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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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blue john
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Multi-coloured variety of the mineral fluorspar, found only in the Peak District of Derbyshire. A spectacular cave system in these hills was mined in the past for this precious mineral, from which superb vases were carved – as far back as the Roman empire, but particularly in the 18–19C. Several of the caves, with extraordinary rock formations, are now open as tourist attractions. There is the Peak Cavern with its massive entrance hall, the Speedwell Cavern (entered by boat along a subterranean passage cut in the 18C), the Treak Cliff Cavern, and best of all the Blue John Cavern with a succession of chambers reaching some 3km/2m into the hillside.
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