B E L O W !

Quarterly Journal of the Shropshire Caving & Mining Club Winter Issue No: 2009.4

Changes at the Top Club Dinner At the AGM in October Alan Taylor This year’s Club dinner was well stepped down as Club President, a attended with several members and post he has held for the last 19 years. guests coming hot-foot from the Miner’s Reunion at Blists Hill. Alan became Club President in October 1990, taking over from David The After-dinner talk by Richard Adams, now the roles have reversed Bifield (Tourism Manager for Telford and David has once more taken the & Wrekin) entitled “1709-2009: up the reins. A big thank you to Alan Celebrating the 300th Anniversary of Above: Neal Rushton receiving the for all he has done over the past 19 the birth of the Industrial Revolution ‘Golden Nut’ award from Andy Harris years and a welcome ‘back’ to David, in Colbraookdale” was interesting MR Calendar (our Founder member) as head of the and covered a brief industrial history Thanks to the generosity of Club as we approach our 50th of Telford and Shropshire. GoodYear, member teams of Anniversary. The raffle went well - thanks to Mole Mountain Rescue England & Wales who donated gallons of ‘Mole-juice’ have been given copies of the and bags of vegetables. GoodYear Mountain Rescue Calendar to sell to raise funds. Neal Rushton was awarded the ‘Golden Nut’, and Tony Wilson The Club through it’s connection received the ‘Exploration, E-Mole’ with MCRO & BCRC, has received a but had already left on his travels by box of 50 calendars to sell at £5 each, the time the trophy came to be we need to sell them all before awarded! Christmas .... Ho-Ho-Ho! The ‘Hernia’ award for exploration in the face of adversity was to be presented by Tony, who had left without saying who the recipient was to be ... it is due to awarded on an underground trip soon, more news Above: David Adams, the new Club next time! President. Pictured at the recent Pitchcroft Mine dig. Subs change A increase in Club subscriptions was New Treasurer been made at the AGM, the new rates At the AGM Eileen Bowen stood (assuming BCA Insurance stays the down as Club Treasurer, she felt 3 same) are: years of juggling books was enough! Full member: £20 + £16 insurance Marion Boston, has bravely taken Joint Members (2): £26 + £32 ins. over the role. So welcome to Marion Junior Member: £12 + £16 ins. and a big thank you to Eileen. All Subscriber: £20 Eileen has to worry about now is There is a £2 discount (£4 for Joint) if Bats and not Kittys! you pay before 31st January 2010. Petzl Stop - Safety Alert - see back page.

“Below” 2009.4 1 News Round-Up 1 Ivor Brown

Snailbeach Chapel Back issues of the Bulletin of Wesley Historical Society (Shropshire Branch) have many references to Right: Mining Shropshire miners. One article is sculpture of Pony about how Snailbeach Methodist and coal truck, by Church came about. Gerry Foxall on the ASDA Island, The Marquis of Bath would not Donnington, Telford. apparently give the miners land to build a chapel - but he did for the Picture: Ivor Anglicans in 1872. So the miners got Brown, taken Henry Dennis, the manager of the September 2009 Snailbeach mine, to intercede for them. Miners’ Memorial Damaged Shropshire Wildlife Trust In 1876 the miners got the land they On the 26th October, 2009 at 6am, a The SWT are appealing for funds to needed. Soon after, the attendance at 14-tonne lorry (owned by George H purchase Catherton Common near main services is given as about 140. Kime & Co. Ltd, from Lincolnshire) Ludlow - the site contains much The Sunday School had 47 scholars, travelling along St. George’s Road, evidence of past generations of but by 1884 this had fallen to 27 as Donnington, ploughed straight on at mining and is at present in the many families were leaving the area the Granville traffic island, smashing ownership of an opencast coal “occasioned by the closure of the into the metal sculpture of a miner mining company. mines”. with a pit pony and cart. The lorry driver (in his 60s) was unhurt, and no Tar Tunnel Information Has anyone got a copy of this other vehicles were involved. New information continues to be Chapel’s Centenary Handbook with found about the Tar Tunnel. details of the miners activities The sculpture, commissioned to mark Recently Paul Luter has discovered published in 1976? The writer would the opening of Granville Country in the Madeley Field Reckoning like to see a copy. Park was created by Gerry Foxall of Accounts (Ref. 271/1) that William Madeley as a memorial to local Homersley was the overseer of the Disaster Anniversary miners. It originally stood in the Park, Tar Tunnel in the 1790s (later he Next year, 2010, will be the 100th but was moved to the roundabout became underground agent for Lord Anniversary of the last Shropshire near Asda in 1997 when it became a Stafford). Among other points it mining disaster (involving 3 or more target for vandals! records “4 June 1797, for making a rail lives). It was caused by the rope road in the tar level 142 yd £10-13s- breaking during winding at Telford & Wrekin environmental 0d.” and “25 Oct. 1792, repair of 83 tar Kemberton Pit, Madeley. It is not yet maintenance team are assessing the barrels by William Williams £8-6s- known what, if any, events will be damage to the sculpture to see if it 0d”. held to mark it. can be repaired. Last Private Coal Mine Below: The ramp form the adit to Flame Safety Lamps 2010 is also the 40th Anniversary of the top of the screening plant at For some years now lighted flame Shortwoods. When they reached the the closure of the last private coal safety lamps have been placed on top the tubs were tipped by hand mine in Shropshire - that of the tables at the Club’s Annual Dinner. onto their side, 1967 This must now be a unique occasion, Shortwoods Colliery, near Lawley. Pictures: Ivor Brown many of these lamps are very old and Below: Shortwoods coal bins and valuable. It is the only time the writer loading bays, 1967 has seen a lighted full gauze Davey- type lamp, no glass, with a small flame inside. It is hardly surprising that these lamps were often used just for gas testing, the miner using a candle for illumination - often with disastrous results.

Many thanks ‘Mole’ for supplying and tending the lamps on the above occasions.

2 “Below” 2009.4 The Bolts from Pitchcroft Engine House David Poyner

As part of the investigation into the For a further 5 bolts, the head is set The nuts were sectioned to remove Pitchcroft engine house, we have asymmetrically on the shaft, being them and it was found that the 1 th recovered a large number of iron off-centre by /8 to ¼ of an inch. underlying threads were in good objects. These include many bolts. In Seven of the bolts are associated condition. The angle of the thread in 1983, a study was published of 18th with nuts; these are all square. both bolts was very close to 70o; far and 19th Century bolts recovered from removed from the Whitworth a lead smelter and a mine at The Whitworth thread is defined by standard of 55o. Wanlockhead in Scotland. That has both its shape and its pitch. In most provided the inspiration for a closer cases, the bolts were too corroded to Careful examination of the ¾” bolt look at the Pitchcroft bolts. allow any sensible analysis of the suggested that it had been made by shape of the thread, but the pitch can hand by a blacksmith. The starting A modern bolt is made from a rod of easily be measured by estimating the material was probably a ¾” section iron. The head is cold-forged in a die number of threads per inch (in square rod of wrought iron. The and the thread is cut by machine on practice, where possible the length of smith is likely to have cut this to the other end. In the early 18th either 5 or 10 turns of the thread was length with a set or a chisel. The one Century, bolts were made hand by a measured). end would have been thickened by blacksmith. The thread on both the selective heating and hammering, bolt and the nut was typically cut by Only nine of the 24 bolts had then shaped to the square section hand, sometimes using a file. anything like the pitch required for using a die held in the anvil. The Mechanical cutting of threads is an Whitworth. Given the date of the smith would roughly hammer the invention usually attributed to Henry mine, it is perhaps not surprising that other end of the bolt into a cylinder, Maudsley with his screw-cutting the threads do not follow again finishing it with a die held in lathe developed after 1797, although Whitworth’s standard; on the other the anvil. I suspect an experienced earlier machines were known. hand, he based this on commonly smith would be able to complete this Threads were standardised by Sir used threads that he had examined. work in a few minutes. Both bolts Joseph Whitworth, following a The Lilleshall bolt makers were show flats on one side of the thread; proposal he made in 1841. Thus the clearly content to do their own thing. my guess is that these arose from period from the end of the 18th making the bolt slightly oval rather Century to the middle of the 19th Two bolts were selected for more that truly circular in shape. The Century saw the emergence of detailed examination; in both cases threads seem most likely to have something resembling the modern these had nuts on the end (Figure 1). been cut by hand with dies. bolt. These dates neatly One was 1” in diameter and was correspondent to the life of Pitchcroft broken off close to the nut; the other As the nuts had been sectioned, it mine; c1795 to 1860. This makes the was ¾” diameter and was complete. was possible to examine them in more bolts from that site of particular interest. Figure 1: The bolts and sectioned nuts from Pitchcroft which were examined in detail (Picture: David Poyner) Currently 24 bolts have been recorded. They vary in diameter from ½” to 1½”. Where complete, they are from just over 3” to 12” in length (this does not include the holding down bolts still in situ). The thread is restricted in length to between 1¼” and 2½” at the end of the bolts. One bolt has an eye forged onto its end; the others, where intact, carry square heads.

Two bolts have one side of the head flush with the shaft of the bolt. These are what is known as “gib-head” bolts. The overhang on the head fitted into a slot to stop the bolt from turning; apparently such designs were often used on flanges to secure pipes or on the tops of cylinders.

“Below” 2009.4 3 The Bolts from Pitchcroft Engine House continued ... detail. After polishing, the metal thread of the bolt was covered in a any of our bolts. They have all come showed a series of dark parallel lines. black substance, perhaps dried from the demolition layer and could These are slag inclusions and are grease or tallow. This may have been have been used at any stage in the 60 typical of wrought iron; as the iron is used to lubricate the ill-fitting nut to years life of the mine. However, as hammered and rolled during its tighten it; it is also possible it was the excavation continues we may manufacture, they become aligned. applied in the hope that when it encounter layers that we can date Interestingly, these lines bend down dried, it would act as packing to more accurately; this should tell us sharply as they approach the hole in improve contact between the nut and more about when the bolts were the middle of the nut. This is what bolt. made. would be expected if the hole had been created by a blacksmith using a Overall, the bolts from Pithcroft seem References punch rather than a drill. to be hand-made, owing more to 18th The information on bolts has been or early 19th Century small workshops derived from the Wanlockhead In both nuts, the hole is slightly rather than mass-production article; An examination of bolts conical; a feature that might easily be techniques and standardisation of found at the Wanlockhead mines, produced by a punch. As a the mid-19th Century. In this they W.S. Harvey, Industrial consequence the internal thread is resemble the Wanlockhead bolts. Archaeology, 17 (1983), 130-151. This deeper at the bottom of the nut than They do seem to differ in one respect is also available from the museum at it is at the top. In spite of this, the ¾” from Wanlockhead. The heads of Wanlockhead as a special bolt is a reasonable fit to its nut. The most of the Scottish bolts had been publication. same cannot be said for the 1” bolt, fire-welded onto the shafts, rather largely due to the distortion in the than forged from one piece. Thus the I would like to thank Mr Alec nut. Around 1/3rd of the thread of the Pitchcroft bolts may be considered Breakwell (former blacksmith) and Dr bolt makes no contact with that of more advanced. Tim Young, Cardiff University, for the nut. Interestingly, when the nut discussions about the bolts. was removed, it was found that the We do not know the exact date of

Left: Winding Last Winding in a rope removed Shropshire Shaft from the drum of the Blists Hill The day before the Miners Reunion steam winder, event (9th Oct. 2009) the old after 34 years Milburgh steam winder on the Blists operation. Hill shaft stopped for the rope to be removed to satisfy the requirements The engine still of H. & S. winds, but without the rope.

The Inspectorate were concerned at Picture: Ivor what might happen if there was an Brown, Oct. 2009 overwind or rope breakage on the upward wind. Would the falling Below: The new incline railway at Blists Hill. Also stopped by the HSE. timber headframe or the whiplash of the loose rope injure some nearby person?

There were other concerns too. The apparatus has worked for 34 years without incident. It is hoped that a solution can be found.

Note 1) The above could have major repercussions on the use of all winding gear and even Club winches.

2) There is a “detaching hook Picture: Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings museum” in Derbyshire.

4 “Below” 2009.4 Miners Reunion at Ironbridge Gorge Museum, Blists Hill Ivor Brown

As a result of their failure to produce the Shropshire Miners Banner at a previous event in July, the museum put on a special event for the disappointed miners in October 2009 (see page 15 for pictures of the banner).

An invited group of about 80 persons met at the old Forest Glen Pavilion (formerly sited at the foot of the Wrekin), split into two parties, one group going on a guided tour of the earlier mining exhibits (mainly 1970s) while the other visited the new exhibits, the inclined lift (not working at present because of problems with H & S Inspectors), the clay mine interpretation shed with it’s explanatory posters and the train ride into the mine (a view on this appears else where).

After a half-hour the groups swapped over and finally Above: The Rev. Colin Richards leading the Service in met up again in the ‘Glen’ for “tea and a chat”. At the Forest Glen 4.00pm a short service was held beside the banner (now slightly faded at its edges - it is over 50 years old) led by Rev. Colin Richards, a former Madeley miner.

Finally another chat and a saunter through the “Victorian Town” site back to the cars. The Club put on a display of photos of local mines with miners on them and made a request for identification, while the Museum put on a show of a number of lamps and a surveyors dial from the recently acquired Walker Technical College Collection.

Also on display was a pair of steel capped miners boots from the recently dismantled “Rock Sandwich” display. Above: Dr. I.J.Brown and Lieut-Colonel David Anstice at These boots had been presented by the writer, 20 years Blists Hill ago, having been purchased by him from the NCB, Kemberton Pit Head baths in March 1962 for 39 shillings Below: Scene from the ‘Shadow Show’ in the new mine exhibit. (about 10% of his weekly wage as a deputy). A plan and photographs of the last remaining working clay mine in the UK - still using flanged rail was also displayed in the ‘Glen’.

A vote of thanks was given to those who had worked to make the event a success, from the Museum, the Mining Club, the former Madeley mineworkers and especially to Colin Richards, who had led the service.

After the above event five Club members, with the Left: One of the “Spiralarm” on display from the Rev. Colin and Mrs. Pat IGMT “Walker Tech Collection”. Richards and Lieut- Made by J.H.Naylor, Wigan. It has the curious Colonel David Anstice (of note on the makers plate: “USE ONLY WHITE the family who owned the MAY PARAFFIN”. Madeley Wood Company) The red light section is also quite large and it has went to the excellent Club a small metal plate/reflector that goes in a slot on Dinner at the Lion, the left. Broseley.

Pictures: Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings

“Below” 2009.4 5 Shrewsbury Coalfield Walks June and July 2009, Part 2 Mike Shaw and Andy Wood

23rd June Arscott later tramway remain supporting the It has been suggested that the earlier A woodland walk to see some of the first floor in a barn. bridge was for a plateway from Pulley Colliery to Nobold, this is not remains of the later stages of Arscott Thanks to Mr Savage of Woodhall Colliery. convincing for a variety of reasons, it Farm and the lady at Arscott, whose is more likely to have been for a now Mining was in progress by the mid name I do not know. lost continuation of Gorse Lane, 18th century with leases both near June 30th Pulley and Hanley Bayston Hill. After a pleasant walk to Arscott Hall and at Arscott Coppice. the edge of that village Hanley Lane The dull one. A walk over common was followed to Hook-a-Gate, the By 1838 a lease was granted for land and through woodland to see if most interesting thing noted en-route mining near Gipsy Coppice where the any remains could be found. being a cast iron pipe crossing the principal mine remained until the last Mining at Pulley for both coal and path no doubt to do with the one decade of the mines life. From at least lime (the latter not uncommon in the time local water supply. 1885 and until closure it was run by whole coalfield) certainly dates back the Smallshaw family and ‘J A to 1766 when John Lawrence was Disturbed ground was noted at the Smallshaw Arscott Collieries’ still involved but may have finished by west end of Hanley Lane which functions as a fuel supplier, though it the end of the century. Hanley is presumably is the colliery site. has been many years since they ran noted earlier, it was in the hands of any mines. Mr Boothby by 1768 when a hot July 7th Arscott Golf Course Having parked by the golf course the spring was tapped and a spa set up and Shorthill. Gipsy Coppice site, now with a house complete with a stone lined reservoir. A pleasant evening on the links. built on it, was viewed, a speculative The mine closed about 1861 no doubt knock on the door obtained us due to competition from better, The earliest reference to mining permission to look at the substantial cheaper coal brought in on new the which could include the area visited pit mound adjoining (with I new railway. was 1838 but the history is confused understand planning consent for a In 1861 a chapel in Bayston Hill was by the names involved. house). This mound was over grown built with bricks in parts and cleared in others and from ‘derelict coal told very little. pit buildings at Redhill’ which A rope worked tramway from this site may have been crossed Pound Lane an ran down to Hanley. There was the main railway line near Hanwood also permission Colliery, no trace of this has been for a lead smelter found though there are said to be in 1766 at ‘The lengths of wire rope in the hedge, the Hanleys, Pulley tramway along with the colliery Common’ though closed 1904. there is no A footpath through the coppice indication that it was ever built. follows or parallels the tramway built Above: Gareth Rushton, Andy Wood, & Steve Holding c1910 to serve a new pit at Little Starting at Pulley on the site of a possible shaft at Shorthill. Hanwood. En route several pools Common there is a (SJ 4275 0839) Below: Mine shale, coal and brick rubble in a ‘heap’ on were passed which are possibly much overgrown flooded brick pits. The path from Arscott Golf course (hand courtesy Andy Coyle). pit mound and (SJ 4285 0858) these to Little Hanwood was quite little else. There is overgrown, the adjoining field being one and a bit resorted to at times. The pit itself is, stone abutments as often, densely wooded and has of a bridge over minor remains of what was the brook which presumably an engine house at least was no doubt the in part constructed of bricks marked predecessor of the with an ‘A’, no doubt from the brick and stone company’s brickworks. one of c1860 which looks like a Mr Savage the farmer had met us railway bridge but earlier and suggested that we came

is not believed to Pictures: Kelvin Lake-I.A.Recordings back via the farm where rails from the be.

6 “Below” 2009.4 Shrewsbury Coalfield Walks June and July 2009, Part 2 continued ...

By the late 19th century Shorthill leads to a bridge over the railway is ‘The Cottage’ which incorporates a Colliery was in the angle of the immediately beyond which is the very fine small engine house again railway and the A488 (visited on the very much altered engine house of presumably part of Nag’s Head 9th June) this was later renamed Old Shorthill and the site of the colliery. Mr and Miss Jones were Cruckmeole. Old Shorthill Colliery lies tramway from there to Cruckmeole. very welcoming and quite used to to the north of the railway but the From here an ad-hoc course was anoraks turning up. area visited on this walk lies to the taken back to meet the outward path south and could have been called where it crossed the railway. Further down Back Lane, where the Shorthill (which is a small settlement erstwhile railway to Minsterley is where the Clan Brook crosses the Thanks are due to Mr and Mrs crossed is a very overgrown site with road near Lea Cross) as no other Cooke and the Arscott Golf Club. the low brick remains of a small names seem to fit. There was a engine house and the top a fairly Clanbrook shaft which could have July 14th Pontesford small diameter shaft. At present the been at Shorthill or perhaps more A visit to some of the industrial best guess for this is that it was New probably where the Clan Brook heritage of Pontesford on the only Engine Pit sunk c1860 to prove that crosses under the A488 nearer to the wet evening so far. there was no coal to be had there (it Lea Cross turn. lies north of the Nag’s Head Fault) as After the relative simple histories of part of a dispute between Snailbeach We parked by arrangement at the other areas visited Pontesford is and the landowner Elizabeth Cruckton Village Hall, the party complicated. There have been a large Heighway. crossed the line of the rope-worked number of pits, mines and collieries Hanwood to Cruckmeole tramway, many of which are only noted (quite With the weather now much more the main line, a field and a small correctly) as being in the parish of pleasant the former railway was thicket to get access to the golf Pontesbury, Pontesbury itself followed over very attractive bridge course. Several field paths cross this, however had as many sites as which has openings for the brook, one of which led to Shorthill where Pontesford dating between at least Lower Mill’s tail race and a footpath. Mr and Mrs Cooke’s garden was 1604 and about 1860. The bridge has been restored by the visited. They have a good pit mound council as part of the process of and some degree of evidence to Pontesford’s known recorded mining making some of the track bed into a suggest that the site of their house is history goes from c1784 when the bridleway. Over an informal style a also the site of a pit, the adjoining Snailbeach company leased Nag’s garden was crossed to get access to fields contain several other mounds. Head Colliery from the Samuel Pontesford Engine House which was Heighway to the closure the last pits viewed from both front and rear Returning to the links a trackway c1860. gardens. passes four mounds which tell little though one has the remains of a The Nag’s Head public house collapsed brick building. The track provided an appropriate starting point where we met Mr and Mrs Child who are the new owners of the well known Pontesford Engine House.

The first visit was to the ruins of what is said to be one of Nag’s Head Colliery’s engine houses, probably at ‘Engine Pit’. This is still a good ruin with walls standing almost to their full height and the edge of the brick- lined shaft in front of it. Its condition is not improving and the boscage encroaches more and more.

The field and adjoining ones contain several other pit mounds one of which was Air Pit and, heading Above: The Bob wall of the towards the smelthouse is what may overgrown Nags Head Colliery Above: Andy Coyle under the railway be the route of a tramway. Visible Engine house. (SJ 4084 0636) bridge leading to Old Shorthill from here but accessed via Back Lane Engine House. (SJ 4290 0895) Pictures: Kelvin Lake-I.A.Recordings

“Below” 2009.4 7 Shrewsbury Coalfield Walks June and July 2009, Part 2 continued ...

Once back at the Nag’s Head Mr & Mrs Childs circulated a series of colour photos of the engine house prior to its restoration and a copy of a Shropshire magazine article by Ivor Brown setting out what was known of its history.

An excellent evening with thanks to: Mr Jones (Nag’s Head ruin), Mr and Miss Jones at The Cottage, Mr Hamer (what may be New Engine Pit), Mr & Mrs Child at Pontesford Engine house and the Nag’s Head for permission to park there

Above: The Cottage, Pontesford, with the stone built beam engine in the centre. (SJ 4083 0644)

Above: Date plaque “D.O.J. 1885” on the gable end of the red brick extension of The Cottage, Pontesford.

Right: The bob wall of the Pontesford beam engine house. The shaft is where the plant pot, lower right is situated. (SJ 4096 0668)

Pictures: Kelvin Lake-I.A.Recordings

8 “Below” 2009.4 Shrewsbury Coalfield Walks June and July 2009, Part 2 continued ...

July 21st Boycott & Malehurst The last of the series and the only Left: Open shaft with fence one without major undergrowth. post at Boycott Colliery. (SJ 3907 0676) Coal mining at Boycott certainly goes back to 1680 and working carried on at least intermittently until the end of the 19th century, presumably on the Below: Grey clay, shale and coal on the heaps at Boycott same site. At Malehurst a field name Colliery. ‘Coalpit Leasow’ is recorded as early (SJ 3916 0675) as 1606 and mining carried on probably even more intermittently until the Snailbeach company took a mine from about 1854 – 1861. The locations are some what more spread than at Boycott.

The walk began with an unplanned Below: View from the open visit to Pontesbury station following shaft (above), looking East a chat with the owner over the fence, along the pit mounds of the ‘bog pits’ and the possible site not only was the building itself of Engine pit. appreciated, the Egyptian owl and the Landrover also met with critical The tramway to acclaim. the road went from the site, Along the old track bed toward through the Minsterley, Pontesbury Junction was gateway, past the black barn. passed, with several lengths of stone (SJ 3918 0675) retaining wall surviving. Mr David Evans the farmer of both sites met us on the track bed and shewed us Below, Left: around the mounds and pools at View, South- Boycott, the area in the NE corner west of Nick being known as bog pits. Southwick walking along A few bits of masonry did not tell on old track-way much but could be the remains of an into the field with engine house at Engine pit which the main was 270 feet (81 metres) deep to the Malehurst shaft sites. Thin coal. (SJ 3849 0655)

The tramway to the road shewn on if you look at the the 1827 OS draft map has field on Google disappeared but a trackway to the Earth, there railway could just have carried such a appears to be at line though the levels seem wrong. least 10 pits in the field. The field containing the principal Pictures: Kelvin Lake-I.A.Recordings sites at Malehurst by contrast is to the slag hearth and a basin to hold raised routes one at least of which improved though dotted with humps water” which were noted when John could have been the tramway from a and bumps. It contained 2 smelters in Lawrence and others handed the site coal pit to a smelter which Lawrence the late 18th century in addition to back to the landowner, Mr Boycott in built. most of the “17 pits between 8 and 45 1796 after demolishing the smelters Thanks to Mr Evans. yards deep, 15 coalpit holes, various and leaving the site. other holes, 3 brick kiln holes and an The evening ended at The Plough in unspecified number of same in bridge There is one building, now clearly Pontesbury which no doubt has field … Mr Lawrence to fill up and agricultural which could incorporate welcomed miners from Bogey Lane make good the watercourse coming industrial remains and there are two Colliery in its time.

“Below” 2009.4 9 Some Notes on the Mines of the Lilleshall Company, No.2 Ivor Brown Pits in the Donnington Field (Colliery), continued ... 5. Freehold, SJ 720 134 Worked: Mainly ironstone but later coal. Sunk: 1840s, Closed: 1928, 1st March. Shafts: In 1891, shafts 2 x 7.5ft. diameter. Deepest 441 ft. (734 ft. at closure), ventilated by furnace, airways 1,574yd. in length. Up to 4 shafts shown on old maps. Winding: In 1880 had a steam engine, new engine installed in 1884 to wind principally coal. Pumping: In 1880 had steam engine which was replaced in 1884, but no details available. Base of engine house still visible. Masonry and brick remains on the Freeehold Colliery site, 2009. Employed: 19 in 1884, 203 in 1905, 117 Picture: Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings in 1917, 315 in 1923, and 316 before Apparently consisted of several closure in 1928. Last fatalities 9. Overtons (or Overleys), shafts, some 188 yd. deep. A detailed occurred in 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1926. SJ 711 115 geological section has been Worked: Chiefly ironstone. The mine had numerous problems published by Prestwick. Sunk: Probably c1830s, with underground fires, water and Closed: c1900. blackdamp. Some structural remains No information available on the Shafts: In 1891, shafts 2 x 7.5 ft. survive in recent excavations, but no engines used. diameter, deepest 390 ft. Ventilated interpretation has yet been found. by furnace, airways 1,771 yd. long. For further information see IGMT The 1875 Lodge Pit disaster may Granville Country Park study p40 and have been at this pit, but Lodgebank No information available on the ‘Below’ 2006.3 “A Gob Fire in Steep is most likely as it is described as engines. Workings at a Shropshire Pit”. being at the “pit at the end of Lodge Employed: 139 persons in 1984. Most Road” (Report of Inspector of mines recent fatalities here were recorded in 6. Lodgebank, SJ 721 124 and SCMC Account No.24 “A List of 1894 and 1897. Worked: Coal and ironstone. Fatal Accidents in Shropshire”, Present situation regarding the site Sunk: Probably c1820s, published 2005). The latter remains is not known. “Standing” in 1891, but had been publication also contains a ballad on worked until nearby Lodge Furnaces the Lodge (Slaughter) Pit disaster. 10. Brickyard, SJ 711 117 shut down in 1888. Worked: Coal. Shafts: 870ft. deep. 8. Meadow (or Old Meadow), Sunk: Original date unknown. Old pit Other ‘Lodge’ pits nearby include SJ 712 127 reopened about 1900, Lodge Pool, Lodge Wood etc. Worked: Chiefly ironstone. Closed: Before 1910. Shropshire’s second worst recorded Sunk: Several shafts 1820s-1840s, No information available on the mine accident occurred at one of the Closed: 1894. engines. Lodge pits in 1875 (11 killed). Last Shafts: In 1891, shafts 2 x 7.5 ft. Employed: 83 men in 1905 and 56 just fatality at the Lodgebank Pit was in diameter, 600 ft. deep, ventilated by before closure in 1908. 1864 (coal) and 1882 (ironstone furnace, airways 704yd. long. There is also a long disused workings). ‘Brickyard Pit’ at Donnington (SJ 712 No information available on the No information available on engines. 133) sometimes called “Woodfield engines, but the 1882 OS map shows Pit”. Lodgebank Brick works and Clay Pit three substantial buildings. A report Present situation regarding the site adjoined the pit. dated 1899 says that “the machinery remains is not known. here is old” and the pits “too small 7. Lodgewood, SJ 716 120 for profitable working”, even when Note Worked: Coal and ironstone. carried out by Chartermaster. Grange, Granville and Stevens Pits Sunk: 1830s, There are some structural remains, will be dealt with in a later issue. A Closed: Before 1880. but these have not been identified. map of locations will appear in the next issue.

10 “Below” 2009.4 Two Sea Caves Andy Wood

While on holiday in Mull, I had the right through the hill and emerged on Fingal’s Cave opportunity to do some caving – of a the other side of the headland at This is a sea cave on the island of slightly different sort! Loch Scridain. Staffa formed within Tertiary basalt Even without myth and mystery, the lava flows, which have cooled to Mackinnon’s Cave form hexagonal columns. This and On the west coast of Mull not far cave is worth visiting. The walk in will take you down the geological Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland from Ben More, is believed to be the are the most famous sites of basalt deepest in the Hebrides and, at column from Mull's tertiary volcanics to the psammite basement rocks at columns in Britain and maybe in the nearly 600ft long, is around the 20th whole world. deepest sea cave in the world. It is the cave. There is a nice sandy floor only accessible below half tide as it is to much of it but light does not penetrate very far in. Not being Staffa is a tiny uninhabited island, necessary to clamber over great slabs only 1.2km long and 400m wide, 46m of rock on the ‘beach’ to reach it, a equipped with my helmet and lamp, I had to make do with a weak torch to high at its highest point and is a waterfall tumbling down the cliffs National Nature Reserve and SSSI. being a marker for the entrance. get to the further reaches and, being unsuitably dressed, I baulked at crawling the last few feet. The name Staffa means “Pillar Boswell and Johnson visited it in Island”, much of its 2.4km 1773 and measured its depth. William The sea view from the cave is circumference is cliff line, composed Black, a popular Victorian novelist of the basalt of an old lava flow. The set one of the scenes of his Castle impressive, being out towards the islands of Ulva and Gometra, Staffa typical hexagonal pillar structure of Dare in the cave. Deep inside, there is the rock is mostly vertical, which a large flat slab dubbed "Fingal's and the Treshnish isles. Table" and the whole cave has gathered about it an aura of mystery and magic. It was reputed to have been used in very early times as a refuge for hermits - the "Culdees" of the early church were supposed to have used "Fingal's Table" as an altar.

Like many Hebridean caves, it was thought to offer a passage to the Above: The ferry to Fingal’s Cave, at underworld of fairies. There is the the cave entrance. tale of the piper who tried to outdo Right: The hexagonal basalt the fairies in a piping competition and formations around the cave. walked into the cave accompanied by his dog. Only the dog returned, Below: View of the basalt cliffs and entrance to Fingal’s Cave, from the ferry. crazed with fear. Some say he went

Below: The entrance to Mackinnon’s Cave, Mull. Picture: Andy Wood

“Below” 2009.4 11 Two Sea Caves Continued ... gives the fantastic look of a palisade.

The cave was discovered by Sir Joseph Banks in August 1772.

We journeyed to Staffa on one of the ‘Turus Mara’ (Gaelic for sea Journey) boat trips from Ulva Ferry, a small concrete jetty in the Sound of Ulva.

The mechanism for attracting the attention of the little ferry boat across to the island of Ulva is simple and rather quaint. On the wall of one of the buildings and facing across the 200 metres or so of water, is a large white, wooden square panel that can be slid sideways to expose a large red square – then easily visible to the ferryman on Ulva. It works.

A couple of dozen of us were aboard the ‘Hoy Lass’ for the trip out into Loch Na Keal, past the islands of Inch Kenneth and Little Colonsay. As we passed a large fish farm, with salmon leaping high into the air inside their pens, the more open water created some roll making it occasionally difficult for those on deck to remain in their seats!

The regular nature of the basalt pillars in the cliffs makes for a very imposing site as the boat approaches Staffa. We were able to sail right into Above: Interior of Fingal’s Cave. Pictures: Andy Wood the cave entrance to admire the formations before we were put ashore Natural Gas Plan for Coal Seams for a closer look. In September, Scottish-based ensure minimum disturbance. A stainless steel handline has been Composite Energy Ltd applied to attached to the cliff face to help the Wrexham Council to sink a test Composite Energy Ltd has invested nervous to make their way along the borehole on a farm at Bowling Bank, £15m to develop up to 18 test drilling tops of hexagonal columns, using near Wrexham's industrial estate. wells after it was awarded coal bed them as stepping stones as it were, to methane licences last year across The company wants to do round-the- reach the cave entrance and then Scotland, Wales and England. clock test drilling for two months to penetrate a good halfway inside. find methane in deep coal seams. In 2004, another power company, ENER.G Natural Power began The cave is about 250ft deep and 70ft The council has received 12 letters of extracting methane from the former high and the motion of the water objection and more than 60 people Llay Main Colliery in Wrexham. The provides some very weird sound have signed petitions opposing the company said the coalfield was effects and echoes. scheme. Residents have said they are producing enough electricity to concerned about noise disturbance power 3,000 homes! It is awe inspiring and thought and heavy traffic. provoking when looking up at the Why do they never state what the regularity of the hexagons in the roof Council officials are recommending actual power output is? What power or down from the cliff tops onto the Planning Committee approve the do 3,000 homes need??? lower formations. scheme, subject to conditions to BBC News 3rd Sept. 2009

12 “Below” 2009.4 What the Papers Said - From the Colliery Guardian submitted by Steve Dewhirst

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT AT SHREWSBURY THE SNAILBEACH WORKS Great anxiety was felt during the past week from a having found them employment for the present. rumour that the number of hands employed under Some of the other mines in the neighbourhood the Snailbeach Company was about again to be promise better, and there is every reason to hope reduced. I am glad to hear that. such is not to be the that the present depression will soon give way to case at present, Stephen Eddy, Esq., the manager, a more healthy state of things. th 13 March 1858 FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT AT COALPORT CONTINUED DEPRESSION IN THE IRON TRADE—A USELESS SEARCH FOR COAL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT—EXPLOSION OF FIRE-DAMP AT DARK LANE COLLIERY. I REGRET to say the depression in the iron trade ON TUESDAY LAST an accident of a serious still continues. A short time after the panic, an nature occurred to a young man named Joseph improvement was observable, and orders for Bailey, in one of the Randley stone pits. It appears castings and for bar-iron at some of the principal that the young man at the time was standing with works were more numerous, but a reaction has his back to the face of the work. A quantity of since set in. No reduction in the price of coal, earth fell from the roof, burying him. No doubt however, has taken place. I may also remark that was entertained of his death, but one of the little diminution has taken place in the general make chartermasters, Noah Rhodes, who was upon the of iron in this district, so that upon the whole we bank at the time, went down, and, with others, may be said to have been better off than many of succeeded in extricating him, after an hour’s hard our neighbours. Indeed, one or two of the firms labour. They had the gratification of finding that that have contented themselves with making a life was not extinct; air, it is supposed, by some superior article with cold blast, have commanded means had access to the unfortunate fellow. He high prices, and have been driving a respectable and recovered sufficiently to walk home shortly after. profitable trade. ON SATURDAY an explosion of fire-damp THE RECKLESS, and, in this day unparalleled took place at the Lawn pits, belonging to B. piece of folly which was alluded to in a former Batfield, Esq., M.P. Two men, when about to communication, of sinking for coal where not only leave the pit in the morning, after their night’s experience but geological evidences forbid the work, came in contact with a portion of carburetted supposition of its ever being found, is still persevered hydrogen gas, which immediately fired, and one in. Deceived by the “clod “ as the colliers term the of them was so much injured that he died about upper Ludlow shale, practical men have given two o’clock on Wednesday last. th unwise advice, and insisted upon its analogy to the 20 March 1858 carboniferous measures. FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT AT BRIDGNORTH EXPLOSION OF GAS AT THE GRANGE PIT, MADELEY An inquest was held at the Crown Inn, Dawley, on of leaving it behind him, while three men—Jones, Tuesday, upon the body of William Evans, who Guy, and Maiden—also fearfully burnt, and now met with his death by an explosion of gas. The pit in a very precarious state, instead of remaining at is naturally liable to sulphur. A feeder also was a distance till informed of the safety or otherwise known to exist near where the explosion took place, of the mine, followed closely upon the heels of the and water having broken in a few days since the air deceased. These men carried with them naked passages of the mine had become stopped. Under candles, and there appears to be some grounds such circumstances, one would imagine the greatest for believing that the deceased carried, in addition caution would have been used ; but, unfortunately, to his lamp, a lighted candle also. The consequence this does not appear to have been the case. The was an explosion that shook the works, killing the deceased, William Evans, whose duty it was, as “ doggy and frightfully burning the men whose doggy” of the pit, to see that the works were safe, names are above mentioned. The inquiry was upon approaching the dangerous part of the works, adjourned till Saturday for the attendance of the on Monday morning, took with him his light instead Government inspector of mines. th 19 January 1861

“Below” 2009.4 13 The Miners Union in Shropshire Ivor Brown

Combinations and groups of In 1876 a large strike took place in many inquests into mining deaths as disruptive miners are not new to the Shropshire, with over 2,000 out. The ‘Agent’. County in 1756 the high price of food men eventually went back to work caused groups of miners at Ketley to against the advice of the Agent In 1910 the Shropshire Association revolt. Magistrates men caught 10 (Martin Cooper). Each big pit had a had 2,300 members (7 lodges) and the and executed two. Lodge Secretary, often also the Old Hill and Highley Association had Checkweighman (man paid by the 1,116 members in 18 lodges. Over the years many more strikes workers to ensure the weighmans Surviving miner’s tokens from this occurred, during the 1821 political readings were correct). period are commonly marked with the agitation, 300 miners damaged word ‘Federation’, but the Union was equipment and 3,000 gathered at Old A delegation from Shropshire was still sometimes called an Park. The local Yeomanry were present at the 1880 National ‘Association’. involved and shot two miners dead Conference and Shropshire became a (William Bird and Thomas Gittins). member of Midland Counties In 1911 tenders were put out for food One miner was later executed Federation of Miners. for a dinner for 1,500-2,000 miners. (Thomas Palin). There were further Enoch Edwards, the National strikes in the 1830s and 40s. In 1886 the Shropshire Miners President was to speak - 1,000 Association was officially formed attended. After the 1850s period of growth, with William Latham as the Secretary nationwide unions were being (he started work at Freehold Colliery, Major strikes were held during 1913, formed. The October 10th 1863 issue age 10 in 1871, became Agent in 1907 but they collapsed as no strike of the Colliery Guardian reports that and retired in 1933). money was available. The three miners in the Wellington District month miners strike in 1921 also have been meeting with deputations By 1890 the Union had changed, and collapsed without the miners from the North Staffs. Amalgamated described themselves as a achieving their objectives. Association of Miners at St. Georges, Federation, with W.Gough as Lawley and Ketley. Numerous people President. At an Inquest in 1923 W.Latham was attended the meetings. A deputation refused permission to ask questions. of Shropshire Miners later went to Trade was very poor at this time - the He threatened action against the London as wages in Shropshire Lilleshall Co. threatened to close 6 of Coroner, saying he had full rights wages were lower than elsewhere. their 17 pits. Trade Union meetings under the “Mining Act Section 84”. were held in Primitive Methodist In 1924, Latham chaired a meeting of In 1872, Martin Cooper of the Chapels and began with a hymn and miners in Madeley, where Kemberton Amalgamated Miners Association of a prayer (Latham was a local pit was threatened with closure. Shropshire attended the enquiry into preacher), but they only attracted Alfred Hoggins started attending the Springwell Pit Disaster. He was about 56 - mainly to discuss strikes! Inquests. reported as the “Agent for the Association”. In 1873 it is reported Latham gave evidence in 1908 to the Miners were on strike again in 1926 that the ‘Agent’ met local mine Royal Commission on Mines, he also (May to November), but once again owners and got 6d per day pay rise, attended international meetings in the strike was unsuccessful and but no reduction in hours. The Poland (1926) and Russia (1929), and collapsed. Shropshire Union at this date was over 3,000 strong and there was Below is the last paragraph from a letter replying to a request for details of “much agitation”, with strikes and the Union in Shropshire, dated 22 Sept 1997 - note the signature. lock-outs taking place. I am sorry I cannot be of more assistance but I am sure you understand our In 1874 there were more disputes dilemma, bearing in mind that Shropshire was an Area Union and that no over pit closures - this was marked one here today has got any personal knowledge of either the coalfield or by the “sudden collapse” of the the individuals who were employed there. Union in the Pontesbury area. Mass meetings were held at the Coalport Yours sincerely Inn, Oakengates, but eventually a reduction in wages was accepted.

Several large Union demonstrations were held. During 1875, the third was at Madeley where 1,500 attended from 12 lodges.

14 “Below” 2009.4 The Miners Union in Shropshire continued ...

During the depression of the 1930s, Latham retired as Agent (1933) and his place was taken by Alfred Hoggins, ‘a short fat man’. At some point during this period the Union seems to have become “The Shropshire Miners, Enginemans and Surfacemans Federation”. Hoggins was succeeded by George Davies as Agent in 1939.

At Madeley (Kemberton Pit) George Whitehead became involved with the Union Lodge and in 1938 became Secretary and Checkweighman. Membership was then “6 pence per week” paid at the office when collecting wages. Whiteheads salary was taken from this at rate of one shilling in the pound. George Above: The Shropshire Union banner, on display at the Forest Glen, continued in this position until 1964, Blists Hill, October 10th 2009. Picture: Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings when payment to miners on tonnage ceremonially with IGMT at Blists Hill. Forest of Wyre, became Secretary for basis was replaced by ‘yardage’. Said by Union leaders to be the North Staffs Federation, where he George was then taken on as an temporary only. It was put on display ran into trouble, but retired as Agent employee by the NCB and transferred in October 2009 for the Miners for Old Hill and Pensnett District. to Granville Pit, when Kemberton Reunion at Blists Hill. closed in 1967. He retired about a References year later. Note Local Newspapers Some Shropshire miners became “Demonstration at Madeley”, SCMC The Shropshire Miners Federation senior union members in other Journal No.8 joined the NUM Midland Area in Districts. A.Stanley from Dark Lane, “W.Latham, Shropshire Mining 1944. In 1947, membership of a Union Oakengates, became Agent for the Agent”, SCMC ‘Below’ 1997.4 became compulsory for all Cannock Chase Miners, then mineworkers. Subscriptions were The writer would like to thank Mrs. Secretary for the whole Midlands collected through wages offices. Fred J.Wright (daughter of G.Whitehead) Federation. A.Onions from St. Deeley from Highley was appointed and Mr. N.Latham for information. A Georges, became Secretary for the Agent. Highley miners then became collection of papers from the whole South Wales Miners part of the Shropshire District. Madeley Wood Lodge is now in the federation and B.Winwood from the Previously they seem to have had IGMT Archives. two unions, one connected with ‘Old Below: Detail of the Union banner, with the symbols of Staffordshire on the Hill’ and another with ‘Pensnett’, left and Shropshire on the right. Picture: Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings both in South Staffs. Ifton Colliery in North Shropshire always seems to have been connected to North Wales Unions. In 1964 at Madeley, Norman Latham was appointed Secretary and Eric Dodd, Chairman. Norman is understood not to be a relation of William referred to above. By 1969, Shropshire Lodge had been combined with South Staffordshire Lodges to form South Staffordshire and Shropshire District (see picture of banner). When Granville Pit closed in 1979, the Union banner was laid up

“Below” 2009.4 15 Miners Union Badges of Shropshire Ivor Brown

The Miners Union badges depicted below are only a few examples, based on known reported badges. Badges from the Coalbrookdale & Shrewsbury Coalfield

Jan. 1910 April 1914 April 1915 March 1911 October 1916 From A.Frost From I.J.Brown From A.Frost (Miners Association) From M.Mugridge (with millimetre scale - From R.Rushton 33mm dia.) (found in a Donnington garden)

Note: All the letters on the above badges or tokens are ‘cut-out’

July 1918 January 1919 July 1919 January 1921 From The Lloyd From I.J.Brown From Keith Robinson From Keith Robinson Family (with millimetre scale - (National Trust) (National Trust) (found in the Snailbeach 29mm square) Count House garden) Notes All the numbers on the ‘square’ badges are embossed.

The details on both types of badges seem to form sequences can anyone work out what they are? Do they represent payments, or individual lodges?

July 1922 January 1925 If anyone knows of other examples, it would be appreciated From Howard Davies From A.Frost if a sketch or photograph could be sent to the editor. (Moat Hall or Cruckmoele) Badges from the Forest of Wyre Coalfield

References ‘Snailbeach Badge’ SCMC ‘Below’ 2005.2 p5 Frost badge: Donnington & Muxton by A.Frost Forest of Wyre badges: Wyre Forest Coalfield, by D.Poyner and R.Evans, Tempus 2000.

From Robert Evans All other badges in private collections. OLD HILL & HIGHLEY From Robert Evans DISTRICT, MINERS MINERS FEDERATION PROTECTION SOCIETY, HIGHLEY SALOP UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL

16 “Below” 2009.4 Sand, Jim, but not as we know it! Andy Wood

Once, many years ago when I was fuses, ceramic glazes, silicon carbide very young, I learned that the best and rendering sand. In the past it was silica sand in Britain came from also used in toothpaste and Lochaline. Other than being in household cleaners. Scotland, I did not know where Lochaline was and I had even less From its inception, the mine was idea what was special about the operated by mineral suppliers Charles sand. Tennant & Co Ltd and the manager of their Ballachulish quarry, Donald On a recent trip to Mull, taking Noel Paton, both established the advantage of some appalling stormy mine and managed it until his weather, (wind blowing waterfalls UP retirement in 1962. In 1972, the mine the hill!) eliminating many of the was taken over by Tilcon and Tarmac preferred holiday options, I took the then ran it from 2001 until it closed in ferry from Fishnish to Lochaline for a December 2008. Above: The Mine Office at Lochaline leisurely lunch. However, a brief Picture: Andy Wood appetite-raising walk to see the source of the famous sand seemed in order. I had anticipated a beach, or perhaps a pit, from which the sand was dredged but it came as a big surprise to me to find a proper underground mine, with processing facilities and a ship-loading conveyor to a mooring in the loch. The site is unique in that the silica is mined from high purity sandstone by typical room and pillar techniques and all the output has always been shipped by sea.

The deposit was first recognised as a source of silica sand in 1895 by Sir Edward Bailey of the Geological Survey. Tests were conducted and it proved to be one of the purest Initially, the quarried stone was taken Above: The diesel loco with a deposits in the world (up to 99.7% directly from inside the mine by a loaded train of sand wagons, pure quartz) and suitable for the use diesel powered tramway (see the travelling to West Pier, Lochaline. in manufacturing high quality glass. RCAHMS mine loco picture above) © Courtesy of RCAHMS. Licensor www.rcahms.gov.uk It was not opened until 1940 when to the west pier at Lochaline for France fell to the German invasion processing. This is located in the and the only other source of quality Sound of Mull rather than in Loch silica at a mine in Fontainebleau near Aline. Below: An old truck still sitting on Paris, was cut off. Krupp rails leading to the West Pier. Interestingly, the rails Picture: Andy Wood Geologically, the sandstone is laid for the tramway were down as a bed of between 3 and 12 part of a captured metres thickness underneath German cargo and younger basalt. The central 5 metres were manufactured by is particularly pure quartz with very Krupps! It closed in few impurities and it is this band, 1967 but a small which was mined for glassmaking remnant of this purposes. The sand has been used in tramway remains, still the manufacturing of glasses, crystal with a truck (see (Waterford crystal and Caithness picture right) on it, Glass), bottles, heat resistant glass, next to the access optical glass for binoculars and road bridge over a periscopes, china tableware, electrical stream.

“Below” 2009.4 17 Sand, Jim, but not as we know it! Continued ...

Because of difficult wartime conditions, obtaining supplies of explosives was a problem until Right: One of the last adits to be Tennants bought a cabin cruiser, worked. This may have been used which was used to ferry explosives for ventilation. from Oban for ten years!

During 1953. a deal was done to supply Colgate/Palmolive with 45,000 Below: Another of the last adits to be tons a year of lower quality sand for worked. This is probably one of the Ajax cleaning powder, markedly main loco access tunnels -could it increasing the mine’s output. There have been the original adit? were continual increases in plant efficiency and between 1972 and 1974 a new and updated processing plant was built near the mine entrance, with a new boat loading jetty in Loch Aline directly opposite the plant. Output peaked at 130,000 tons per Pictures: Andy Wood year in 1997 and the overall total production exceeded 5m tons of sand.

The mine is located on a narrow strip of land next to the loch from which a total of twelve adits accessed 48kms of tunnels at least 2kms into the rockface. I noticed three of these and found the most recently worked had Below: The rusting remains of the Lochaline processing plant. been fenced off preventing a close look at the workings although peering in revealed crosscuts blocked with waste and clear tyre tracks in the floor. All the processing machinery remains in place, including crushers, screens and washing equipment with associated conveyors. All stock has gone but the various stockpile areas are obvious and the mine office, a former Ardtornish estate house, (see previous page) near the site entrance almost looks to be in current use. 'Spectacular' new diamond found Mining group Petra Diamonds has Mine, where the largest diamond in end of last year fetched $18m. announced the discovery, at a mine history was found more than 100 in South Africa, of one of the largest, years ago. A 168 carat stone was also high quality diamonds discovered to discovered, alongside one of 58 date. The new find is being analysed by carats and another of 53 carats. experts to determine its true value. The 507 carat stone (one of the 20 The largest diamond to be biggest, high quality diamonds to Initial indications are that it is of discovered, named the Cullinan, was have been found) could be worth in exceptional colour and clarity, 3,106 carats. It was cut into nine excess of $20m (£12.5m). which suggest extraordinary separate stones, many of which are in potential for its polished yield. the British Crown Jewels. It was found with three other large diamonds at the famous Cullinan A 480 carat diamond found at the BBC News, 29th September 2009

18 “Below” 2009.4 Christmas Special - Dogs at Mines Ivor Brown

Dogs are, it is said, a mans best friend and it is reported that they have been taken to small mines as companions by miners, working alone underground, but the writer has no personal knowledge of this.

It is surprising, however, how many photos taken of miners at Shropshire mines have dogs with them, (see the examples in “West Shropshire Mining Fields” (Tempus) Pontesbury p64, Wotherton p98 (one of which is reproduced right), and Huglith p95). So perhaps they did go below. Guard Dog Above: Miners with dog at Wotherton, c1900 (Ken Lock Collection) At least one Shropshire Mine had a dog doing work on the surface; Left: Fox Terrier and Miners lamps about 1960 Frank Cawley was (from The Story of a Mine, Ken Kent). appointed Kemberton Pit’s first security man and brought his Alsatian to work with him. Up to that date the colliery cashier collected the wages in cash for the 800 workers (800 x say £15 = £120,000, probably equivalent to £240,000 today) each Below: Postcard advertised on eBay (Jan. 2003), showing dogs being Friday from the National Provincial used to haul waggons. bank in Wellington (prior to being called up as a ‘Bevin Boy’, member Ray Rushton worked in this bank and used to help put the cash in the car).

The roads were mainly narrow, rural tracks, but the only security (until Mr. Cawley and his dog arrived) was, the use of a private car (not the NCB’s marked van), never telling anyone which route was to be taken, and “to vary it”. When the security man was appointed he went along also with the dog in the back seat. (A situation the cashier was known to avoid whenever possible as he did not like dogs). In any case what use was a big dog trapped in the back Search Dogs seat of a small 2 door car with two big In another instance, dogs were used Award (the dogs Victoria Cross) for fellows in the front and the cash in after the William Pit Disaster (15th his work in locating over 50 people the boot? August 1947, 19 killed by an under rubble during the London Blitz. explosion, plus 85 by fumes). The Elsewhere in the country dogs seem explosion had caused some serious The other dogs, Prince and Rose had to have had more useful rolls. In falls of roof. Three days after the also been used on these duties. For Cumbria a fox terrier (see picture incident 7 bodies were still missing two days, the 3 dogs were used above, right) travelled down a and 3 Alsatians were called in from underground to assist until all colliery shaft each day for 8 years. He an RAF School for Police Dogs. missing persons had been located went rat-catching around pit bottom (see Whitehaven News, 21 August all morning and usually travelled up One of the dogs called Jet had 1947). the shaft in the cage alone at lunch previously been awarded the Dickens time - work done!

“Below” 2009.4 19 Christmas Special - Dogs at Mines continued ....

Dogs for Haulage Dogs As Pack Animals The only other instances of dogs While searching the internet to see if in size, but written on the back is the being used at a mine, that the writer I could find any more examples of message: has seen, has been found on an dogs being used at mines for Ivor’s American postcard. Large dogs are article, I came across the University “Taken at Chistochina Mutt [?] shown hauling the mine waste and of Alaska Anchorage, Consortium station. Notice the jacks on the coal in waggons to the surface Library’s online Archives and Special men and dogs. The horses carry screens. The photo looks genuine, Collections. the bedding and carry outfit. The but can it have been posed - judge dogs and men the grief and gold. for yourself ? It’s a fascinating collection of online There was nearly 50.000.00 taken images, covering all aspects of life in Many dogs have, over the years, out by the party in the picture. Alaska. However in the “Frederick died in pit shafts, albeit by falling John” collection there was one image down them. Shropshire had until The big black dog in the of particular interest (see below, left). recently a high stone monument to a foreground had about 5.000.00 in dog which fell to its death in Willey dust on his back. It was "freight" The picture has the title “Gold miners Park (see Below 2008.3). In another being taken out by the old man and pack train at Chistochina” (ref. recorded incident in 1759 no less with whiskers.” UAA-hmc-0379-series3-h2) and than twelve hounds are said to have shows a group of gold miners and “thrown themselves” down a 180ft. Presumably “jacks” are a local name dogs loaded with packs filled with shaft while following a fox in a hunt for rucksacks or panniers. I’m also gold preparing to depart from on the Clee Hills (but only 5 died assuming the weight mentioned for Chistochina, Alaska. immediately - see Annual Register the gold dust is in ounces. So the 1759, SCMC website). black dog is carrying 5,000 oz. of gold The original picture is 3 3/4" x 4 1/2" dust.

To find out more visit the web site: vilda.alaska.edu Left: Gold miners and dogs with packs filled To find the above picture, type “Gold with gold preparing to Miners dog” in the search box. depart from Chistochina, Alaska. Most of the images with dogs are just “companions” or dog sleds. This Men & dogs carried the gold, horses the appears to be the only picture bedding and tools. showing dogs in use as pack animals. Kelvin

(University of Alaska, Frederick John Collection, UAA-HMC-0379) Chinese Mine Disasters Explosion in Henan to follow safety rules, including a November). More than 400 people On the 8th September, it was reported lack of required ventilation or fire managed to escape. Rescuers that at least 35 people had been killed control equipment. attempts to reach the trapped miners and 44 were missing after a pre-dawn were being hampered by dense gas gas explosion happened at Xinhua Heilongjiang Explosion and collapsed tunnels. No 4 pit, Pingdingshan city, a coal At least 92 people are known to have mine in China's Henan province. The mine is operated by the state- died in China’s worst coal mine owned Heilongjiang Longmei Mining Chinese officials said 93 men were accident in two years. Another 16 Holding Group and has an annual working underground at the time of miners are missing after the blast at capacity of 1.45m tonnes of coal. the blast but 14 miners fled to safety. Xinxing pit in Hegang City in State-run mines are generally Heilongjiang province. considered to be safer than private The mine was undergoing collieries, whose lax safety standards renovations, and had not yet been Some 528 workers were in the mine have contributed to a high rate of authorised by the city government to (in the region bordering Russia) accidents. resume operations. Most Chinese when the explosion occurred 02:30 mine accidents are blamed on failures local time (18:30 GMT, Friday 20th Official figures show that more than continued on p21

20 “Below” 2009.4 News Round-Up 2

Telford Pit Mounds Miners Hall Demolished Mining Memorial Stolen Madeley Parish Council are working A workmen's hall which was once the Of the two mining memorials on a plan to see five pit mounds in social centre of a mining community mentioned in the last issue of Below, Madeley designated as a ‘Nature has been demolished. this issue has the sad task of Reserve’. reporting the destruction of one (see Maerdy Workingmen’s Hall in page 2) and the theft of the other! The plan could see 44 hectares which Rhondda, which was built in 1925 includes Blists Hill Pitmound, Hills from funds raised by miners after the The £35,000 memorial, a six foot Lane Pitmound, Madeley Court, original Edwardian building was bronze statue of a miner with his Meadow Pit and Tweedale destroyed by fire has been head bowed, was unveiled in Pitmounds declared as a Local Nature demolished. September in Moodiesburn, near reserve. Glasgow, to mark the 50th The hall once featured a cinema, anniversary of the Auchengeich Natural England has confirmed that it library, reading room and snooker disaster and was stolen during the is possible to declare multiple sites, room and was the social centre of the night of Wednesday 18th November. although this would be unique. mining community. Auchengeich was one of Scotland’s The mounds contain woodland and Rhondda Cynon Taf council said that worst mining disasters, in which 46 marshlands with a variety of species despite the building's rich history, it men died after a fire trapped them such as oak, birch, ash, and heather. had fallen into a state of disrepair and underground at the Auchengeich demolition was the only option. Colliery in North Lanarkshire on 18 The area is used by many people September 1959. including schools for nature walks, The council, which now owns the Only one miner who started the NHS Telford and Wrekin use them land, said the site would be used for fateful shift survived the blaze, which for health activities and Madeley the benefit of the community. It was was caused by an electrical fault Parish Council for Living History originally a gift from the landlords of 1,000ft below the surface. Projects and organises themed the Maerdy estate to the workmen of educational and cultural walks. the local collieries. News Reports 19th November 2009 Harper Adams University College, The original building, built in 1905, countryside management faculty also burned down in 1922, killing its Wrekin Rock ! uses the area for support, research treasurer whose body was found in A rare gemstone valued at £11m that and teaching opportunities. the caretaker’s cottage adjoining the helped to underpin the finances main building. Shropshire based construction firm The final decision rests with Telford Wrekin Construction could be almost & Wrekin Council. The institute was reopened in 1925 worthless, reports suggest. after local miners raised £20,000. Telford Journal, Known as the Gem of Tanzania, the 26th November 2009 News Reports 22nd October 2009 2.1kg (4.6lb) ruby appeared in accounts of the now collapsed firm. from p20: 3,200 workers died in collieries last year, but many accidents are allegedly Administrators Ernst & Young are covered up in order to avoid costly mine shutdowns. now trying to sell the stone through the November issue of “RocknGem” To improve mining safety China is shutting down, small and illegal coal mines Magazine (a Peterborough-based - they are aiming to close about 1,000 small coal mines this year. Official magazine) and “Coloured Stone” Chinese media claim that more than 12,000 small coal mines have been shut Magazine in the US. down since 2005. Coal is the source of about 70% of the country's energy. However, experts suggest it could be China’s Worst Mine Disasters worth just £100 ! The so-called “Wrekin Ruby” was Feb 1950:Yiluo mine, Henan province - 174 dead used to revive the company’s May 1960:Laobaidong mine, Shanxi province - 684 dead balance sheet and was listed in the Sept 2000:Muchonggou mine, Guizhou province - 162 dead accounts at £11m, despite a previous Nov 2004:Chenjiashan mine, Shaanxi province - 166 dead owner valuing it at only £300,000. Feb 2005:Sunjiawan mine, Liaoning province - 210 dead Nov 2005:Dongfeng mine, Heilongjiang - 171 dead It now appears that even this Aug 2007:Xintai City, Shandong province - 181 dead valuation was way off the mark. Dec 2007:Rui Zhiyuan mine, Shanxi province - 105 dead News Reports 1st October 2009

“Below” 2009.4 21 Worth A Visit Ivor Brown

Dukes Wood Oil Museum, Eakring, Notts SK 677 603, Sat Nav: NG22 0DR Oil was discovered here by drilling in The nodding donkeys and other 1939 at around 1,900 ft. depth. By the equipment remained hidden in Dukes outbreak of War it was being Wood until recently. Paths have now produced at about 3,000 ton per year, been made, a couple of the but more was desperately needed. “donkeys” restored and a small museum formed, together with a American help was sought (in memorial to the “roughnecks” who secret), 42 men and 3 rigs with risked their lives to “cross the water” pumps etc. came over, split between to help out. It is a fascinating place - 3 ships (as insurance against German well worth a visit. U-boats getting them all). They were lodged (secretly) in a local The site is always open, but museum monastery. At the end of their times are limited. More details are contract they had drilled 110 holes available on their website: and were producing 100,000 ton per year. www.dukeswoodoilmuseum.co.uk

Above: “Nottingham Roughneck” Memorial, Eakring

Right: Oilwell “Nodding Donkey” at the Dukes Wood Oil Museum, Eakring.

Pictures: Ivor Brown, 14th July 2009

Anson Engine Museum, Poynton, Cheshire On the site of Anson Pit, one of the The coalfield around Poynton seems hard-surfaced for walking etc.). principal pits in the Stockport area, to have reached peak production of worked 1820s to 1926. The pit is on about 250,000 tons per year in the The village contains “long rows” of the spur of the Lancashire Coalfield late 19th C. from about a dozen fairly miners housing with associated which almost joins with the North large pits and some smaller ones. “clubs” and chapels. Staffs Coalfield. Employing about 500 men underground the Anson Pit, Park The Old Nelson Pit top area is now a The Engine Museum adjoins the still Oval Pit, Lady Pit and Lawrence Pit Visitor Centre, with displays of recognisable large spoil heap of the struggled into the 20th C. but one by photos etc. illustrating the life of the old mine, and has on display over 180 one closed, until the latter pit raised local miners and serves as the ‘hub’ oil and gas engines, with an it’s last coal in 1935. for about 7 “trails” around the mining emphasis on those made in the area, each with a handy trail guide Manchester area. There is also a There are still many reminders of the and map. large collection of photographs, pits, at least three of the engine maps and mementos from the local houses survive, converted into For more information see “Poynton - mines and other industries. The dwellings, many significant areas of A Coalmining Village 1700-1939” by museum is open Friday, Saturday & “bell pit workings”, several miles of W.H.Sherecliffe et al. published Sunday April to October inclines and tramways leading to the privately 1983. (Tel.: 01625-874426 to confirm). canals (much of the lengths of incline tramway and old railways are now Website: www.enginemuseum.org

22 “Below” 2009.4 cSHRITMSA pUZZLES

A little something to while-away the time if you are waiting for “Come- prancing-up-the-jungle-I’m-an-Eastender-get-me-a-celebrity-factor” to appear on the TV over Christmas!

A. The letters below are an anagram of a species of dinosaur. Can you work out what big beast it is? Y S S T A N E O R R U X U N R A

1.

Step Ladder 2. CLOCK B. Can you change CLOCK into BREAD by changing just 3. one letter at a time and making a new word with each move? 4.

C. The letters below can be fitted into the grid of circles (above) so that they answer the clues across the grid and make a word down the middle. BREAD PBTTFAYCUSDEANRA Clues Across: 1. Single letter vegetable 2. Nocturnal flying animal 3. Well again 4. Imagination

D. Spot the Difference. There are 18 differences between the top and bottom pictures on the left.

How many can you find ? Warning: A couple are very subtle!

E. How many squares of any size can you find in the diagram below?

“Below” 2009.4 23 Books, Library, and News

Library Additions The Lead, Copper & Barytes Mines of Shropshire North Wales Caving Club By Michael Shaw, Logaston press. valuable reference for mining Newsletter, Issue 312, August- historians - not to mention Club and September 2009. One main article on a While SCMC publications have often Trust members looking to visit some trip into ODB - accompanied by carried articles about the various of the sites mentioned! photos. mines covered by this book, there has long been a need to try and pull This book is well worth adding to Mendip Caving Group, MCG everything together into a coherent your library as it successfully plugs a News, 357: June 2009, 358: August publication. In this aim Mike Shaw gap in Shropshire mining history, 2009 - contains a report on a Titan to has been very successful. pulling together histories of little Speedwell through trip at the known mines, along with the more NAMHO Conference. He has spent years researching famous ones. records and books, talking to Anniversaries & surviving miners, members of their Birthdays families, SCMC members and tracking down original documents and the This year has seen the 50th sites of numerous mines - many of “birthday” of the Peak District Mines which only lasted a year or two! Historical Society (PDMHS), and the 30th anniversary of the formation of The first few chapters cover the early the National Association of Mining mining history of Shropshire, the Historical Organisations (NAMHO) - products and processes, before there was a limited celebration to delving off into the different mining mark these at this years NAMHO areas and covering the mines in more Conference. detail, so it will have general appeal.

In 2010 the Northern Mines Research There are plenty of interesting Society will be celebrating their 50th snippets and facts to keep anniversary, several caving clubs are ‘enthusiasts’ engaged - for example also approaching their 50th Mike has made an excellent job of milestones - don’t forget that the trying to untangle the ownership Club will be celebrating it’s 50th history of Bog Mine (which seemed anniversary in 2011 - when we also to change owners almost every year ISBN: 978-906663-09-4 host the NAMHO Conference! at one time!), plus uncovering the Softback, 320 pages, over 200 b&w histories of a lot of small mines. photographs, drawings and plans. Price £12.95. Coupled with the extensive gazetteer, and references section this is a book Available from Mike Moore or online that after the first read, will become a at www.moorebooks.co.uk Snailbeach Lead Mine, Shropshire As part of its efforts to raise funding for further restoration work at Tankerville mine, the Shropshire Mines Trust has published a new book on Snailbeach. This book was “purposely designed to be read by someone with only a general interest”, but it is far better than that.

I hope you will support the Trust by buying the book. Just the right size to slip in your pocket as a field guide. Mike Gill Seasons Greetings to all Club Members ISBN 978-0-9556081-2-4 Softback, 172 pages, 112 b&w photographs, 23 drawings and maps. Kelvin Price £9 (£7.50 to Club members).

24 “Below” 2009.4 Books and Videos

Roughton Gill and the Mines of 'Mongst More Mines The Caldbeck Fells by Ian Tyler, HB, 320pp EXPLORATION OF SOUTHWESTERN MINES ABOVE & The long awaited and penultimate BELOW GROUND book by Ian on the Mining in The 2007 NAMHO conference was opportunity to re-visit the Camborne Cumbria, (it is dedicated to Jean Tyler held at Morwellham Quay by the School of Mines (CSM) test mine who passed away in 2007). Mining river Tamar. The organisers arranged (formerly Holmans Test Mine). A has taken place on these fells for special visits to many mines in walk round the buildings at over 400 years starting with the Devon and Cornwall and this Botallack on a fine sunny day is German Adventurers of the 16th Compilation features some of them. A followed by a visit to Geevor tin Century to the Barytes Mines of group from the Club spent the mine, where we were very privileged Potts Gill in the 1960s. The book following week exploring more to be allowed to descend 79 metres of provides details of each mine, plans Cornish mines and many visits are ladders in Victory shaft to Deep Adit and photographs where available. I featured here. level and explore it inland to a like the Hardback style it does the dammed connection with the flooded book justice, as ever Ian’s easy to The DVD starts with a look round Levant mine, then out along the long read style comes through as he Morwellham Quay including a brief winding level to the exit in the relates the story of each of the mines. look at George & Charlotte copper Trewellard cliffs. There is also a list mine workers on mine. Then we visit Excelsior tunnel, the fells. have a guided surface tour of the Finally we see that the engine houses Price £20.00 plus P&P superbly preserved Kelly mine of Wheal Trewavas near Rinsey cove Mike Moore including the dressing mill, and are just as impressive as Botallack, explore various levels of Great Rock after which we move to Bodmin and The Royal Silver Mines of the shiny ore mine underground. mines around Caradon Hill: South Tamar Valley Phoenix, Phoenix United and Wheal In Cornwall we visit the excellent Jenkin near Minions, then end at the Mining in a Medieval Landscape by Blue Hills tin streams, take a stroll Peter Claughton, Steve Rippon and extensive remains of South Caradon round the St. Agnes area, attend a copper mine. Christopher Smart, 224pp specially arranged visit to Wheal Peevor before it was opened to the In many ways, this Compilation This excellent new book explores an public, re-visit the always interesting complements our popular 3-DVD industry that was of profound Taylor’s shaft and Michell’s shaft Production “’Mongst Mines and importance both in terms of the local National Trust preserved Cornish Mine Explorers”. economy and the history of mining engines in Pool and examine mines of £14.95 DVD nationally, but is long forgotten: the the Basset sett after conservation for (£10 to Club Members at meetings) late medieval royal silver mines at the UNESCO world heritage Bere Ferres in the Tamar Valley. The site. Bere Ferres silver mines employed up to 400 men, mining on a scale and at A look round the splendid depths not previously possible, and King Edward dressing mill is changed forever the way that mining followed by a visit to nearby was carried out in medieval Britain. Wheal Grenville stamps, then we have a quick look at a Stephen Rippon is Professor of variety of sites: Brea tin Landscape Archaeology at the streaming works, South University of Exeter. Peter Claughton Crofty’s New Roskear shaft, is Conservation Officer of NAMHO. the Red River near Roscroggan Chris Smart was responsible for field and the Cornish Gold Centre to survey and historic landscape see what progress had been analysis on the Bere Ferres project made with the unique Tolgus and is a Project Archaeologist with tin streaming works. Exeter Archaeology. Afterwards, we stop briefly at St.Euny’s churchyard to Soft cover £20.00, Hard Cover £60.00 contemplate the many miner’s gravestones. Mike Moore An invitation from Mark Available from Mike Moore or online Kaczmarek gave a welcome at www.moorebooks.co.uk for details of availability visit: www.iarecordings.org

“Below” 2009.4 25 Diary Dates Club Officers 2010

President: David Adams Membership, Insurance & 3rd February: Newcomen Society BCA Rep: Mike Davies Monthly meeting & talk “Boulton, Watt & Wilkinson - the birth of the improved steam engine” by Jim Andrews, 7pm at the Thinktank, Millenium Point, Birmingham. Chair: Neal Rushton Tackle: Andy Harris 13th February: DCA AGM, 10am Monyash Village Hall. 6th March: BCRA Cave Science First Aid Officer: Symposium, University of Bristol. 27th - 30th April: IV International Vice-Chair: Tony Wilson Karst Symposium, Mallaga, Spain.

Librarian: Alan Robinson 8th -16th May: Speleohungry 100, Budapest, Hungary. 4th - 6th June: NAMHO 2010, Secretary: Andrew Wood Miners Institute, Coalpit Heath, South Gloucestershire. Forms [email protected] Bat Officer: available from 1st January 2010. Petzl Stop Safety Alert Cracks have been found on the upper Rescue Officer:Neal pulley of Petzl Stops. This is due to stress induced in the pulley from the Treasurer: Marian Boston Rushton pin. Petzl have tested Stops with hairline and full cracks in the pulley and found them still to be safe, but STRONGLY recommend you replace Conservation & NAMHO ‘Below’ Editor, Publications: the pulley (part number D09150). Rep: Steve Holding Kelvin Lake For more details consult their web e-mail: [email protected] site: www.petzl.com Thanks to Graham Smith for sending in this alert. Signs of the Times ......

Catch us on the World Wide Web. Club activities & the labyrinth: http://www.shropshirecmc.org.uk/ 26 “Below” 2009.4