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Post by pwm437 on Aug 2, 2007 23:28:28 GMT 1
A number of years ago the firm I was working with carried out a lot of work at Glasgow Uni. We got to know the Estates Dept. guys quite well, and a topic of conversation became my interest in Glasgow's history.
Consequently, I was taken into Gilmorehill Coal Mine.
It was accessed by going into the basemant of the Chemistry Dept. building, down through a door into a sub-basement, and then through a door into what was Gilmorehill Mine.
We were all togged up in overalls, hard hats and carrying torches. Initially you walk along into the mine, but the ceiling height starts to fall the further in you go, until eventually you are crawling on your stomach (not for the claustrophobic).
It was quite fascinating, with a wooden door to a seam still intact, and behind it some track with a bogey in situ.
The remains of the coal seam are still there, but clearly the quality of the coal is very poor, as it looks more like shale.
Visits into the mine are not available to the publc, and I consider myself very lucky to have been afforded this rare opportunity to view something quite different in Glasgow's history.
After lunch that day, I was then taken to the top of the tower (all 223 steps), and what a magnificent view, and I could see all the way down into Lanarkshire, the Campsies, and the Clyde estuary.
All that, and I got paid doing it, but don't tell my bosses !!
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Post by Waverley on Aug 4, 2007 7:49:04 GMT 1
Great experience Peter we must try and do it again...mind you crawling about on my hunkers deep in the bowels of the west end under Byres Road disnae appeal to me.
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patrick
Full Member
Patrick, the 'Tic Man"
Posts: 2,290
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Post by patrick on Feb 21, 2009 1:02:46 GMT 1
Ill tell you what charlie I would rather be at geordies byre in the barrowland, than crawling under byre,s road any day of the week.
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Post by pwm437 on Feb 21, 2009 8:44:50 GMT 1
Wherrs yur sense of adventure patrick !!
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Post by norrie on Feb 21, 2009 9:02:36 GMT 1
Hi pwm437, just spotted this thread. How many other treasures from Glasgows past are hidden from the public? I have never heard of this mine was it a big one? I have heard that Glasgow is built over mines, lets hopw they dont collapse ;D There were 23 ? mines in Rutherglen, I think the last one to close was the Farme Cross mine, 1932? I am sure I have maps showing most of the pits.
I have been down some small mines but dont fancy crawling along a tunnel. Have you been down the pits at Summerfield Heritage Museum and Wanlockhead Lead mine?
Did you get any photos ;D Bye for now, Norrie
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