Preserving More than a Century of Local Mining History from Loss and Destruction

For almost ten years now the Cleveland Mining Heritage Society (CMHS) has been hard at work discovering and exploring the mining history and related industrial archaeology of Cleveland and North Yorkshire.

Old ironstone and lead mines, alum quarries, jet and cement workings and whinstone mines have all been explored. The local geology and working practices are analysed and the findings are used to update the historical record of the workings.

As they dig out old mines they discover artefacts such as powder flasks and barrels, shoes, hats and clay pipes and, in one instance, after being hidden for 150 years, clog and hobnailed boot prints.

Simon Chapman installing security gates at the latest dig in North Yorkshire

But their efforts unintentionally create hazards for curious members of the public unaware of the potential dangers inherent in the workings: “We look after old mines, often digging out drifts closed long ago,” said Simon Chapman, founding member and secretary of CMHS. “This causes us concern for members of the general public regarding the threat of bad air and possible roof falls. There is another problem too. We enter mines that contain footprints, rail prints and artefacts undisturbed for 150 years. It is heartbreaking to find intruders unthinkingly destroying them,” he added.

To help protect this heritage the group have received funding to install security gates to close off the entrance to the old workings. The money has come via a series of grants from the mine operated by ICL Boulby:  “Our obvious interest in the mining history of this area makes us doubly happy to be able to help the Society protect our heritage,” said Andrew Fulton, MD at ICL Boulby. “One of our former workers, Neil Rowley, is very active in making sure the group get the help and support they need. We thank him for that.”

The latest set of security gates was fitted at a location which the group prefers to keep under wraps:  “We deliberately generalise or not say where we go underground so as not to encourage curious and inexperienced visitors,” explained Simon.  “This is also one of the conditions we have with the relevant landowner and why we are so grateful to Boulby for providing us with security gates.”

However, people with a genuine interest can be taken underground as long as they contact CMHS and are prepared to undertake the necessary training for adequate equipment and guidance.

“Mining history is a fascinating subject but we want it to be done in a safe and responsible manner,” said Simon.

For more information contact Peter Dodson; 07753-910536 [email protected]or Ken Ryalls; 07711-749172 [email protected]

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