H7

Quarry Tales

The geology of the Stories in Stone area has resulted in a long history of mineral extraction that continues today. The scale and methods have changed immensely over the years, especially since World War Two, and we are now in the final period of our ability to collect direct oral evidence of this.

The main settlements of Ingleton, Settle and Horton in Ribblesdale each have large, highly mechanised quarries associated with them (although work ceased relatively recently at Giggleswick Quarry near Settle). The project concentrates on the active quarries in Horton in Ribblesdale and Ingleton.

Listen to the Interviews

What has the project done?

The project aimed to explore and record the memories and language associated with quarrying in the Stories in Stone area, using oral history methods and research carried out by trained volunteers.

Led by Quarry Arts, valuable memories and reminiscences of the long history of quarrying within the area have been collected directly from former and current quarry workers and family members and those who have been affected in their daily lives by the impact of quarrying. Capturing the Past has also digitised local quarry records found within other local historic collections. You can view their digitised material on the Dales Community Archives website.

Trained volunteers conducted and recorded interviews with members of the community. There recordings will be preserved in the tangible form of technically acceptable recordings, transcribed and/or summarised interviews, and catalogue material. The recorded files are accessible through the Quarry Arts website , where the oral history material will be fully searchable for various keywords relating to locations, activities etc.