A Very Special Ironstone – Skinningrove

Ironstone, a component used in steel making, was mined locally from the mid 19th century. This lump of rock appears small but is weighty. In fact, three generations of mineworkers at the end of a working week would compete to see who could lift and move this stone the furthest. Steve, who lives near the Land of Iron museum in Skinningrove, is one of the weightlifting stars. He keeps this stone near his pigeon shed to prove it! This local beach is where an ironstone ‘pebble’ was first found, a  catalyst for ironstone mining in the Cleveland area. Another story will unfold.

Skinningrove beach near the Land of Iron Museum, Feb 2024