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Gardens Unearth Nenthead's Mining Past
5 Jul
Summary
- Villagers are invited to excavate their gardens for a historical dig.
- The project explores Nenthead's 18th and 19th Century lead mining history.
- Archaeological test pits will be dug by volunteers in August.
An archaeological dig is set to explore the rich lead mining history of Nenthead, Cumbria, with villagers encouraged to offer their gardens and land for the excavation. In August, volunteers will dig a series of one-metre square test pits across the village.
The project, organized by North Pennines National Landscape (NPNL), aims to uncover items from Nenthead's past as a thriving mining community. Rebecca Cadbury-Simmons from NPNL expressed hope that participants would develop a stronger connection to the village's history and even their own homes.
The focus will be on understanding the domestic lives of residents in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cadbury-Simmons noted that life was likely more familiar than often imagined, with amenities like schools, pubs, and social clubs, alongside farming and family involvement in food production.
Volunteers will be guided by an archaeologist, and all pits will be carefully backfilled after the day's work, with turf replaced as needed. This initiative seeks to reveal the humble yet connected way of life that characterized this former mining village.
