Show on map There is evidence that the mill existed in 1649 and it was used for milling until the 1920s. The site contined as a farm but was eventually demolished in 1971.
There are a number of remains in the area, as well as the obvious buildings, theres a dam upstream from which a mill race can be traced to the mill.
An archaeological dig was performed by Stephen Sherlock in the last 80s, the report from this can be found in Redcar Library.
Etching of the mill.
Show on map This area of the priory is not normally open to the public, but I managed to visit on a Heritage Open Day. The oval avenue of lime trees shows up well on the aerial photos.
One area also contains a large amount of stonework recovered from the priory
Even though this area is not generally open, theres plenty more to see.
More details on the Guisborough Priory Project website
Show on map The village of Whorlton no longer exists, just the 14th Century castle and church remain between Swainby and Faceby.
The cellars to the rear are from an even earlier castle
Show on map OK, so its not exactly hidden as you can see it from miles away, but I got the chance to go up as part of Heritage Open Days
Normally the only chance to get up there is if you fancy the quick way down via a bungee rope.
Glad i’m not scared of heights
Once on top you could watch the gondola trundling below
Show on map Got the rare opportunity to see inside this normally locked building as part of Heritage Open Days.
The mortuary was built in 1881, bodies lost at sea tended to arrive here due to prevailing currents and it was still in use in the 1960s
There was the opportunity to try out the slab, but I declined.
UPDATE: As of 2012 this building is up for sale.
Show on map Located where Kilton Beck passes under a viaduct that was buried around 1911 – 1913 due to subsidence from the ironstone mines destablising it.
To the north you need to climb down a steep shale bank that looks like its regularly used by scramblers, the water at that end is almost knee deep, so we couldn’t attack it from that side and had to go all the way back up.
Heres the same location just after constuction
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To the south another steep climb passing a large heap of burnt out cars, but the beck is much shallower and access is easier. Here’s an image from inside with a normal flash, and a colourful HDR image built up from several shots.
Then it was time for some fun
Many thanks to Sayzey for putting me on to this one, and giving me the idea to try HDR photography.Â
Show on map Sparrow Lane followed the line of what is now Pytchley Road, with the bridge passing under the dismanted Guisborough and Brotton railway line.
The North-West edge of the bridge appears to be present in the undergrowth, with an arch visible just under ground, the top row of stone poke out just below the level of the adjacent path.
More stonework is visible at the top of steps on the south side, although the main area on the south is currently inaccessible due to thick undergrowth.
I would guess the bridge was filled-in when estate to the south was built.
Hunters Scar is a jet mine, beleived to have been converted for water storage around the time of the First World War. Possibly for the nearby Gribdale Terrace when the Ayton Bank and Ayton Monument ironstone mines were operational.
The mine is accessed via a tight tunnel with a water pipe down the center.
Inside the mine has concrete dividers storing deep pools of water, and a ladder leading vertically into the woodlands above.
The ladders look very unsafe so its best to back track through the tunnel and look for them in the woods.
UPDATE : The woodland in this area has been harvested since my photos were taken and both entrances are now in open land.
Show on map From 1939 to 1954 this piece of moor played a key role in World War 2.
This site detected and led to the shooting down of the first enemy aircraft to fall on England on 3rd February 1940, a Heinkel 111which later crashed at Bannial Flatt Farm near Whitby.
This website covers the layout of the site in a lot more details
Show on map Ancient packhorse bridge, visible from the modern road. Restored in 1874 by Colonel Duncombe. It has unusual arches unlike any other bridge i’ve seen.
It is believed to have some connection to the Knight Templar who were based very close by.
