Unearthing County Durham’s Industrial Legacy: From Limekilns to Colliery Relics

As the days grow shorter, I dedicated my afternoon to uncovering two remarkable remnants of County Durham's industrial past. Equipped with my drone and pocket camera, I delved into the histories of the Bantling Limekilns and the Eden Colliery Fan House, capturing their enduring legacies from both ground level and the skies above.

Bantling Limekilns: A Testament to 19th-Century Industry

Located near East Castle, close to Annfield Plain, the Bantling Limekilns are a striking example of early industrial architecture. Constructed between 1835 and 1836 by the Stanhope and Tyne Railway Company, this block of six kilns was built in an arc, standing approximately 35 feet high. They were designed to supplement the output from kilns owned by the same company in Consett, producing quicklime essential for construction and agriculture.

Over the years, these kilns fell into disuse, but their historical significance has been recognised. In 2009, a restoration project commenced to preserve these structures. Traditional craftsmen worked meticulously to restore the kilns, ensuring that this key element of the North-East’s industrial heritage remains for future generations.

During my visit, I explored the intricate stonework and the surrounding area with my pocket camera, capturing the weathered textures and the natural overgrowth that now embraces the site. The drone provided a broader perspective, highlighting the kilns' impressive structure and their integration into the landscape. The aerial views underscore the strategic placement of the kilns along the former railway line, now part of the Consett and Sunderland Railway Path, emphasizing their role in the transportation of materials during their operational years.

Eden Colliery Fan House: Echoes of the Coal Mining Era

Located near Leadgate, the Eden Colliery was established in the 1840s and became a significant employer in the area. The colliery expanded over the years, with a second shaft at Stony Heap below East Castle. Eventually, the entire colliery operations moved to Stony Heap, adopting the name 'Eden' with it. The colliery continued operations until its closure on July 18, 1980, marking the end of an era for the local community.

The Fan House at Eden Colliery played a crucial role in the mine's ventilation system, ensuring the safety of miners by expelling harmful gases from underground workings. The structure, though now in a state of decay, stands as a poignant reminder of the region's coal mining heritage.

Exploring the fan house with my pocket camera allowed me to document the remaining architectural features, including the brickwork and the remnants of the ventilation system. The drone offered a comprehensive view of the site, capturing the fan house's position within the former colliery grounds and its relationship to the surrounding landscape. The aerial footage reveals the isolation of the structure amidst the encroaching vegetation, symbolizing the passage of time and the reclamation of industrial sites by nature.

Reflecting on the Journey

Today's explorations provided a profound connection to County Durham's industrial past. The Bantling Limekilns and the Eden Colliery Fan House each tell a unique story of the region's development and the communities that once thrived around these industries. Through ground-level exploration and aerial photography, I aimed to capture the essence of these historical sites, preserving their stories and highlighting their significance in the tapestry of our shared heritage.

Stay tuned for the upcoming photos and videos that delve deeper into these fascinating locations!