Oakamoor railway bridge
The old railway bridge at Oakamoor. Note the colours of the bridge and nearby Station House that in the North Staffordshire Railway Company livery style.
If visiting, please also note that this bridge has a weight limit!
The old railway bridge at Oakamoor. Note the colours of the bridge and nearby Station House that in the North Staffordshire Railway Company livery style.
If visiting, please also note that this bridge has a weight limit!
We were sent this photo the weir for the Alton Mill Leat by Keith Thomkins to use in our Facebook Friday photo challenge and here is what he says about it:
Once the site of Thomas Bolton & Son copperworks, this green space is now an attractive riverside play area and picnic site with public access.
A mill has existed at Oakamoor since medieval times and there is a record it being owned by the Foley family in 1683. In 1761 George Kendal was the ironmaster and in 1790 Thomas Patten begins serious production. It was in 1851 that Thomas Bolton bought the site for £7750.
Built in 1879 by owner of Bolton's copperworks, Alfred Sohier Bolton, who is buried in the church yard.
The smelting mill is now much altered and is a private residence, but the former mill pond is a very popular place with walkers in National Trust's Dimmingsdale.
Lead smelting mill described as new in 1741 and converted to corn grinding in 1784. Single high breast water wheel and three pairs of stones.
A listed early 19th century bridge of ashlar construction. the bridge has a single arch over the river and two smaller arches either side.
Probably built for the Earls of Shrewsbury as a carriage bridge, now it is the footbridge that connects Dimmingsdale to the Churnet Way (Oakamoor to Denstone) ... and the Chained Oak.
SK06294322
A listed early 19th century (c1807) cast-iron mile plate set into a drystone wall on the former drive leading to Alton Towers from Threapwood Lodge. The mile plate gives the distance to Alton Abbey, the previous name for Alton Towers when lived in by the Shrewsbury family.
Our ref AL14/15
SK 04254325
Limestone was used to create lime in the North Staffordshire area (in other areas chalk was used). Lime was important in the manufacture of mortar and iron, as well as agriculture when it improves soil acidity and improves crop yields. Maps of 1844 show the kilns and connecting railways - it is possible to make out the railway spur that connected the Oakamoor kilns to the rail network.
Lime was created by burning limestone in limekilns to create quicklime, the dried to form a powder before being slaked with water.
Look carefully at the stones used to build this Oakamoor bridge and you can still see the masons' marks. Each mason had his own mark that enabled him to be paid the piecework fee due.
Owned by the Forestry Commission, Dimmingsdale is a very popular walking, riding and bouldering area.
The landscape of Dimmingsdale has been shaped by the 15th century smelting industry and later by the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury, who built Alton Towers.
Vehicle access and parking is along Red Road, next to the Ramblers Retreat tea room and gardens.
Walking, riding and cycling access is via Staffordshire Way and over Lords Bridge on Churnet Way (Oakamoor to Denstone via Alton station)
