Volunteers working with archaeologists from North Pennines Archaeology Ltd have rediscovered one of Nenthead’s lost levels. The level known as Thompson’s Level is thought to date to the eighteenth century and was abandoned by the mid nineteenth century. Work is ongoing but archaeologists have already exposed the level entrance, retaining walls and sections of wooden rail butting on to fish bellied rail. Once the recording has been completed the level will be fully consolidated by our in-house conservation team using traditional building methods and materials. The North Pennines Heritage Trust is setting up an underground research group and it is hoped that this 18th century undisturbed level will form the centrepiece of its practical research programme for years to come.