The Story of Wirksworth encompases the history of the town from prehistoric times to the modern day. The prosperity of the town was built on lead mining which declined in the nineteenth century. Quarrying and the manufacture of tape then became the principal occupations which have only recently died out
The Heritage and Visitor Centre shows through numerous exhibits and hands on experiences how the town and surounding area has grown over the last two thousand years.
Come and spend some time re-living the experiences and customs of this quaint little town.
The Story of Wirksworth encompasses the history of the town from prehistoric times to the modern day. The prosperity of the town was built on lead mining which declined in the nineteenth century. Quarrying and the manuacture of tape then became the principal occupations which have only recenly died out. The Heritage and Visitor Centre shows through numerous exhibits and hands on experiences how the town and the surrounding area has grown over the last two thousand years. Come and spend some time reliving the experiences and customs of this quaint little town.
Lead mining was the principal occupation in the area for over a thousand years. See how the lead ore was extracted from the bowels of the earth and the tools that were used.
If you squeeze into the Dream Cave, you can experience the conditions of the mine and meet the long extinct woolly rhino.
The Cromford and High Peak Railway was one of the earliest railways in the country. It was built on canal principles and linked the Cromford Canal, using a route over the hills, to Whaley Bridge. The working model of the Sheep Pasture Incline demonstrates how trucks were hauled up and down the three quarter mile incline.
Visit the Centre's own website at www.storyofwirksworth.co.uk
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