Archive for December, 2007
Ingleby Barwick / Thornaby Pillboxes
Presumably part of the defences of Thornaby Aerodrome, there are two pillboxes in the woodland between Ingleby Barwick and Thornaby.
One out in the open still has the metal mounting points for guns.
The second is a short distance to the North-west at the edge of woodland
Thornaby Spitfire
Not technically a wartime relic as its a fibre glass replica, but a great reminder of the fact the whole of Thornaby is built over Thornaby Aerodrome

There are a number of plaques surrounding the roundabout giving more details on 608 Squadron
Much more information is given here
Greatham Pillboxes and Anti Tank Cubes
A row of three pillboxes surround the western edge of Greatham, they defended RAF Greatham / RAF West Hartlepool.
The central one is easily accessible from a public footpath, while the others can be seen north and south.
The Anti Tank Cubes are adjacent to the pillbox, next to the bridge over the stream.
Roseberry Topping Shooting Box
The plaque states built by Commodore Wilson of Ayton Hall in the late 18th century as a shooting shelter in inclement weather. True to its word the weather was extremely inclement when these photos were taken.
Although the recent book Roseberry Topping by the Great Ayton Community Archeology Group suggest none of that may be true.
Roseberry Ironstone Mine Incline Top
In the woodland besides Cliff Rigg quarry runs an incline which once connected the Roseberry Ironstone mine to the mainline railway.
The path of the narrow gauge railway can still be seen in the field between the two sites (link)

The remains at the incline top are a brake drum housing and a “kep” which prevented wagons ascending the incline running back down after reaching the top. (Apologies for the dark photos but there was driving rain at the time)
Roseberry Ironstone Mine
Roseberry Ironstone mine operated under 6 different owners between 1871 and 1926
The earlier workings head north-west underneath the hill are believed to be responsible for the collapse of Roseberry Topping in 1912, giving it the current distinctive shape. The later drifts head north-east under Little Roseberry.
The foundations of numerous building can be identified in the fields
The grooved floor of the stables is also visible under the grass.
Six Stoups Waymarkers
The waymarkers line the side of the road near Birk Brow and show the safe path through formerly marshy ground, they have only recently been restored to an upright position. Details of that work can be found here
Percy Cross - Percy Rigg
Virtually nothing remains other a small stone base although the cross was here until 1961
The importance of the site can be seen by the large number of tracks that converge here.

The path was known as the Ernaldsti and ran from Castleton to Guisborough. Both cross and path are named after Ernaldus de Percy, Lord of Kildale
Percy Rigg Iron Age Hut Circles
There are five circular hut bases, two of them 28 feet in diameter with paved floors and walls still standing to a height of three courses of stone. Nine saddle querns and the base of one rotary quern were found - The North York Moors Stanhope White 1979

A much better visualisation of the circles is gained by clicking ‘Show on Map’ above to view this site via Google Earth.
There are reports of a well which possible served the settlement down towards the stream in the valley, i need to return to locate this exactly.
Lonsdale Mine
This short-lived mine was worked by the Lonsdale Vale Iron Company between 1865 and 1868.
The remains of the stone engine house are visible at the edge of the Lonsdale plantation.
A small fence surrounds the overgrown building and the uncapped shaft (documented as 145 feet)
The nearby houses at New Row were also built for the mine.



















































