Show on mapSituated at the top of Pontac Road, these brickwork Hauling Engine bases in the undergrowth are part of the scant remains of the second highest output mine in the area. The Drift itself was just a short distance to the south although no trace remains other than a depression in the ground.
 
 A new gate has been erected in late 2008 which give some clue to the ironstone mining past.
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50 years ago the entrances of the drifts were “open”. They had been blocked by earth but it had subsided and probably “helped” by local junior engineers, such that it was possible to enter the mines (with the aid of burning torches – as seen on cowboy films) and explore for about 100yds before coming up against more blocked tunnels. I particularly remember touching one of the pit props, holding up the roof(?) and it squashed to nothing, totally waterlogged – No wonder they are now totally removed from sight and temptation. One personal coincidence; I was born in Oswestry (near Wales) and moved around with the father being in the Army and eventually ended up in Redcar. When I traced my Family Tree I found that my Great Grandfather had worked in Upleatham mine, in the very place I played in nearly 100 years later……..Weird or what?
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