Ram Hill Colliery site is a fine example of early nineteenth century coal mining. Dating to around 1830 the site is located at the heart of the North Bristol coalfield and holds the standing remains of the steam engine house, the horse gin, the mineshaft, the dramway terminus and, in all probability, the water reservoir and boiler house, all of which can tangibly explain how coal was mined during the industrial revolution of Britain and for many local people it forms a link to their family history. The Ram Hill colliery in Coalpit Heath was once the hub of 19th century coal mining in Westerleigh parish. It was the terminus of the dramway, which was built in 1828 and was probably the last railway in England designed to use horses as a means of locomotion (the Rainhill trials the following year heralded the use of steam).
It is a mystery why the dramway ended here. A number of plans exist showing the proposed route of the dramway, but none showed it ending up at Ram Hill.
English Heritage recognition and scheduling of the site
In 2006 the Ram Hill Colliery site was given ancient monument scheduling status by English Heritage. This recognises the national importance of the site and protects it in the future.
The work of the Friends of Ram Hill Colliery
During the last two years the Friends of Ram Hill have cleared this historical site of trees, scrub and ivy to reveal the standing archaeology. Also a detailed site report and conservation plan has been prepared. In addition open days for visitors have been arranged, as well as workdays for members to maintain the site. Schools and history groups have also visited the site.
Why we need your help
Part of the work of the Friends of Ram Hill Committee has been to raise a substantial sum through grants to further conserve the standing archaeology that is showing signs of deterioration. Grants have been applied for but further funding is required and we need new members with new ideas to take the project forward. The aim is to proceed to further consolidation and restoration of the site to create a pleasant and tranquil area that presents the story of the colliery in a pleasant and interesting manner.
Your views on what you would like to see happen to the site are important. Without support there is a risk that the site will become overgrown again and this important local resource lost.
Next Workday
We need to discuss with South Gloucestershire Council the best arrangements for the Friends to have public liability insurance for work days at Ram Hill, and the terms of a licence under which we can operate. Currently, the Council have told us we cannot work on the site without insurance and, as a result, we cannot proceed with the planned workday on Sunday 17 August. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused. We will keep you in touch with what is happening – if you would like to know more, please contact archaeology.services@southglos.gov.uk
Steve Hillyard
Chair Friends of Ram Hill Restoration and Interpretation Program
Workdays progress
Thanks to a generous grant from South Gloucestershire Council the majority of the upper spoil heap has been removed, but there is still much to do. The mysterious stone wall on the north side of the spoil heap was shown to date from the 1980s. This will be removed to improve access to the site and enhance the presentation.
Although terminated fairly soon by heavy rain a successful day was had on the 1st June where much of the recent growth was cut back. Even more was achieved on the 22nd June when work to tidy the site was begun.
After permission was confirmed by English Heritage a start has been made removing the spoil heaps which date from the1980s. The spoil comprises mainly of topsoil, with a few rocks, and even the occasional piece of coal. A few finds were made, including a couple of Jam Jar lids, which might be datable, mostly fairly recent. A clay pipe which should come from the period of mine working was also found. Lots of soil is left, anyone who knows of a good home let us know.
Excavations
The fact that the site survives at all is a fluke. The Great Western Railway bought the area for its new direct route from South Wales to London. In the end the cutting stopped just north of the site. The mine lay forgotten until 1981 when a local archaeologist, John Cornwell, rediscovered it. Then the high unemployment of the 1980s led to a number of job creation schemes, one of which was to carry out comprehensive work at the site. This took place in 1987, but funds ran out and it was never completed.
Then a Bristol University MA student, Bridget Hetzel, embarked on a study there and volunteers came in to help clear the site. The results have been spectacular: it has already been cleared of recent growth and we will be removing two spoil heaps which were formed during earlier excavations. This will expose more of the dramway, and hopefully the boiler house for the steam engine.
Preserving the site
We are well on the way to securing the longtime management of the site. We hope to maintain a balance between archaeology and ecology by maintaining it as a grassed area.
Work has begun on removing the upper spoil heap. There is a long way to go and we are looking for sites who would like the material. A sone base marked on the limited plans of the site has been partially exposed, it looks like a chimney base - so the elusive boiler house may not be far away
Geophysical survey
A geophysical survey at Ram Hill Colliery has revealed clear traces of a reservoir in the northern corner of the site. The method of remote sensing was restivity, which had not been expected to give good results due to the nature of the ground. It was carried out for the Friends of Ram Hill Colliery by local enthusiasts Sagascan. The results will be used to inform those conserving the site.
Pictures
Visit the Winterbourne website for views of the site.