Bonsall combines steep-sided limestone dales with the history of a former lead-mining village. The village lies on the long-distance Limestone Way. Visitors looking to combine scenery, walking and local history during their stay will find specific points of interest: named mining sites, a church with medieval windows and woodland in the lower valley.
Landscape and Lead Mining
Bonsall is a former lead-mining village set in steep-sided, converging limestone dales. Lead was mined here from the early 1540s until the 19th century. This period provides the historical context for the village’s mining sites. The landscape and its long mining history are two points of reference for understanding Bonsall.
At Bonsall Leys, at least ten parallel rakes or scrins can be seen. Bonsall Leys is thought to offer a unique illustration of the intensive, small-scale lead extraction that took place in post-medieval Derbyshire. Their number and parallel arrangement make tangible the distinction between a long historical development and a specific small-scale expression of it.
At Bonsall Moor, the Scheduled Monument includes the lead mines Beans and Bacon, Old Eye, Fiery Dragon and Cod Beat, as well as a lime kiln. The well-preserved remains of these mines include a diverse range of components of vein mines. The two mining sites have different points of emphasis: at Bonsall Leys, parallel rakes or scrins are visible; at Bonsall Moor, the focus is on the well-preserved mine remains and the variety of their components.
Church, Trails and Nature
St James Church has 13th-century lancet windows and stands on an important footpath into the Peak District National Park. Its architecture and location along the route offer different points of interest: the windows date from a specific century, while the location is on a footpath into the national park. The church therefore brings together architectural history and walking.
The Bonsall History Trails project resulted in a series of six illustrated leaflets. They guide walkers along paths in the village and surrounding area, exploring Bonsall’s history. Unlike a single building or named mine, this approach focuses on local history along walking routes. It combines history and walking in a different way from looking at individual historic features.
In the lower valley, along Via Gellia Road, woodland provides a refuge for wildlife and plants. This adds a distinct natural point of interest to the mining sites. For nature lovers, the lower section of the valley is another specific area to explore in the landscape.
Events and Travel Planning
The annual Well Dressing in Bonsall attracts visitors from near and far. The Bonsall Hen Races also draw many visitors. If you would like to plan your trip around either event, check the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Clay Cross, Froggatt, Alfreton, Hayfield, Tansley, Edale, Eckington, Kirk Langley
For the overview of the wider region: Derbyshire.
