North Skelton Ironstone Mine
North Skelton mine hold a number of records. It was the last ironstone mine in Cleveland to close, having operated from the early 1870s until the 17th January 1964. It was the deepest mine in Cleveland with a 770ft shaft. It was the last in Cleveland to use a regularly use a steam winder, right up until 1951 (although Lingdale did keep one in working order as a backup until closure in 1962)
Little remains today as the site is within the current premises of Tees Components who very kindly allowed our small group to photograph the remaining buildings.
The winding house with its 1871 date stone and small door in the wall for winding ropes is the most substantial original structure.
Other original buildings remain, although they have been modified for other uses.
Outside the site is a small headframe, although the real thing was very different as can be seen against the winding house
September 11th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
If I am not mistaken, key personnel from North Skelton ironstone mine were lucky enough to have streets named after them in the locality, which still stand today.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Yes, they certainly don’t get any more important than these two.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:51 pm
In addition to the above I think someone called Richards used to be the original manager, with Williams as his under-manager(?), who were also immortalised this way.
I wonder how many Bolckow Streets there are in the area? I know of at least 3……
September 21st, 2009 at 2:57 pm
4 according to Google Maps.
Middlesbrough, Eston, North Skelton and Guisborough
December 30th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Behind the mine site the Priestcrofts curve can be followed for a short distance.
December 30th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
The siting of this mine also explains the naming of North Skelton. The casual observer would question why ‘North Skelton’ is so named when it actually lies to the south east of Skelton!
May 16th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Edward Williams was the managing director of Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan & Co. and retired about 1875 whilst North Skelton mine and village were being developed. He was succeeded by Arthur Richards so both these men were remembered by street names which in more recent times have become shortened by removal of the ‘S’ and so become first names misleading people as to their origin.
Development of the Skelton Royalty began in 1865 by the driving of a water level near Marske Mill intended to drain the future mine. This became known as North Skelton and after a few years when the true nature of the ironstone seam became known a sinking was commenced much further to the south. The name became transferred to the new site and North Skelton as we know it was born.