bigchris
  • bigchris
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16 years ago
Does anyone have any information on why the Octagon Smelt mill in Arkengarthdale got demolished, who did it, and why? I was greatly saddened when this curious feature was destroyed. Also, who is the landowner for the area? There are a few holes up there I'd like to explore in the spring but I am not sure if I should ask permission first and risk being refused, or just take my chances and go.
AR
  • AR
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  • Newbie
16 years ago
I think it fell derelict during/by WW2, and I'd guess it was demolished for materials. The may be more information in R.T. Clough's book on the smelt mills of the Yorkshire dales - long out of print, but Mike Moore's probably got a copy for sale!
Follow the horses, Johnny my laddie, follow the horses canny lad-oh!
Redwinch
16 years ago
Quoting from Cloughs first edition, published in 1962,
"In 1941, part of the north corner of the building collapsed, rendering the structure unsafe. The high cost of putting the defects in order was considered unjustified, hence the whole great roof was dismantled, the slates and wood beams being sold to a local contractor."
also " the four furnaces were removed in 1926, and the worked stones from them used to build the four cottages which face the road above the CB inn."

There are fully detailed plans of the building and of course more text, this book, for those who have never seen/read it is a great study of long vanished/forgotten smelt mills in the yorkshire dales. A second edition was also published with more photo's.
Still supporting Rampgill. last time I looked
Redwinch
16 years ago
Further information and two photographs, one of the mill in 1923 looking complete, and the other the ruins in 1966 can be found in a book published by my old friend Arthur Raistrick, entitled The Lead Industry of Wensleydale and Swaledale, Vol 2, The Smelting Mills, published 1975
Still supporting Rampgill. last time I looked

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