A Day of Industrial Heritage and Artistic Discoveries in County Durham

Today was an action-packed adventure! I started my day with a chilly but refreshing bike ride in the sunshine, then spent the afternoon exploring several local historical gems. Although I wasn’t planning to go far, I was lucky to find four fascinating locations within a mile of each other—two of which were complete surprises! With my drone and camera ready, I set off to capture some truly unique and lesser-known sites in County Durham. Here’s a little history and context about the places I visited today.

Eden Colliery Limekilns

Hidden in the hills near the old Eden Colliery, these limekilns are relics of County Durham’s industrial past. The colliery operated from the late 19th century until it closed in the 1980s. The limekilns were used to process limestone into quicklime, an essential component for various industries like construction and agriculture. The kilns are difficult to access, but the drone allowed me to capture the structure in all its detail. Limekilns like these were once common in the region, and their role in the industrial revolution made them vital to local economies. Today, they stand as quiet reminders of the bustling coal and lime industries that once thrived here.

The Old Transformers by David Kemp

As I was heading towards my next planned location, I stumbled upon a collection of sculptures by artist David Kemp known as the Old Transformers. Kemp, a British sculptor famous for creating large industrial-style art, designed these figures to resemble transformers or robots built from scrap materials. Located in an overgrown area, these installations reflect Kemp’s interest in re-imagining industrial waste as artistic creations. The sculptures are quirky, eerie, and fascinating to explore, especially from the air where the drone captured their full scale. These pieces remind us of the beauty that can emerge from the detritus of our industrial past.

Jolly Drovers Maze

The Jolly Drovers Maze was designed by the renowned artist Andy Goldsworthy and constructed in 1989. Located on the site of the old Eden Pit Colliery in Leadgate, County Durham, the maze is part of the Sustrans art trail along the C2C cycle route. Goldsworthy is known for his environmental and land art, and this maze is no exception. The drone perfectly captured the intricate design of the maze, which looks stunning from above. This location offers a modern twist on the area's industrial history, with the maze now standing as a symbol of regeneration and creativity on formerly industrial land.

Eden Colliery Fan House

A surprise find, the Eden Colliery Fan House was part of the same colliery system as the limekilns. This structure housed the fan that ventilated the underground coal mines, ensuring the safety of the workers below. Fan houses like this were essential to the health and efficiency of mining operations, particularly in the deep coal seams of County Durham. Although overgrown and somewhat decayed, the fan house remains in decent condition. I was able to capture fantastic drone footage, giving a bird’s-eye view of this relic from the golden age of coal mining.

Ushaw Abandoned and Fire-Damaged Buildings

The Ushaw Estate, located just outside Durham, is steeped in history, dating back to the early 19th century when it was established as a Catholic seminary for training priests. The site was home to several Grade II-listed buildings, including chapels, classrooms, and residences, most notably the Junior House and St Aloysius Chapel. Unfortunately, in 2023, arson severely damaged parts of the estate, leaving several buildings abandoned and fire-damaged. Efforts by Historic England aim to preserve what remains of these stunning structures, which once showcased Gothic Revival architecture. My drone captured the eerie beauty of these derelict buildings, giving a unique aerial perspective of their current state while reminding us of their historical significance.

Back to the Editing Table It was a thrilling day of exploration, with a mix of industrial heritage and unexpected artistic finds. From old limekilns to eerie abandoned structures, there’s always something fascinating to discover in County Durham. Now it’s time for a few days off to enjoy some family time, and maybe catch up on the mountain of editing I’ve got waiting for me!