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Landmark mines chimney collapses

Tue, 01 May 2012

An historic landmark in the west of the Island has lost its battle with the elements.

The Beckwith's Mine Chimney at Glen Rushen collapsed at the weekend.

It had managed to stand against the prevailing westerly winds for more than 150 years, despite having been leaning to one side.

Only half of the chimney now remains upright with the rest reduced to a pile of rubble.

Pete Geddes from the Laxey Mines Research Group says they'd been expecting it to topple for a while but he's still sad to see it go.[play media file below]

Mining started at Glen Rushen in 1831 and continued until 1879.

Despite the age of the site, the surface remains of the mine are relatively well preserved.

 

 

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Media

• Pete Geddes

Photos