An interesting photograph of the mine predating the installation of the picking belt (1907). the boiler chimney and steam from the Fan engine are clearly seen, The extensive stables complex for the mine horses (not ponys), dominates the centre of the photo. In the rail sidings a rake of wagons are loaded with ironstone. And towards mill bank is the stockyard stacked with timber for pit props. On The eastern side of the valley behind the mine is seen Deepdale wood, this slowly disappeared under a mountain of shale in later years. Mary Hodges requests: “I am told my granddad John William Thomas was a road cleaner in the mine. he married Margaret Tansey and they had 3 children – Henry, Mary and Lilian (possibly a 4th Sheila although she may have been a cousin?). If anyone can shed any light, I would be most grateful!”
Image courtesy of Olive Bennett; thanks to Mary Dodges for the enquiry.
This is the first of three images, all relating to the ’Hydro Drill’, We asked for further information. Simon Chapman has come to our rescue, telling us: ”Used on trial at North Skelton Mine in the 1950s but not adopted.”
Image courtesy of Olive Bennett and many thanks to Simon Chapman for the update.
This second image of the Hydro Drill is described as a demonstration, we asked ”Can anybody recognise the miners and perhaps name the mine and give us a date?” Simon Chapman explains: ”This was a drilling machine introduced to North Skelton Mine during the 1950s for a trial. Although useful it took too long to move about and put into place compared with a hand-held power drill so was not adopted. The miner at left in the dark waistcoat was Tommy Templeman who was a deputy and lodge secretary and lived in Richard Street, North Skelton.”
Image courtesy of Olive Bennett and many thanks to Simon Chapman for the supporting information.
This final image in our set is obviously of the Hydro Drill in use. Simon Chapman has been able to assist with details: ”This was a drilling machine introduced to North Skelton Mine during the 1950s for a trial. Although useful it took too long to move about and put into place compared with a hand-held power drill so was not adopted.”
Image courtesy of Olive Bennett and many thanks to Simon Chapman for his assistance in identifying the machine and the mine in which it was trialled.
Look carefully at the photograph; one man is breaking the law can you see which one? The man standing on the left is mine manager Andrew Turnbull, so I am surmising that this is Kilton Mine? Simon Chapman has again assisted in answering our query, he tells us: ”This picture was taken at Kilton Mine in 1951 when the first diesel locomotive was introduced underground into the Cleveland Mines. The driver was Sidney Lightfoot.”
Image courtesy of Olive Bennett and many thanks to Simon Chapman for the update.
A view of Cragg Hall ironstone mine viewed possibly from the road linking Brotton and Carlin How. The mine operated from 1871 to 1892, the only indication of the existence of the mine is the cottages and farm on the hillside. The mine was named after the farm, the cottages came later and after the mine closed a collection of building, which stood below the road (now a grassy field) were known as Cragg Hall cottages, they were demolished in 1966. Simon Chapman confirms our belief in the view: ”This view is from the road looking towards the sea. The two shafts shown here were south of the railway whereas the fan house (to left) was on the seaward side.”
Image courtesy of George Pearson and thanks to Colin Hart and Simon Chapman for the updates.
Bell’s pit as it was known; due to its ownership by Bell Brothers, at Carlin How. Bell Brothers were the creators of Bell’s Huts. The mine more popularly known as ”Duck Hole” (because of the very wet working conditions) was towards the end of its working life known as North Loftus Mine. Connections were made underground to Lumpsey and North Loftus Mines.
Further to our original posting of this image; Martin Fox tells us: ”The picture shows Lumpsey mine.” Also Simon Chapman tells us: ”This picture was indeed taken at Lumpsey Mine and is shown here the correct way round. It was taken in 1918 when the existing wooden headgear (with its lower wheels) was being replaced by a higher one made of steel. After the mine closed in 1954 the steel headgear was dismantled and re-erected at Waldridge Colliery in County Durham for a few years further use.”
Image courtesy of Olive Bennett and many thanks to Martin Fox for the correction; also to Simon Chapman for the excellent supporting information.
Our image carried the caption on the reverse of: ”North Skelton Mine – Machine Shop”; however we are now advised by Simon Chapman: ”This shows the inside of the power station at Lumpsey Mine erected in 1903. You can make out four sets of machinery; each one comprises two vertical steam cylinders driving a generator. The chap is standing behind one of the generators, which is not revolving fortunately, as those unguarded rotors spinning round must have been highly dangerous, and probably sparked impressively. This plant was installed to power drilling machines underground and also some lighting and pumping equipment. Now 110 years later the huge building has gone but the concrete foundations for these four machines still remain.”
Image courtesy of Olive Bennett and many thanks to Simon Ch
This postcard image of Skinningrove Mine predates the installation of the aerial ropeway to the ironworks. The picking belt and trestle bridge to the North Loftus shaft are clearly seen to the left on this view. Obviously a busy day, judging by the chimneys; I wonder if the gentleman on the right was aware the photographer had captured him scratching his head?
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