What is CATMHS (Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society)?

Updated

CATMHS is the Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society, a society dedicated to the better understanding and preservation of historic mining sites — both above and below ground — in Cumbria. Its members actively explore these sites, research their history, and help bring that history to the attention of the wider public. If you are looking for an organisation focused on Cumbria's mining heritage, this is what it does and how you can engage with it.

What CATMHS does

The society's work centres on three connected activities:

  • Exploration — members are actively involved in exploring historic mining sites, including underground workings as well as surface remains.
  • Research — the society researches the history of these sites.
  • Public outreach — it works to bring that history to the attention of the wider public.

The scope is Cumbria's historic mining heritage, covering both above-ground and below-ground sites.

Publications and journals

CATMHS sells a large number of publications through its online shop. These include an updated Coniston Copper Mines Field Guide by Eric Holland. A full list is available on the society's Publications page.

The society also publishes a journal. CATMHS Journal 7 is available in the online shop:

Detail Information
Format A4, soft cover
Pages 219
Contents Eighteen articles
Article examples "Backbarrow Iron Works", "Burlington Quarry", "Exploration of Yewthwaite Mine", "Extractive Industries of Walney Island"
Illustrations Many colour and monochrome photos, most never previously published

The site also notes a newly uploaded Hodbarrow Mines CD Photo Album under its stop-press section.

Joining and renewing membership

You can join CATMHS entirely online via the online membership application. Existing members can renew by paying their subscriptions through the site's payments page.

Payment methods and fees

CATMHS accepts payments by direct bank transfer, cheque, cash, and PayPal. The site notes that direct transfer, cheque, and cash are free of cost to the Society, while PayPal payments incur a fee:

Amount paid via PayPal Cost to the Society
£10 3.4%
£60 1.75%
£6000 1.4%

Because of these fees, the society states that if you are paying more than £50, you should not use PayPal — direct transfer to the bank account is the preferred option.

Bank details given for direct transfer:

  • Account Name: The Cumbria Amenity Trust
  • Sort Code: 60-07-10
  • Account Number: 50607790

Where to start

  • To understand the society's purpose and activities, the home page summary covers exploration, research, and public outreach.
  • To buy publications or Journal 7, use the online shop.
  • To join or renew, use the online membership application or the payments page.