Findall


Iron Mine

Worked from 1863 to 1877

Jan 1st, 2024 from NMRS by Buddle-Bot



Forest of Dean
Upper Soudley
51.791624, -2.503355
SO 6538 1045
Private Land
106m
#12,003


Also referred to as Findall Level and Scilly Point Level, Findall is a colloquial term derived from ‘find all’, indicating the presence of both coal and iron. Located at NGR SO 6532 1055 in Soudley Park, access to the site is gained by following the forest track from the lay-by at NGR SO 651 112. The entrance lies within a sizable scowle hole beneath a chimney, necessitating a 90-foot rope and a 25-foot ladder. This entry point grants eventual access to the iron ore workings of the Findall Level, situated deep underground.

Within the southeast corner of the scowle, one must navigate behind large rocks, ascend a slope, and veer right to the south until reaching a ledge. From here, the first pitch is climbable without assistance, while the second requires a ladder. The chimney, once enclosing a fire, created an updraft that facilitated ventilation within the mine by pulling air from the deep workings via stone-built flues. This ventilation system likely dates back to around 1800. In 1975-76, extensive repairs were undertaken on the firebox and chimney base by volunteers.

The collapsed adit entrance, located at A 300 feet and NGR SO 6539 1042, is susceptible to flooding from January to July. Its position is marked by a prominent spring, designated as ‘Spr’ on the 2½-inch map. The spring, resembling a holy well with steps leading down to the water, is situated approximately 200 yards south of the Brinchcombe Limestone Level. This adit, open prior to 1841, serves as a free drainage level for the Perseverance Mine and possibly the Shakemantle Mine. It is a cross-measure level, driven for 320 yards. Level No 2 extends from this adit, with 1860 feet lying to the north and 2160 feet to the south of this cross-measure. It is connected by an ore-body dip to Level No 1 at A 330 feet, which spans 550 feet in length. Nearby, the Brinchcombe Iron Ore Level is an adit measuring 75 yards in length, also interconnecting with the site. Level No 2 is further linked to Level No 3.



1864-1866 Forest of Dean Iron Co.







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