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Summary

Chute, settling tank, mica. Extant. Probably mid 19th century. Vis=-/1/1979 (robinson, r. ). About half a mile below the clay pits at bala brook head, close to the left bank of bala brook, are a series of long narrow granite tanks or troughs with an overall length of about 50m. They are very probably 'micas', where the initial separation of the heavier constituents of the china clay suspension i. E. Mica and quartz was effected. They show well on the raf ap. The area is densely overgrown with heather but from the south east end a deep ditch or culvert may be traced running towards the rectangular structures about 100m to the east which may be either footings of buildings or clay settling tanks similar to the rectangular ones on the south side of the road at shipley bridge. A similar, but this time double culvert can be traced from the far side of the rectangular structures leading towards shipley although it cannot be traced for a few hundred metres south east of them. They are at north west end of the micas two granite built chutes from the higher level, from which the ground runs fairly level back to bala brook pits. The fragments of tramway rails and the derelict tipping trolley further back towards the pits suggest that clay was brought by rail to be tipped down the micas. The trolley is considered by manufacturers (who are still in business) not to date from this early period. Detailed description of the site given on worksheet in parish file.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX66SE/317

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BUDDLE (XVIII to XXI - 1751 AD to 2009 AD)

Full description

Robinson, R., Untitled Source (Report - Survey). SDV137185.

Chute, settling tank, mica. Extant. Probably mid 19th century. Vis=-/1/1979 (robinson, r. ). About half a mile below the clay pits at bala brook head, close to the left bank of bala brook, are a series of long narrow granite tanks or troughs with an overall length of about 50m. They are very probably 'micas', where the initial separation of the heavier constituents of the china clay suspension i. E. Mica and quartz was effected. They show well on the raf ap. The area is densely overgrown with heather but from the south east end a deep ditch or culvert may be traced running towards the rectangular structures about 100m to the east which may be either footings of buildings or clay settling tanks similar to the rectangular ones on the south side of the road at shipley bridge. A similar, but this time double culvert can be traced from the far side of the rectangular structures leading towards shipley although it cannot be traced for a few hundred metres south east of them. They are at north west end of the micas two granite built chutes from the higher level, from which the ground runs fairly level back to bala brook pits. The fragments of tramway rails and the derelict tipping trolley further back towards the pits suggest that clay was brought by rail to be tipped down the micas. The trolley is considered by manufacturers (who are still in business) not to date from this early period. Detailed description of the site given on worksheet in parish file.

Untitled Source (Migrated Record). SDV151594.

Des=parish checklist/worksheet/sketch.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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