150 years ago many parts of the North York Moors and Cleveland looked very different to the present day. The valleys and hills were filled with fire, smoke and noise as they helped fuel the industrial revolution.
A short but intense period of ironstone mining and railway construction left a huge impact on the landscape and its communities that can still be felt today. If you know where to look, remnants of the ironstone mining industry can be found south of the River Tees.
The ironstone – and the steel that was made with it – was shipped around the world. Railways, buildings and famous landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour and Tyne Bridges were made from steel and iron produced in Cleveland. If you have ever wondered why locals proudly proclaim: ‘We built the world.’ Wonder no more.
This important and fantastic history can be celebrated and explored at Land of Iron, a brand-new state-of-the-art museum and attraction which stands on the site of the first ironstone mine in the area, bordered by the sea in the coastal village of Skinningrove.
Land of Iron will show you the rich and fascinating industrial heritage of the area. Don your hardhat and venture inside the mine with an experienced guide leading the way. An interactive exhibition highlights amazing artefacts and a regular programme of new exhibitions and events means that you will always find something new to discover. Summer 2023 sees the reopening of the rejuvenated North Drift, where visitors can venture over 100 metres into the side of the valley to experience the working conditions of the men and boys who worked in the mines.
Deepdale, Mill Lane, Skinningrove, TS13 4AP, 01287 642877
