Thirty ramblers attended a circular walk around Airy Hill, taking in several ironstone mines and the country’s first alum works at Slapewath. The weather was overcast with sunny spells and a moderate easterly breeze.
The group set off from Tees Valley Wildlife Trust at Margrove Heritage Center toward Cleveland Street.
The group gather at Margrove Ponds to hear about nearby Carr's Tilery.
On reaching Cleveland Street Beth points out South Skelton Mine. Margrove Ponds and south side of Boosbeck Valley are in the background.
We stop in Skelton Green to hear about the former Miner's Hospital with a date-stone of 1883. This served several mines including South Skelton, Skelton Park and Skelton Shaft.
The group stops again near Back Lane Farm where Beth relates the story of madness, destruction and disputed wills in the 1600s concerning the landowners at Skelton Castle.
Another stop for lunch at Skelton Park Mine (Park Pit) on the north facing slope of Airy Hill. This image shows remains of the Main Winding House and downcast shaft (far left).
Image: Peter Appleton.
This image shows the Schiele Fanhouse alongside the Upcast Shaft at Park Pit. The mine, founded by Messrs. Bell Bros., operated between 1873 and 1938.
Image: Peter Appleton.
The group stop in Forty Pence Wood to look at a magazine where explosives were stored for Skelton Shaft Mine.
Image: Peter Appleton.
Remains of the magazine for Skelton Shaft Mine.
Image: Peter Appleton.
The group continue west through Forty Pence Wood toward the remains of Skelton Shaft Mine.
Image: Peter Appleton.
We stopped at Skelton Shaft Mine to inspect the remains of the Guibal Fanhouse. Erected 1890.
Image: Peter Appleton.
Skelton Shaft Mine was founded by Messrs. Bell Bros. and operated between 1861 and 1938. Some of the first stone drawn went to construct Rushpool Hall, country mansion of John Bell.
Image: Peter Appleton.
The group continued on around the western flank of Airy Hill to John Atherton's Quarry at Slapewath. Probably the first alum quarry in Britain commencing c.1603. In the background of this shot taken above the quarry can be seen Birk Brow and the western end of the Boosbeck Valley.
We would like to thank all who attended this informative outing and hope that everyone enjoyed the day. Special thanks go to Skelton & Gilling Estates for granting permission to cross their land and visit the ironstone mine remains at Skelton High Park and Skelton Shaft.
Slapewath – The First Alum Works
Thirty ramblers attended a circular walk around Airy Hill, taking in several ironstone mines and the country’s first alum works at Slapewath. The weather was overcast with sunny spells and a moderate easterly breeze.
The group set off from Tees Valley Wildlife Trust at Margrove Heritage Center toward Cleveland Street.
The group gather at Margrove Ponds to hear about nearby Carr's Tilery.
On reaching Cleveland Street Beth points out South Skelton Mine. Margrove Ponds and south side of Boosbeck Valley are in the background.
We stop in Skelton Green to hear about the former Miner's Hospital with a date-stone of 1883. This served several mines including South Skelton, Skelton Park and Skelton Shaft.
The group stops again near Back Lane Farm where Beth relates the story of madness, destruction and disputed wills in the 1600s concerning the landowners at Skelton Castle.
Another stop for lunch at Skelton Park Mine (Park Pit) on the north facing slope of Airy Hill. This image shows remains of the Main Winding House and downcast shaft (far left).
Image: Peter Appleton.
This image shows the Schiele Fanhouse alongside the Upcast Shaft at Park Pit. The mine, founded by Messrs. Bell Bros., operated between 1873 and 1938.
Image: Peter Appleton.
The group stop in Forty Pence Wood to look at a magazine where explosives were stored for Skelton Shaft Mine.
Image: Peter Appleton.
Remains of the magazine for Skelton Shaft Mine.
Image: Peter Appleton.
The group continue west through Forty Pence Wood toward the remains of Skelton Shaft Mine.
Image: Peter Appleton.
We stopped at Skelton Shaft Mine to inspect the remains of the Guibal Fanhouse. Erected 1890.
Image: Peter Appleton.
Skelton Shaft Mine was founded by Messrs. Bell Bros. and operated between 1861 and 1938. Some of the first stone drawn went to construct Rushpool Hall, country mansion of John Bell.
Image: Peter Appleton.
The group continued on around the western flank of Airy Hill to John Atherton's Quarry at Slapewath. Probably the first alum quarry in Britain commencing c.1603. In the background of this shot taken above the quarry can be seen Birk Brow and the western end of the Boosbeck Valley.
We would like to thank all who attended this informative outing and hope that everyone enjoyed the day. Special thanks go to Skelton & Gilling Estates for granting permission to cross their land and visit the ironstone mine remains at Skelton High Park and Skelton Shaft.