A MUSEUM celebrating part of the region’s mining history has announced it will open with a new name following a £2.3m revamp.
Land of Iron will be the new name of the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, in Skinningrove, when it opens again this autumn.
The museum has been undergoing a major renovation after having to close in 2018 because the roof was falling in.
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When it reopens, people will be the chance to see objects on display for the first time, as well as parts of the old collection.
Graham Banwell, director of Land of Iron, said of the name change: “The museum is excited to adopt the Land of Iron name when we reopen, to ensure it is not forgotten.
“The name has many advantages, not least it is short, snappy and memorable. Thanks to the work undertaken by the North York Moors National Park through their project, the phrase has become much more familiar around the local area, and reflects the standing of the heritage we are sharing at the museum.”
Situated on the former Loftus ironstone mine, Land of Iron will showcase the impact and significance of ironstone mining for the UK.
Loftus Mine was the first ironstone mine to open in Cleveland in 1865 and one of the last to close in 1958.
Ironstone mining in Cleveland and North Yorkshire took place on a large scale and dates as far back as Roman times, though its heritage significance lies in the industrial revolution.
Land of Iron holds the largest collection of objects and archives relating to ironstone mining in the country.
Among the items to go on display for the first time are a commemorative quilt, made by women from Skelton, a large piece of ironstone mined from Skelton North Pit, paintings by artist Stan Binks and a slice of the first special profile steel beam off production line Skinningrove, which was made into a commemorative plaque.
Returning to public display is the largest object in the collection - a horse drawn ambulance, which was first used at Brownley Colliery before moving to Lumpsey Ironstone mine near Brotton, East Cleveland.
Visitors will also be able to explore the buildings and tunnels of what was Cleveland’s third largest ironstone mine.
As they step back in time, they will discover what life was like for the 500 men and boys that worked day and night underground.
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Land of Iron was also the name of a recent project run by the North York Moors National Park Authority and part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Its mission was to explore, preserve and celebrate the ironstone and natural heritage of the Moors.
The project was funded through £1.45m from National Lottery players, £800,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund, £200,000 from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and £50,000 from private donations.
David Renwick, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Land of Iron project was a great success for the North York Moors National Park, and one that we are very proud to have supported. It is fantastic news that its legacy will live on in the new museum.”
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