Monument Type(s):

• COAL CRUSHER HOUSE (Early 18th century to 20th century (post-war) - 1700 AD to 1999 AD)
• ENGINE HOUSE (Early 18th century to 20th century (post-war) - 1700 AD to 1999 AD)
• LEAD MINE (Early 18th century to Early 20th century (pre-war) - 1700 AD to 1913 AD)

Summary

An 18th to 20th century lead mine, including the remains of one engine house and the chimney of a second or crusher house.

Related records

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events

• ESA1897 - 1979 building survey of former pumping house (Woodmine), Wood Gravels Mine, Hope by S and N Chapman
• ESA6042 - 1999 Survey of Roman Gravels Mine Complex by Wardell Armstrong
• ESA6188 - 1977 inspection of various mine structure at White Gritt, Gravels, Tankerville and Snailbeach areas, by South Shropshire District Council

Description

Worked from the mid C18. Despite early productivity the main works between 1870 and 1883 were not economically viable.
East Roman Gravels Mine: this mine had existed earlier under the varous names of Wood Mine, Hope Valley Mine, Upper Batholes Mine and West Tankerville Mine. The property, which lay immediately to the north of Roman Gravels (PRN 01318) and extended down the Hope valley for over a mile, was owned by the Earl of Tankervile. At its northernmost end lay Batholes Mine, and in the eighteenth century the whole property was known as Batholes sett. Figure 9 shows position of East Roman Gravels Mine, veins and level. Details of ownership from 1790s to 1880s described in source.
Today the site is marked by several conspicuous ruins, the most notable of which is the Wood engine house. To the north of this, the chimney of the crusher and the heaps of white spoil are prominent features beside the A488 road. Photograph of engine house erected in about 1850 by the Batholes Company, plate 5 page 37. <1>

One engine house and the chimney of a second or crusher house survive. <2>

Engine house recorded <3>

Further investigations by Wardell Armstrong Ltd in 1999 registered no further archaeological interest concerning the mine shafts and adits that were due to be filled as part of road strengthening works. <10><11><12><13>

1977 condition inspection of the buildings and Chi0mney at Roman Gravels. The south west face of the chimney was considerably weathered, and the base had been eroded on the west face. No photograph available. <14>

MU.113.20 Unit 1: A probable spoil heap of Roman date, seen as an earthwork, and mapped from non-destructive fieldwork. EH Author: FJS Date: 06/05/94.->

-> MU.113.24 Unit 1: A probable mine shaft at SJ 33660020 of unknown date, seen as an earthwork, and mapped from non-destructive fieldwork.EH Author: FJS Date: 06/05/94. <15>

(SJ 336003) East Roman Gravels Mine, also known as Wood Mine, Batholes and West Tankerville. Best feature is the engine house in Sevall valley erected in c. 1850 by Batholes Co. for a 30in Cornish engine, modified by Arthur Waters in 1871 [<16a>].->

-> Vertical aerial photograph reference number - RC8 LV/268-269 04-APR-1990: Two adjacent spoil heaps thought to be associated with the mine described by F Brook were seen as earthworks at SJ 3355 0033 and mapped from aerial photographs. The area is dotted with numerous mine shafts and pits associated with this and other adjacent disused mines. <16>

Photographed during aerial survey in 2010. <17><18>

Identified, and recorded on an IRIS form by Shropshire Caving and Mining Club. These workings are identified as East Roman Gravels Mine, in operation from the mid 18th century (1790) to early 20th century (1930). The buried remains of a shaft and spoil heap, the intact remains of a reservoir and adit and the ruins of a chimney are identified. Grid references for some features given: reservoir, 19th century pumping/winding engine house, collapsed wood winding shaft and 3 open levels at SJ 336002; Lawrences Whim Shaft (collapsed) at SJ 337001 and Black Gin Shaft at SJ 337003. <19>

Sources

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.