System News

The Pilkington Series in Speedwell Mine is a series of extensive mine workings that rise up from the Speedwell Far Canal to large cavity with a blocked mine shaft to the surface. James Pilkington in his book, A view of the Present State of Derbyshire, 1789; describes some caves in and around Derbyshire.

One of these being a visit from the surface down to the stream cavern below, which is the Speedwell Mine streamway at the time when the Speedwell Canal was being constructed by the miners. A very interesting read, and an old historical account of the passages previously. The story has been republished in the Issue 154 of The Derbyshire Caver, published Feb 2020.

The article also refers to Peak Cavern, Eldon Hole, Poole's Cavern and various other sites around the Peak District.