Goyt Valley industries
Today’s visitors to the Goyt Valley enjoy the wonderfully tranquil and picturesque scenery. But it wasn’t always this way. In times gone past the valley rang to the harsh sounds of stone being quarried, coal being mined, steam trains being hauled up and down steep inclines, and even a large gunpowder mill. On these pages I’ll highlight these industries.
Above: An intriguing photo of members of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mill Band. The mill was a major source of employment in the area, but now lies forgotten beneath the waters of Fernilee Reservoir.
Castedge Coal Mine
Old OS maps show a ‘Coal Pit’ between Errwood Hall and Castedge Farmhouse. The entrance to the mine has long since been blocked and is now covered by thick undergrowth.