Take a look inside Ecton Copper Mine Engine House

Free open afternoons to showcase conservation work on historic building

The 1788 engine house built above the 400m deep copper mine

Over the past two years, National Trust volunteers have helped to rescue a special building in the Manifold Valley in the Peak District. With funding from an Environmental Stewardship agreement, major rescue works have taken place to rescue the former engine house and powder house of Ecton Copper Mine.

Volunteer Frank excavating around the engine house

Once owned by the Duke of Devonshire of Chatsworth House, the copper mine employed hundreds of local people and supplied copper for the Royal Navy. The engine house was built in 1788 to house a Boulton and Watt steam engine to raise the copper ore. The smaller stone powder house was built on the hillside a safe distance from the shaft, to store the gunpowder. 

After mining finished in 1890, the engine house became a cattle store for the local farmer, housing nine cows and enough hay to feed them over the winter. The stalls and hayloft have been retained, honouring this part of the building's history.

Now cared for by the National Trust, volunteers have helped with archaeological digs around the engine house, leading guided tours, monitoring wildflowers on the surrounding hillside and repairing drystone walls. 

If you would like to take a look inside, come along to our free open afternoons on Thursday 21st August and Saturday 13th September, 1pm to 4pm. 

To find our more call us on 01335 350503
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-peak

News from Ilam Park

New additions at Ilam Park

On your next visit to Ilam Park, you may notice some new features in the Italian Garden.

Garden volunteer Bob planting Octavia Hill geraniums in the Regency style urns

Having seen some wonderful photographs of Ilam Park taken 100 years ago (from Derby Library) the Ilam Park gardener and volunteers have been working hard to bring back a prominent feature.

With money gifted to the Gardens Department of the National Trust, 8 Regency style stone urns were purchased, similar to those seen in the old photographs. The urns have been planted with a geranium named “Octavia Hill” which had been grown to commemorate the Centenary of the death of the founder of the National Trust.

So next time you are sitting in the Italian Garden admiring the view towards Thorpe Cloud and Dovedale, take a look at our new stone urns!