Inland Jet Mining In the North York Moors – Friday 20th October

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Jet has become so inextricably linked with the sea cliffs around Whitby that many people are now unaware that it was extensively mined throughout the North York Moors and Cleveland Hills.

Hear about the research work of the North York Moors Caving Club and the Cleveland Mining Heritage Society in surveying this nearly forgotten industry in a talk by Chris Twigg

Friday 20th October 7pm
St. Matthew’s Church, Grosmont
Tickets £3 donation to church funds
Refreshments included.

End of Paddy Waddells Railway – Glaisdale

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The scheme to build Paddy Waddells Railway (or Cleveland Extension Mineral Railway to give its full name) was started in 1872 and intended to connect Kilton Thorpe to the ironworks at Glaisdale. The scheme struggled financially from the outset as the Eskdale mines and furnaces in the South all struggled, whilst iron mining and production became concentrated to the North in Cleveland. After year of inactivity the scheme was finally scrapped in the 1889. Glaisdale Ironworks having already closed by this point anyway.
Many parts of the infrastructure of the line were constructed, even though no trains ever ran.
End of Paddy Waddells
This bridge was constructed at Rake House in Glaisdale to carry the road over the railway.
End of Paddy Waddells

A third Lealholm drinking fountain

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Four years ago I posted two drinking fountains in Lealholm, and recently spotted the third
Lealholm Fountain
The “FL” motif stands for Sir Francis Ley who was a major benefactor to the village around 1904.
Lealholm Fountain
The stand-pipe has the makers mark Ham, Baker and Co. Ltd, Westminster and a metal cup still remains chained to the wall.
Lealholm Fountain

Kirkbymoorside Market Cross

Kirkbymoorside’s Market Cross is unusually one street behind the main market place.
Nothing remains or anything that may have one stood on top.
Kirkby Moorside Cross
It’s listed building entry gives little information other than its probably 17th century and made of sandstone

Sea Air – Skinningrove

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This piece of art by Karl Striker was originally on the barrier that used to prevent access to the jetty before it was renovated and made safe.

Skinningrove Art

It looks like the artists complete version also has a sand castle, but that never featured in this version.

Skinningrove Pillbox

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This Second World War Pillbox now rests on the beach, just to the north of Skinningrove
Skinningrove Pill Box
It was originally higher up the cliff, but has fallen here due to coastal erosion over the last 70 years.
Skinningrove Pill Box
It actually upside down as the doorway would have been at ground level.
Skinningrove Pill Box

The remains of the metal shutters to cover the firing position are still in place.
Skinningrove Pill Box

Elizabeth Mary Lynas Murder – Guisborough 27th December 1903

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I don’t normally dwell on the ghastly side of local history, but this is something that came up a few years ago when a friend of mine lived in the house on Bennison Street where it happened. I’ll add nothing to the news reports from the time except some photos of her grave.

 

Stump Cross, Danby

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Stump Cross stands a few hundred meters to the east of Danby Beacon at the junction of two medieval trackways.
Stump Cross, Danby
Stonegate which runs from the village called Stonegate to Danby Beacon and Leavergate which runs from the Danby Beacon towards Easington.
Stump Cross, Danby
It is thought the original cross shaft was longer and only the broken ‘stump’ remains, although given its current name of ‘Stump Cross’ that break must have happened in the distant past.

Great Ayton Wicker Soldier

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The solider was first erected in 2014 to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1.
Wicker Soldier, Great Ayton

Woollen medals knitted by the Great Ayton Knit and Knatter group are put on the soldier on the day each one was killed, also a minutes silence is held at the village war memorial on the exact centenary of their death.
War Memorial, Great Ayton

The project will continue into 2018 by which time all 50 who were killed will have been remembered.

Wicker Soldier, Great Ayton

 

Mount Snever Observatory

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I’m sure i’ll get told off for it not being in Teesside, but its a short drive and its interesting !

Mount Snever Observatory

Mount Snever Observatory was built for John Wormald of Oldstead Hall in 1837/38 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria.

Mount Snever Observatory

It stands around 40ft tall and is currently locked and inaccessible.

Mount Snever Observatory
One plaque features a modified version of lines from Windsor Forest by Alexander Pope.

‘Here hills and waving groves a scene display
And part admit and part exclude the day
See rich industry smiling on the plains
And peace and plenty tell VICTORIA reigns!
Happy the MAN who to these shades retires
Whom NATURE charms and whom the muse inspires
Who wandering thoughtful in this silent wood
Attends the duties of the wise and good
To observe a mean, be to himself a friend
To follow NATURE and regard his end.’

Mount Snever Observatory

‘John Wormald In the first year of the reign of Queen Victoria caused this observatory to be erected. J Dodds Builder’