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Address
Caphouse Colliery,
New Road,
Overton,
WF4 4RH
Details
Following the government’s announcement that all museums must close from 5 November 2020, the National Coal Mining Museum will now be closed reopening Thursday 3 December 2020, pending further updates.
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Prior to the invention of the flame safety lamp miners lived in fear of the presence of gasses, undetectable to the human senses but highly flammable and in some cases explosive when they came in contact with their candles- which they needed for light. The flame-safety lamp was revolutionary in underground lighting as it not only provided illumination but also helped miners detect explosive gasses in the environment before they became problematic.
Work your way through a series of experiments and audio-visual displays to understand the problems that scientists like Sir Humphry Davy, George Stephenson and Dr William Reid Clanny addressed to create the basic structure for the lamp, which went on to be used as a template across the world for mining lamps.
Learn the story of the lamp and see how the lamp has evolved over time’ Admire some of the museums unique collection of Flame Safety Lamps and hear the stories of people who have made, used and collected the lamp.
The museum has explored and interpreted the life of Sir Humphry Davy, who is widely credited with the invention of the Flame Safety Lamp, in the context of ‘History Makers- People Who Shaped Our World’ thanks to a £81.987 grant from AIM Biffa Award.
The History Makers scheme funds museums to create new exhibitions that will inspire the public through the lives and achievements of extraordinary, historical figures. The scheme is managed by the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) and Biffa Award, a multi million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to communities and environmental projects across the UK as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.
Opening details
Season Dates | Opening Hours |
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Tue 18 Aug 2020 - Sat 31 Aug 2030 | Wed - Sun 10:00 to 17:00 |
Prices
Free entry
FREE £2.10 per group booking fee
Directions
Map reference: SE 252164 Lat: 53.64376 Long: -1.61925
By Road:
Leave the M1 at jct 40 (A638) towards Wakefield, take the 1st right after the traffic lights (Broadway). The Malt Shovel pub will be on your right. At the end of Broadway turn right onto the A642 to Horbury and Huddersfield.
By Public Transport:
Nearest train station: Wakefield Westgate Railway Station
Nearest bus station: Wakefield Bus Station
Bus Route: Yorkshire Traction Bus 232 from Wakefield Bus Station. Drops off outside the Reindeer Inn.
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 6 miles from Wakefield or Huddersfield station
Nearby
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Regional Tourist Board Member
Wheelchairs available
Accepts groups
Facilities for conferencing
Facilities for corporate hospitality
Children welcome
Mobility Accessibility Facilities
Smoking not allowed
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking provided for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- Surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance is:
Solid ie tarmac / concrete etc
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- Route from the parking area to the entrance:
Flat (ie without steps)
Dining
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to restaurant / cafe
Level access (ie no steps or thresholds), or access by ramp or lift to the toilets
Level access (ie no steps or thresholds) or access by ramp to a specially adapted toilet for wheelchair users
Good contrast between the floor and walls
- Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
Gluten free (coeliacs)
Lactose free (dairy free)
Vegetarian
Vegan
Baby changing facilities
Restaurant / café well lit and suitable for people with sight impairments
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
High chairs for children
Children's menu
Audible alarm system
Entrance
Entrance is well lit
Automatic door at the main entrance