Hodge Close Quarry: Difference between revisions

 

 

 

==Operational use==

 

 

 

 

There are multiple "levels" shown too. Levels are tunnels that run at a slight incline, providing access to the internal workings of the quarries. One of the last areas to be worked here was accessed by the level at Bakestone Barrow, shown on the map at the southern end of the quarry. Those who worked at Hodge Close and the other Tilberthwaite quarries would walk or cycle to work, others were fortunate enough to live locally. The row of cottage at Holme Ground, centre bottom of the map, were built for quarrymen and some working at Hodge Close would have lodged here, a short walk to work every day. Unlike the those working at the Old Man of Coniston mines, who would have a strenuous climb up the fellside every morning before the heavy work had even started.

 

On a separate note for those who may not be aware, there is a level that can still be accessed, which will provide the adventurer entry inside the quarry. This was possibly one of the access levels where slate was removed using the water balanced lift. The opening of the tunnel is situated on the western side at the foot of the spoil, accessed from the northern end of the car park. The caveat is the tunnel is relatively low in height and contains water up to the knee. Protective headwear and a bright LED torch are essential as the tunnel is very dark, and the rocks are jagged. At the end of the tunnel there is a small opening and some scaffold ladders to descend to the lower levels and further exploration. 

 

Before the Blondin was even installed, the second half of the 19th century saw various mining operations taking place at Hodge Close, all of which were leased from the Landowners, the Dukes of Buccleuch. The site we know today has changed dramatically since then. It is impossible to say where these other quarries were located with any certainty. Suffice to say, the various, smaller workings would have made Hodge Close look very different to its modern day counterpart. During the 1870s, multiple levels were being worked on simultaneously in search of the right band of rock, which eventually, a sizeable amount was found deeper down.<ref name="cameron30">Cameron, p.30.</ref> This was worked successfully as an underground operation (closehead), situated below the already existing upper efforts. Hodge Close was to become an even bigger operation, and the area changed dramatically from this point onwards. The roof of the closehead was removed (a process called open-topping), and the metamorphosis to open pit was the next natural stage of its evolution.

 

The next few years saw an upturn in production and a huge tonnage of slate was being removed, increasing the size of the pit, month by month. A rock fall incident in 1890 had caused irreparable damage to the steam crane that was in use at the time. By 1899, the water balance lift was in operation and continued to churn out the slate until it was deemed no longer feasible to do so given the increased depth of the pit. The decision was made to dismantle the lift and replace it with the more adaptable Blondin crane,<ref>Cameron, p.34.</ref> which was capable of lifting the slate from even greater depths. This relatively new technology was developed by Scottish quarry engineer, John Fyfe. He was responsible for installing the first working example in 1872. John M. Henderson and Co. developed the first commercial system by 1896, the first installation of which was located at a Welsh quarry in Pen-yr-Orsedd in 1899, the same year Hodge Close was using the water balance lift. Successful installations elsewhere paved the way for Hodge Close to take the leap financially and install their version in this very Lakeland setting.

 

 

 

 

 

==Nearby quarries==

 

==Access and parking==

 

As a final note, anyone with common sense would know that quarries are incredibly dangerous places, and should heed any notion of climbing rocks or swimming in the cold, murky waters without professional guidance. There is a stark beauty about the place, but this quarry has claimed the lives of people past and present. Hodge Close is a special place for all to enjoy, whether as passers-by or as a sports enthusiasts. The history of this remarkable quarry at Hodge Close, and indeed the whole mining valley, is at the very least, intriguing.

 

==Sources==

*Cameron, Alastair (1996). ''Slate from Coniston''. Barrow in Furness: Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society.

*Gibson, Alexander Craig (1849). ''The Old Man: Ravings and Ramblings Round Conistone''. London: Whittaker and Co.

==References==

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