The firestone quarries at Godstone Hill probably started in the early 17th century as two separate workings which merged in the 18th century. Firestone was used as a building stone and also as a refractory material, mainly used in the glass industry in the production of plate glass. The nearest glassworks was at Vauxhall in London, although Godstone firestone was distributed throughout Britain. The last firestone slabs were extracted in the first years of the 20th century. The workings were extended as a hearthstone mine in the nineteenth century, and adopted for growing mushrooms in the 20th century. For more information: "Surrey's Ancient Stone Mines", by Peter Burgess. Access is controlled. Contact www.wcms.org.uk to ask for more details.
Current projects: tracing buried evidence of haulage routes to identify quarrying phases. Analysis of working methods as evidenced by pick marks etc, correlating graffiti with census records to learn more of those who worked in the quarries and mushroom farms - English, French, Belgian and Portuguese workers.