A bit of history ? :-
The quarry (mine)and the surrounding 4 acres of land belonged to Lady Fowler. The Bath and Portland Stone firms held the 100 years lease. Miss Fowler lived nearer to Gastard at Gastard House.Her relative Sir John Fowler had been Lord Mayor of London. Adjacent to the quarry entrance was/is a very fine garage where Miss Fowler kept her cars. My father kept his horticultural equipment there. The adjacent ex. stables were occupied by a Mr Langham and the end of the engine house was occupied by a Mr Clothier.
My father, Fred. Hand rented the agricultural land from Miss Fowler. As children we spent many hours exploring the "caves". The water in the trough was very refreshing. In the summer the water in the body of the mine would drain away allowing greater exploration for us children. I found out quite recently that I actually took a very "special" school friend down there. I don't know how she remembered ! Trebor
This mine lies to the east of Eastlays, it is on the opposite side of the Gastard to Whitley road. It is a very small mine, similar in size to Hollybush with one slope shaft. Read more
Trebor
30th December 2009 18:38The quarry (mine)and the surrounding 4 acres of land belonged to Lady Fowler. The Bath and Portland Stone firms held the 100 years lease. Miss Fowler lived nearer to Gastard at Gastard House.Her relative Sir John Fowler had been Lord Mayor of London. Adjacent to the quarry entrance was/is a very fine garage where Miss Fowler kept her cars. My father kept his horticultural equipment there. The adjacent ex. stables were occupied by a Mr Langham and the end of the engine house was occupied by a Mr Clothier.
My father, Fred. Hand rented the agricultural land from Miss Fowler. As children we spent many hours exploring the "caves". The water in the trough was very refreshing. In the summer the water in the body of the mine would drain away allowing greater exploration for us children. I found out quite recently that I actually took a very "special" school friend down there. I don't know how she remembered ! Trebor