Monument record 2647/1 - Pool Mine

<1> Wharmby, P, 1987, Survey of Abandoned Salt Mine Workings and Brine Shafts in Cheshire (Report). SCH7995.

Desk-based survey undertaken in 1987 to identify remains of Cheshire salt industry comprising gazeteer of sites and plans at 1:2500. Pool mine described as a bottom bed mine with two shafts, worked until 1888 at which time an area of 2ha had been mined. It was used as an explosives store in the First World War at which time the mine was dry but by 1925 it was being pumped out for 6 hours a week.

<2> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1992, Cheshire Weaver Valley Rolling Programme, An Archaeological Assessment., R2021 (Client Report). SCH4209.

The surface remains at Pool Mine were surveyed and recorded as part an archaeological assessment undertaken for the Cheshire Weaver Valley Rolling Programme. Recorded remains included a well defined canal arm, a large flat topped mound with a retaining wall to the south-east, and a potential shaft.

<3> Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust Archaeological Unit, 1993, Cheshire (Weaver Valley) Rolling Programme: Archaeological Site Investigation, R2055 (Client Report). SCH4208.

Small salt mine sunk after 1846 and before 1873 covering an area of approx 1 ha. First owned by J Thompson and Sons who owned the adjacent Lion Salt Works (2513). It was apparently closed by 1888. Used to store explosives in the 1st World War, when the mine was pumped dry on a weekly basis. Pumping was continued until 1929 when a decision was made to seal up the mine. There were two shafts, The Engine House Shaft and the Far Shaft. Inspection in 1873 and 1881 found the shafts were 324ft deep, the area of the mine was 6 acres and pillars were 7 yards square and 25 yards apart.

Four groups of buildings are shown on the 2nd and 3rd edition OS maps. An undated Salt Union Ltd plan provides some details of the buildings. All those associated with pumping operations were cleared from the site a few years after 1888. Traces of stone edging to the original alignment of the canal (diverted after 1958) can still be seen. The remains of gardens associated with miner's cottages can still be seen, inluding brick edges to flower beds and garden plants. A stone base, possibly an engine base, a length of brick wall on the SE of the site, a canal arm, drainage furrows, and the remians of a probable pool still remain today.