We thought this was Chaloner Mine, but we have since been advised by David Richardson: ”This is the workshops and stables belonging to new Belmont Mine near Hunter Hill Farm south of Guisborough. At Belmont Bank 500 metres east of this site was the original Belmont Mine, the ironstone seam there outcropped close to the foot of the bank but was found to rise to the west so by the time the mine was behind Hunter Hill farm its well over half way to the top of the bank. The drift for New Belmont mine is still visible off the right of this photo and was constructed of concrete, unlike the drifts at old Belmont which were driven straight into the ironstone seam this drift is in fact an underground incline which climbs up the hill to reach the seam but arrives there some distance into the mine on one of its main roadways allowing new stone to be worked beyond the old workings south of Highcliff Nab.” Geoff Bailey adds: “The adit to the Old South Belmont Mine was stiil accessible when I was a kid and we used to pass it on our way from Belmangate to “The Old Tank” at the top of Butt Lane.We didn’t go in cos we thought that it was haunted!” Geoff Barnard added: “Ah, the ‘old tank’! I remember that well. Are there any pictures of it anywhere? I never knew at the time, and of course it’s since been removed, but from what I remember it was either a Cromwell (’44 vintage) or the slightly later Comet (’45 vintage). Was it removed about the time the ‘Butts’ went? I’d need a picture to make sure. Both types were used during WWII, the former during 1944 (Normandy) etc, the latter not until very late 1944 and into 1945.” Chris Potter confirmed: “Yes I remember itwell! I think it was a Cromwell – I’m sure that’s what we identified all those years ago.” Geoff Barnard added: “It must have been early/mid 1960’s. How it ended up top of Butt Lane in Guisborough, that’s another question?” Caroline Watson finished with: “This is our farm, we have had it for 49 years my grandad Morris Watson had it; now my dad and auntie have it. Really great memories at this place over the years.”
Image courtesy George Pearson and thanks to David for his clearing up our query. To Dave Woods for his advice. Also to Geoff Bailey, Geoff Barnard and Caroline Watson for the updates.
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