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There is some doubt about this image, whether it is of Lumpsey mine surface workers or is it Skinningrove works? The archive would again welcome comments as to who might be in the photograph and where the photograph was taken. Image courtesy of Geoff Kitching.
This image (from a postcard produced by J. E. Huntrodd of Brotton) is of surface workers from Huntcliffe mine, the clue is in their clothing and particularly their trousers. When supplied (by Geoff Kitching) he commented about atleast two people in the image can also be found in the image ‘Lumpsey 2’. The gentleman on the back row (now known to be Mr Ralph Clough, Mine Engineer) he was at Huntcliffe and moved to Lumpsey; also the miner in the front row (with a terrier dog) also features in the same Lumpsey image. There may be other matches but leave it to eagle-eyed viewers to assist. Any assistance with names would be welcomed. Image courtesy of Geoff Kitching, with researches courtesy of Tom Kitching .
When first sent to the Archive, this image was believed to be of miners in the late 19th century or early 20th century at Loftus mine, this was based on the building in the background. Researches have revealed that the structure is possibly part of the original North Loftus mine; this was inside Skinningrove Works. The building is visible in many images of the works and the roof windows bear an uncanny resemblance to those in this image, hence the title. However, the Archive would welcome comments or information to assist or verify which mine this is! Image courtesy of Geoff Kitching.  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. Image courtesy of Olive Bennett and many thanks to Simon Ch  Photograph believed to have been taken in Lumpsey Mine; notice the use of horses instead of ponies in the Cleveland Ironstone seams, this was due to the increased depth of the ironstone seams. The miners are holding carbide lamps and a pile of props are on the left. Image courtesy George Pearson.  Giving a good view of a miner using a hand ratchet drill, drilling holes ready for the charges by the shotfirer. David Richardson tells us: ”An excellent photograph of a miner in the process of drilling a hole using a Blackett Hutton Hand Rotary Drill and while Hardy Pick Ratchet Drills were used they are operated much differently to the Blackett Huttons.” Image courtesy of George Pearson and thanks to David Richardson for that update.
A view of Morrison’s Mine and Coach Road, Brotton. Morrison’s was an independently owned mine; output was at the requirements of the Ironmasters – so could be a little or a lot depending upon demand – so called as it was developed by Robert Morrison (he lived in The Grange, Brotton), imagine having this in your back yard? There was also a brickworks! The shafts were named after Robert Morrison’s wife (Florence) and his daughter (Mary). The overhead gantry was situated about where the children’s play area is on Coach Road today, but there are effectively no remains to indicate this industrial past. Liam White comments: “My ancestor, John Smithson worked at Morrison’s Mine. Not much more is known about him but I’m about to do some research.” Image courtesy George Pearson, thanks to Liam White for the update.  Lumpsey ironstone mine, dating from 1895 (date as given on the image); one of the three mines associated with Brotton and immediate area. It was established in c.1882 and run by Bell Brothers Ltd. With shafts about 180 metres deep and in 1890 it was noted that drilling machines, worked by hydraulic power were being used in the mine. The mine employed 140 men and boys and produced around 3,000 tons of ironstone per week; by 1921 Lumpsey employed 480 people (340 working below ground, and 130 on the surface). In 1923 ownership of the mine passed to Dorman Long Ltd; the mine closed in 1954, bringing to an end the long history of ironstone mining in Brotton.  Now the fan falls into disrepair as the mine is no longer working. |
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