Monument record 8396/1 - Blisworth Quarries (R.Thomas & Co. Ltd; Thomas & Baldwin Ltd.)

{1} With the end of the first World War a large area including this part of Blisworth was offered for mining as better methods were being used to extract but in the difficult times of the period there were no takers until September 1935 when Richard Thomas & Co.Ltd., leased some acres but it was not until the outbreak of W.W.II and the assistance of the government and treasury that the reopening of the quarry was considered as practical.The planning of the rail system was difficult but going well until 1940 when the owners signature was required to cross his land. However he was a prisoner of war in Germany. A request was sent and after 4months a signature was returned and production commenced on 30th november 1942.Production lasted for less than twelve months and the quarries were closed. The quarries were taken over by Richard Thomas & Baldwins Ltd. on 3rd January 1945 but it was not until 1953 there were reopened to assist with increased ore production needed for a new blast furnace at Scunthorpe.Although ore was plentiful the considerable distances that it had to travel to the furnaces caused the closure of the quarries which took place on 30th September 1967.

<1> Tonks E., 1989, The Ironstone Quarries of The Midlands (History, Operation and Railways): The Northampton Area, p.40-59 (unchecked) (Book). SNN47272.

Record last edited

May 14 2009 4:29PM