Monument record MWX4026 - Post medieval coastal limestone quarry, Dancing Ledge, Langton Matravers
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Summary
PLarge scale cliff-side quarry situated to the south-east of Acton village which formerly worked the Portland freestone. It was working by 1771 when the whole of the cliff was removed to build the pier at Ramsgate. It was last worked in 1914. The earliest workings are represented by open quarries and the later workings by an extensive complex of underground galleries. Most of the cliff-side buildings and structures have been cleared. The stone was lowered on to horn-carts on the sea cliff and then directed along two converging rut-ways, the grooves of which are still prominent.
Map
Type and Period (5)
- QUARRY (Georgian to First World War - 1771 AD to 1914 AD)
- LIMESTONE QUARRY (Georgian to First World War - 1771 AD to 1914 AD)
- SPOIL HEAP (Georgian to First World War - 1771 AD to 1914 AD)
- MINE BUILDING (Early 20th Century to First World War - 1901 AD to 1914 AD)
- OPEN CAST MINE (Georgian to Victorian - 1771 AD to 1900 AD)
Full Description
Large scale cliff-side quarry situated to the south-east of Acton village which formerly worked the Portland freestone. It was working by 1771 when the whole of the cliff was removed to build the pier at Ramsgate. It was last worked in 1914. The earliest workings are represented by open quarries and the later workings by an extensive complex of underground galleries. Most of the cliff-side buildings and structures have been cleared. The stone was lowered on to horn-carts on the sea cliff and then directed along two converging rut-ways, the grooves of which are still prominent.
A quarry marked on the first edition of the OS map. Also marked on the second edition.
Post medieval coastal limestone quarry, Dancing Ledge, Langton Matravers. The quarry is marked on the OS 1st edition map and is visible as earthworks on lidar <2-3>. According to the NMR (SY97NE169) the quarry was worked in 1771 when the cliff was removed to build Ramsgate pier. It was last worked in 1914. The features were digitally mapped and recorded during the South West Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (Dorset).
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SDO18060 Monograph: Lancashire Archaeological Unit. 2000. Monument Protection Programme Quarrying Industry Step 3.2 Additional Site Assessments. Dorset 20.
- <2> SDO12878 Photograph: Channel Coastal Observatory. 23-MAR-2008. Lidar.
- <3> SDO12879 Aerial Photograph: Channel Coastal Observatory. 25-FEB-2009. Lidar.
- <4> SDO14739 Digital archive: National Record of the Historic Environment. 1466671.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SY 99786 76899 (386m by 134m) (3 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | SY97NE |
| Civil Parish | Langton Matravers; Dorset |
| Unitary Authority | Dorset |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- Legacy UID: Dorset Sites and Monuments Record: 6 013 083
- Legacy UID: National Monuments Record: SY 97 NE 169
- Legacy UID: National Record of the Historic Environment: 1466671
Record last edited
Mar 27 2023 2:27PM