James Hall Over Engine Mine
Grid Reference: SK 413500.30 382001.88
Level: 426.18 m
Grade: IV
James Hall Over Engine Mine Entrance was re-explored and capped in 1963, it was re-explored in December 1992 and over the next three years, it again became part of the Peak Speedwell System. It is one shaft of thousands that litter the Peak District National Park, one of hundreds in the Castleton catchment area. It is located to the south-west of the Winnats Pass, on land belonging to Rowter Farm in a series of hillocks and abandoned shafts on New Rake.
History
The shaft was known as TPU - 1963 when it was capped and descended in 1963 to a collapsed blockage, hence restricting process. The discovery of a journal written by James Plumtre in the Cambridge University library, suggested evidence that this mine was once connected to the Peak Speedwell system. This entrance was again descended in December 1992 by Dave (Moose) Nixon and Shaun Puckering to reach the same blockage. A period of investigation, research and exploration at the bottom of this shaft. Digging began in June 1993, with the clearing of a number of chokes, re-exploration of mined and natural passage. This eventually led to a connection with Speedwell Mine in August 1995. A year later in in July 1996, a connection was partially engineered plus dug out to connect with Far Sump Extensions.
Access
You go to the farm and pay an access of fee of £2.00 per person to the farmer. ** You will require a large adjustable spanner (Derbyshire Key) to open the hatch that allows access to the locking bolt **.
It is important that all gates remain closed to prevent injury or loss of stock and it is best to avoid lambing time (April/May).
Ensure that during all hours that noise levels are kept low, and that respect is given at all times to the landowners property.
It is not permitted to drive over to the entrance shaft.Parking is available on the campsite.
See Access to System for information regarding organising a trip.
Description
Clicking on the link below, will take you to the relevant PDF Cave Guide:
J.H. (James Hall's Over Engine Mine)
Shaun Puckering who runs the Peak District Caving website has given me permission to use his cave guides of the system.
Key Exploration Dates
| 02/12/1992 | JH Entrance Shaft descended |
| 26/06/1993 | 1st Choke was dug |
| 02/12/1993 | Bitch Pitch reached |
| 02/12/1993 | Bitch Pitch descended and Workshop discovered |
| 02/12/1993 | Leviathan first descended |
| 02/12/1993 | Foot of JH reached |
| 05/08/1995 | Connected to Speedwell |
| 15/07/1996 | Connected to Far Sump Extensions |
Other names
TPU 1963