Monument record 8476/1/1 - Desborough Quarry Pit (1907 to 1959)

{1} The first iron ore extraction commenced on the north side of the Midland Railway line between Pipewell road and the Market Harborough road and by 1889 reaching the southern edge of Desborough Grange. From then the quarries continued to expand to the north and northeast eventually reaching as far as Pipewell Hall in 1959. Intensive WWII activities had bitten deeply into the reserves and the ore was beginning to become worked out. In 1964 demand was 3000 tons per week but the working face was a long one. On 9th November 1966 the quarries were temporarily closed but no more quarrying occurred and the last 600 tons were taken out in the week ending 10th December 1966.

<1> Tonks E., 1992, The Ironstone Quarries of The Midlands (History, Operation and Railways): The Corby Area, p.28-80 (unchecked) (Book). SNN39836.

<2> Hall D.N., 1960-1999, Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall, (checked) (Database). SNN102279.

Record last edited

Sep 22 2017 12:11PM