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Site Details

Coal Cleugh coalmining activity (Rochester and Byrness)

Evidence of extensive mining activity on the north bank of Coal Cleugh. There are two ruined buildings, 11m x 6m and 9m x 5m, both with one room and south east facing entrances. Associated with small enclosures, a slagheap and nine or more crop pits. Earliest recorded date and references 1798 Elsdon Parish Register; 1866 and 1898 OS maps. (1)

Disused coal mining site on the north bank of Coal Cleugh. There are two ruined buildings which are associated with some small enclosures, a slag heap and at least nine bell pits. Earthworks clearly visible on lidar imagery extending c200m SE and c100m NW of the given NGR. Probably all post-medieval but potential medieval origins. (2)

An extensive group of probable coal mining bell pits, adits and associated extant earthworks are visible on aerial photography and lidar imagery and remain extant on the latest 2016 aerial photography. The coal workings, previously identified atop the northern slope of Coal Cleugh valley (HER 8135) and extending across fields to the north (HER 8118) appear to overlie earlier trackways (UID 1630630) which may have been repurposed in places to access them. The coal workings were mapped as part of a PhD project at the University of York, in collaboration with the Historic England aerial investigation and mapping team.

A number of buildings, now reduced to earthwork footings, are also visible at NY 8305 9897 and NY 8316 9889, and are likely associated with the workings. Also associated is a much more substantial, rectilinear earthwork mound at NY 8321 9890 and a narrow, linear earthwork bank, beginning with a trapezoidal shape centred at NY 8318 9891 which combines to form a single feature extending south-east, crossing Coal Cleugh at NY 8324 9886 and continuing south-east to NY 8329 9878 via a number of sharp-angled directional changes, which is possibly some sort of flue or water channel associated with the industrial site. Much of the site overlies earlier ridge and furrow ploughing (UIDs 1630601, 1630602). (3)
N8135
Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
AERIAL INVESTIGATION AND MAPPING, Northern Frontiers ; Department of Archaeology, York University
HISTORIC AREA ASSESSMENT, Rochester Village Atlas (Historic Tynedale Village Atlas) ; The Archaeological Practice Ltd
AERIAL INVESTIGATION AND MAPPING, Redesdale Lidar Landscapes project ; Oracle Heritage Services


Source of Reference
Local History of Rochester and Byrness

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Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.

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