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EASTRY CHALK MINE
Eastry Chalk Mine was started in 1811 for a lime burning business and remained in production until 1914. Access to the mine was originally via a shaft, but as the mine developed, a sloping tunnel was dug that emerged close to the limekiln. Mining ceased when local villagers began to voice their concerns that their properties were in danger of collapse because of the mining beneath them. The tunnels were then used to hold local festivities.
The Home Guard used sections of the mine as a rifle range during the Second World War. After this the mine was open to the public for a while and it was in this period that two paintings were done on the walls.
Location: Eastry
Condition: Very Good
Date Of Visit: 05/04/09
Plan: No
Video: No
Report: No
More Info: The mine is on private property
In the long gallery, he workings resemble a three-dimensional maze and demonstrate the effect of mining without any forward planning.
EASTRY CHALK MINE
The mine was abandoned following pressure from villagers who were worried that their houses were being undermined....
....It was subsequently turned into a folly and village festivities were held underground.
During the Second World War, it was used by the Home Guard as a rifle range.
Another long gallery.
Paintings resembling stained glass windows were placed on the walls.
Paintings resembling stained glass windows were placed on the walls.
Another view inside the mine.
