23 August 2016
Last updated at 10:06
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Terrafirma share the Hidden Legacy of Mineral Extraction in Berkshire
We used Terrafirma's unique mineral extraction map, Terrasmart, uncover the hidden legacy of mineral extraction in Berkshire.
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Damage to property caused by a chalk mine collapse in the local area. |
Hiding a surprisingly significant industrial activity, particularly historical clay-working for brick, tile and pottery-making, Berkshire also has experienced prolonged mining for chalk to service these sites.
Concentrated within Reading especially, such sub-surface extraction is known to have occurred from the Medieval era, continually through into the 19th Century when sizeable kilns were active, and remaining so for the entirety of the Victorian period. With the last mine closing as late as World War Two, the legacy of this below-ground activity is the largest populous of chalk mines anywhere in England. Outside of the capital town, chalk mining similarly occurred for various ‘local’ kilns, as well as for agricultural use and commercial selling of lime, whilst in the west of the county, below ground extraction of Fullers’ earth was also undertaken, albeit this at seemingly small-scale.
Minerals found in this area include: Chalk, Fullers' Earth, Lambeth Group Clays, London Clay and Sand & Gravel.
To find out more about the history of mining activity in your region, go to www.minesearches.co.uk/terrasmart
The full range of mineral extraction reports from Terrafirma is now available as part of our Complete Search Service. For more information email reading@propertysearchgroup.co.uk or call 0118 969 3265
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