A more detailed survey of the VM period would certainly be of interest.
During my work on the site in the 1980's (published by Peak District Mines
Historical Society) I wrote to VM Company about records, but they told me
that they had all been destroyed. My own work only touched on some aspects
of the VM work (using contemporary publications and discussions with the
late Eric Richardson). Some others have done work other aspects of the VM
time (especially the work of Paul Thorne on the hydraulic system at Brewery
Shaft).
Most of the remains from the VM period are the hydraulic systems (Brewery
Shaft, Hydraulic Shaft, Middlecleugh compressor house and various leats and
reservoirs) and some underground remains (Caplecleugh incline etc). A more
complete archaeological survey of these may be of benefit but could be quite
time consuming.
Perhaps of it might be better to concentrate on trying to track down sources
and records in Belgium and integrate these with the present state of
knowledge from previous studies at Nenthead
Martin Critchley
Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland
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