Smitham Chimney, East Harptree facts for kids
The Smitham Chimney is an old chimney that was once used for lead mining. It stands just outside the village of East Harptree, in the area of Priddy, Somerset, England. This chimney is considered an important historical building and is protected as a Grade II listed building. This means it's a special building that should be preserved because of its history.
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What is Smitham Chimney?
The Smitham Chimney is round and built from two different types of red brick near its top. At the very bottom, there is a small, narrow opening. Chimneys like this were a key part of old mining operations. They helped to create a draft, pulling air through the mine or processing buildings to remove smoke and fumes.
Built for Lead Mining
This chimney was built in 1867 by a company called the 'East Harptree Lead Works Co Ltd'. They were mining for lead, a heavy metal, in the area. By 1870, the company was producing a lot of lead, about 1,000 tons each year! However, the company didn't do very well in the long run. The lead mining industry in this spot only lasted for a few years after the chimney was built.
A Protected Landmark
Even though the mine closed, the chimney remained. In 1973, there was a plan to knock down the chimney. But thankfully, the Somerset County Council stepped in and protected it. Because it's a listed building, it means it's recognized as an important part of history and cannot be easily removed.
Special Moss Grows Here
An interesting fact about the Smitham Chimney site is that a special type of plant grows there. Because of the pollution from the old lead mining, a unique plant called Lead Moss (Ditrichum plumbicola) can be found. This moss is able to grow in places where there are high levels of lead, which most plants cannot tolerate. It's a reminder of the chimney's past and how nature adapts.
