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This small Bath stone quarry, situated three quarters of a mile south of Gastard, started it’s short life in 1904 but it was short lived due to flooding. Although the stone was of good quality the quarry occasionally flooded up to a depth of about 4 feet after a rapid snow melt or prolonged wet period.
The slope shaft is one of the best preserved in the area, it is stone lined most of the way down the 141 steps. Near the top of the slope is an interesting trough through which water is flowing continuously. Obviously a lot of effort went into the preparation of this mine as a large winding house was built on the surface, it is now a private house but can still be recognised by the length of the building.
The mine itself consists of one large chamber, there are no passages or pillars so it can safely be said that it is impossible to become lost in this mine.
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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