View from SE showing winder house and ramp.

Description View from SE showing winder house and ramp.

Date 21/9/1982

Collection Records of the Scottish Industrial Archaeology Survey at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Sco

Catalogue Number B 10106/8

Category Manuscripts

Copies SC 732985

Scope and Content Winder house and ramp from the south-east, Carbrook Clay Mine, Falkirk The fireclay industry was of national importance for Scotland during the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century. Fireclay was used as the main material in the manufacture of toilet furniture and sewer pipes. In 1951 Scotland produced almost 60% (by value) of all British unprocessed fireclay. The Carbrook Clay Mine lies to the north-west of Falkirk and was opened c.1953 and closed c.1982. This shows the winder house and the ramp which led into the mine. The winder house contained a winding engine which lifted wagons full of clay from the mine, up the ramp and into the building. The clay was then fed into hoppers from where it was loaded onto trucks. The hoppers projected from the base of the winding engine house. Clay is the main raw material for pottery and brick making. Mined clay is ground into small regular sized pieces in a pan mill. Water is then added which makes the clay pliable for modelling into objects which must be fired in kilns to preserve their shape. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference Neg No. 38/82/8

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