|Helen Harris (1994) |Phil Newman et al (1999)| |Todd Gray (2001)| |
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Phase 3, Middle Quarry
Phase 3 involved opening up Middle Quarry
(site 3) extending the tramway westwards.
At this point in time (possibly early 1820), Quarry B's north easterly
track was cut off from the main tramway as seen at site 5.
Tavener's verse (from Adams 1946), mentions Holwell Tor and Quarry at the opening
ceremonies in September 1820. So we know that a quarry close to Holwell was open with
tramway running to it by September 1820. Holwell Tor Quarries do not appear to fit the
bill for this scenario.
There are at least three waste rubble heaps at Middle Quarry which all fall just short
of crossing the tramway which leads to the quarries further to the west. The only plausible
reason for this development of three heaps rather than one large one is that plans were in
place for extending the track to the westerly quarries. Or the track to the westerly
quarries was laid at the same time as the development of Middle Quarry.
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A modern day example of the development
of rubble heaps from waste can be seen by clicking the link. This example comes from the Argyll Diamond Mine (open cast) in Western Australia.
The initial lobe was developed, but later dumping took place on adjacent lobes to
stop encroachment onto surrounding Aboriginal lands.
The tramway to the westerly quarries, was very likely removed for use elsewhere. The only place left for this track to go after it was laid was Holwell Tor Quarries. Considering the track configuration at site 5, the rubble heap configuration at this location (site 3) and the fact that the westerly quarries' track has been removed, this quarry must have been the next quarry developed on the tramway system, probably at or around the same time as the more westerly quarries were being exploited. |
