martin Dawes

Commemorative Plaque on Over Haddon Village Hall

Martin Dawes

Field footpath to Over Haddon

The large white building is the hotel/pub/restaurant. Eat in the bar if dog is with you, we dined there 3 times during our stay in the village, an excellent base to tour from.

Martin Dawes