Many members of the list in Britain will be familiar with Groverake
(latterly Frazers Grove) mine at Rookhope in County Durham. This was the
last commercial fluorspar mine in the North Pennine orefield which closed
a few years ago. Since closure the mine has been standing, and has
suffered intermittently from the attention of scrap dealers. The mine
had two shafts, each with its own headframe. The smaller of the two
headframes was built on site for the mine, the larger one came originally
from a pit in County Durham. The mine is a distinctive landmark in a
rural location, and the headframes have been a very visible reminder of
the fluorspar industry.
About two weeks ago the smaller of the two headframes was stolen. It was
cut down and removed by scrap dealers. Although people have been
arrested, the damage is done, and the headgear gone.
The mine owner would like to see the second of the headframes remain on
the site as a reminder of a vanished industry, but is beginning to think
that he will have to remove it.
This is the last headgear (as far as I know) in the whole of County
Durham.
What do list members think should be done?
Ian
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