Introduction to Peak Cavern
Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil’s Arse, stands out among the four show caves in Castleton, Derbyshire, England. The cave boasts the largest entrance in Britain. Moreover, Peakshole Water flows through it, enhancing its natural beauty.
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Natural Formation and Historical Use
Unlike its counterparts, Peak Cavern is almost entirely natural. The only man-made modifications are an explosion to bypass a low tunnel, previously navigable only by boat and cave homes built within the cavern. This cave system, the largest in the Peak District, served as a home to some of Britain’s last troglodytes until 1915. These cave dwellers built houses within the cave mouth and earned their living through rope-making. Additionally, the cave’s depths were reputedly a refuge for bandits. According to legend, it was the birthplace of thieves’ cant, a secret language, during a meeting between Cock Lorel and Giles Hather.
Ropemaking for the Derbyshire Lead Mines
Ropemaking in Peak Cavern was crucial for the local lead mining industry. The ropes produced were essential for hoisting lead to the surface using a stow, or windlass. Additionally, these ropes were necessary for pulling carts and securing pack horses to horse-powered gins.
Family Dynamics in Derbyshire Lead Mining in the 1700s
Lead mining in Derbyshire during the 1700s was predominantly a family enterprise. At the mine’s surface, women and children played critical roles. A woman and a young girl would pull buckets, known as kibble buckets, while other women sorted and cleaned the lead ore. They prepared it for the subsequent processes of crushing and smelting.
Inside the mine, the scene was equally industrious. One man could be seen hand-picking lead from the vein, with visible pick marks on the wall indicating his work. The extracted rock containing lead was stacked on posts hammered into the mine shaft sides, known as deads. Nearby, a wooden basket called a wisket held the miner’s tools. Another miner might be seen taking a necessary break, climbing out of the mine using hand and foot holes chipped into the wall, as no ladder was present at this level.
Abandoned Levels and Mining Techniques
The third level of the mine was abandoned after all the lead was extracted. Here, an alcove served as a protective space for miners during the use of explosives. They would light gunpowder, run, and take shelter in these alcoves to avoid the blasts, with shot marks still visible on the walls. Ladders and platforms, supported by stemples, facilitated access to lower levels and helped support the ladders and deads.
At another active level, two men drilled for blasting, creating holes with hand-held picks and hammers. Behind them, a powder flask and clay and straw acted as fuses. Meanwhile, a young boy filled kibble buckets, ready to be hoisted to the surface, illustrating the continuous and arduous nature of lead mining in Derbyshire.
Early 1700s Visitor Dynamics at Peak Cavern
In the early 1700s, some wealthy visitors to Peak Cavern expected free tours, exploiting the hospitality of local guides. To address this, a guide named Dekin devised a clever ruse to manage such expectations.
Dekin’s Ingenious Strategy
Dekin recognized a man who had previously sought free access. Anticipating another such request, he warned the visitor of potential flooding in the cave, a common hazard. Despite the warning, the visitor insisted on proceeding. Dekin then arranged for an accomplice to watch for floodwaters and fire a pistol as a signal of imminent danger. During the tour, the sound of the pistol echoed through the cavern, prompting Dekin to declare that it was every man for himself in such emergencies. Faced with perceived danger, the previously frugal visitor quickly offered Dekin money for a safe exit.
Implementation of a Pricing System
This incident led to the establishment of a formal pricing system for tours, ensuring that guides were fairly compensated for their services. A notice was subsequently posted in the village, detailing the costs associated with different group sizes:
- One person: 30 shillings and 6 pence
- Two persons: 5 shillings
- Three persons: 60 shillings
- Four persons: 88 shillings
- Five persons: 100 shillings
- Six persons: 116 shillings
- Every additional person: 1 shilling and 6 pence
This pricing structure not only standardized payments but also highlighted the value of the guides’ expertise and the risks involved in navigating the caverns.
As of the 9th May 2024, the price per person was £22.00
Historical price: £1.525
Percentage increase: 1342.62% since Victorian Times.
Caving and Exploration Beyond Public Areas
From “Five Arches,” several routes are available to experienced cavers. The main path leads to “Victoria Aven,” a significant natural shaft, and continues to “Far Sump” and the Far Sump Extension, explored extensively since 1996. This exploration led to the discovery of Titan Shaft in 1999, the deepest pitch in Britain at 141.5 meters.
Historical Names and Cultural Significance
Historically, the cave was known as the Devil’s Arse, a name mentioned in William Camden’s “Britannia” of 1586 and by Daniel Defoe in his 18th-century tour guide. The name was changed to “Peak Cavern” in 1880 to avoid offending Queen Victoria. However, the original name has seen a resurgence in recent promotions.
Public Access and Tourist Attractions
The main entrance, known as “The Vestibule,” leads to several passages. “Lumbago Walk,” the only path open to the public, requires visitors to stoop as they proceed. The tour continues through “The Great Cave” and “Roger Rain’s House,” ending at “Pluto’s Dining Room.” Previously, the tour extended to “The Devil’s Staircase” and “Halfway House,” but flooding and maintenance issues led to its reduction in 1990. Notably, the BBC filmed “The Chronicles of Narnia” here in 1989. Efforts have been made to restore this section to its natural state by removing remnants of its show-cave past.
Modern Events and Uses
Peak Cavern has hosted concerts by notable artists like Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley. In 2013, it transformed into a cinema during Sheffield Doc/Fest, screening “The Summit” to an audience of 500. This success spurred additional screenings during Doc/Fest 2014, highlighting the cavern’s versatility as a venue for cultural events.
Sources:
Signage at the site itself
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