The Allen Valleys are incredibly rich in history. Today, world-class geological heritage provides a unique underground world explored only by the most adventurous of industrial archaeologists – while above ground it has created an unparalleled outdoor classroom for visiting schools and colleges. But in times gone by, this same resource attracted some of the country’s foremost mining entrepreneurs, in search of lead and other minerals. In its heyday the population of the Allen Valleys was twice what it is today. When the lead ran out, so the miners moved on – but reminders are still there for all to see. Any walk in the local countryside will be rewarded by glimpses of a bygone era.

In 1998, the Allen Valleys Community Trust began building up an archive of historic photographs of the area. They also made recordings of local dialects which are sadly being lost. This resource is now maintained by Fawside, Allendale’s community charity.