The mine was originally worked in the 18th century for calamine (zinc carbonate), blende (zinc sulphide) and galena (lead sulphide) and reached its peak in the 19th century when a Wells chemist undertook the financing of the mine. Extensive engineering during the 1920s modified the Great Hall and Stinking Gulf for use as an underground reservoir by the water authorities. However the plan was abandoned when water levels were found to be too low. A small stream flows through the mine in parts.

The mine is at the rear of a house on a piece of land that was previously a field and it was not necessary to enter the garden to reach the entrance. With the agreement of previous owners a standard CSCC lock was fitted and there were no access restrictions. However, the situation has changed and the garden has been extended to include the mine. Access is only via a locked grill cover. Key can be obtained from local caving clubs.

This intricate and interesting mine is one of the longest now open on Mendip and offers the visitor a veritable maze of passages, chambers and rifts to explore. Rediscovered by Axbridge Caving Group in 1971, the main passages are laid out along an east-west axis and the entrance shaft enters the mine roughly at the centre. To the east lies a series of impressive and watery chambers, while to the west, an active streamway can be pursued for almost 100 m, crossing a series of attractive deep blue pools.

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

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