Minera Quarry Trust

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Designed & Hosted by Step IT Solutions Ltd.

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Project 5—History

AIMS

 

1.  Conservation of structures relating to quarrying and lime burning.

2.  To develop themes interpreting the considerable visual and historical heritage of Minera Quarry and associated lime burning operations.

3.  To foster a sense of community through the active participation of local people and schools in the project and through the dissemination of information.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Until its closure a few years ago Minera Quarry had been the sole survivor from many enterprises, which exploited the local geology. Considerable tonnages of Limestone have been extracted from the early nineteenth century onwards. Much of the stone was burnt to produce lime, which was used as a flux in the local iron industry. Indeed, the proprietors of the Minera Lime Company, formed in 1852, were also directors of the Brymbo Ironworks. Lime was also used in agriculture and in the building trade. Latterly the bulk of the Minera product was supplied as aggregate for road construction. A number of limekilns remain, the earliest dating from 1841. These are of the traditional vertical ‘draw kiln’ type. Later kilns were multi-chambered and worked on the ‘Hoffman’ principle. Though they are impressive structures, ‘wear and tear’ is becoming apparent and remedial work is urgently needed.

 

THEMES TO DEVELOP

 

1.  The transition of the quarries from small-scale operations supplying agricultural and other local needs to a large-scale operation providing an essential raw material into the flourishing iron industry. Track the markets and products changes to the late 20^th century.

2.  The story of the personalities and organisations involved in quarrying, from the local entrepreneurs of the early nineteenth century to the ‘multi-nationals’ of the present day.

3.  Evolution of quarrying and lime-production techniques employed locally over the last 150 years. Transport within the quarry; horses, locomotives etc.

4.  Social aspects of quarrying, type of work involved, wages, lifestyle, housing, religion, community, families, personalities, anecdotes etc.

5.  Area transport development; railway building etc.

 

MEANS

 

1.  Conserve the important ranges of limekilns within the quarry site by the permanent removal of damaging vegetation and by remedial work to structures.

2.  Create a ‘limekiln trail’ involving clearing and laying out footpaths and provision of information boards at appropriate points of interest.

3.  Assemble an archive of information and artefacts relating to quarrying and lime production at Minera including high quality copies of old photographs with source data. Use as basis to develop displays within an interpretation centre.

MQT/PR5/Draft1/20.1.06

1.  A bank of seven vertical draw kilns were constructed over a number of years. One set of three kilns, possibly the earliest, has the date 1841.

2.  This bank of six vertical draw kilns was built by the Minera Lime Company shortly after its formation in 1852.

3.  The larger of the two kilns, built on the many chambered Hoffman principle, survives, albeit without its chimney

4.  Other structures include the old smithy and the stables building (shown). Haulage within the quarry during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was by horse drawn tramways.