Post by shropshirebloke on Aug 17, 2008 12:26:47 GMT -5
Not good news I'm afraid.
Coal has been mined in Shropshire since Roman times. Longwall mining used to be known as "The Shropshire Way" or "The Shropshire Method".
Just about everyone has heard of the Iron Bridge and the museums in the Ironbridge Gorge, they have appeared in countless TV programmes, from Fred Dibnah to Doctor Who.
What is less well known is that the only reason the iron industry first took off in this area was the early development of deep mining techniques for coal, ironstone, fire clay and limestone, none of which was anything to do with Abraham Darby, who arrived to take advantage of an already well-established industrial base.
Visiting (if you don't mind paying through the nose) the various sites of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, you'd hardly guess you were in a former mining area - one museum at Blist's Hill has a totally innaccurate reconstruction of a 19th C colliery, admittedly based on a genuine shaft.
There are still a few remains of the industry - the last pit, Granville, closed on 25th August 1979 and was promptly turned into a landfill site, but the neighbouring (and connected) Grange Colliery now stands in the middle of a naturist camp. At least they've preserved the winding house, headstocks, and I think, the fan house. The site can be visited by arrangement.
Meanwhile the museum turned down the offer from the NCB to relocate the above mentioned headgear and winder, and shortly after demolished an old engine house (Shawfield Colliery) that had been entrusted to their care.
Their claim (several years after) that it had to be demolished because it was in a dangerous condition, would have carried a bit more weight if they hadn't knocked it down in the middle of the night.
Meanwhile their former director is now in charge of the Science Museum, and they make a fortune from hosting corporate events.
If you're thinking of visiting - just remember you'll be helping to fund the "Disneyland on Severn Experience". Otherwise visit one of the museums that have been mentioned by John and others - most of which offer free admission - and make a generous donation!!!
...and before I forget, our local councill allowed the demolition several years ago of the old Kemberton Colliery winding house on the Halesfield industrial estate - a beautiful old building that was in very good condition. The good news is that the old pithead baths/canteen and old pit offices are still standing and in use by local businesses.
Coal has been mined in Shropshire since Roman times. Longwall mining used to be known as "The Shropshire Way" or "The Shropshire Method".
Just about everyone has heard of the Iron Bridge and the museums in the Ironbridge Gorge, they have appeared in countless TV programmes, from Fred Dibnah to Doctor Who.
What is less well known is that the only reason the iron industry first took off in this area was the early development of deep mining techniques for coal, ironstone, fire clay and limestone, none of which was anything to do with Abraham Darby, who arrived to take advantage of an already well-established industrial base.
Visiting (if you don't mind paying through the nose) the various sites of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, you'd hardly guess you were in a former mining area - one museum at Blist's Hill has a totally innaccurate reconstruction of a 19th C colliery, admittedly based on a genuine shaft.
There are still a few remains of the industry - the last pit, Granville, closed on 25th August 1979 and was promptly turned into a landfill site, but the neighbouring (and connected) Grange Colliery now stands in the middle of a naturist camp. At least they've preserved the winding house, headstocks, and I think, the fan house. The site can be visited by arrangement.
Meanwhile the museum turned down the offer from the NCB to relocate the above mentioned headgear and winder, and shortly after demolished an old engine house (Shawfield Colliery) that had been entrusted to their care.
Their claim (several years after) that it had to be demolished because it was in a dangerous condition, would have carried a bit more weight if they hadn't knocked it down in the middle of the night.
Meanwhile their former director is now in charge of the Science Museum, and they make a fortune from hosting corporate events.
If you're thinking of visiting - just remember you'll be helping to fund the "Disneyland on Severn Experience". Otherwise visit one of the museums that have been mentioned by John and others - most of which offer free admission - and make a generous donation!!!
...and before I forget, our local councill allowed the demolition several years ago of the old Kemberton Colliery winding house on the Halesfield industrial estate - a beautiful old building that was in very good condition. The good news is that the old pithead baths/canteen and old pit offices are still standing and in use by local businesses.