An Old Quarry in Harthill

"Rotherham Red" sandstone in Harthill

From previous experience of surveying a wide variety of geological sites in South Yorkshire, the Republic of Ireland and the Peak District National Park, I know that very many old quarries are on private land – hidden by plantations, small housing estates and commercial developments – and gaining access isn't possible for a casual visitor.

A general view of  the "Church Quarry"

Having visited Harthill several times this year, to study the building stones of All Hallows church and the village, I had effectively exhausted the places that I could survey but a chance meeting with a local resident – who suggested that no one would mind if I took a look – provided an opportunity to investigate an old quarry that is presumed to be the source of its building stone.

Massive wedge bedded sandstone

Set on the northern part of the escarpment that runs from the rear of the church up to Winney Hill, it is surrounded by mature trees that forms a dense canopy. In this sheltered, dank environment, the majority of the old quarry faces – comprising massive wedge bedded sandstone – are largely obscured by moss, algae and lichens but a distinct red colouration of the stone can still be seen.

A detail of laminated beds with ironstone pellets

In places, the upper parts of the quarry faces expose laminated beds that contain purple shale partings and ironstone pellets, which are a common feature of the “Rotherham Red” sandstone. These beds are softer than the underlying massive rock and the weathering of these and the soil horizons have contributed to the formation of a scree that covers much of the lower parts of the quarry face.

A packhorse bridge

Although its size and close proximity to the centre of the old village might suggest that this quarry was the major supplier of typical “Rotherham Red” sandstone used for the historic vernacular buildings, there is no evidence of the mottled/yellow colour or gritty texture that is a feature of the sandstone that has been used in All Hallows church.

A detail of sandstone at All Hallows church