This is the plan which gives all the detail of The Oakwood Mill Deep Level – the iron mine which leads a torturous route beneath the western edge of Bream and is costing thousands of pounds to fill.
Our front page picture last week caused quite a stir as readers saw for the first time the extent of the workings.
But there is no danger to the church. Contrary to reports St James's is quite safe, though a heading is indicated as crossing beneath a corner of the churchyard.
The workings – coloured yellow on this 1880 plan – lead in all directions indicating the ore seams followed by miners.
Oakwood Mill Deep Level opened in 1825 and was abandoned in 1884 – four years after this plan was produced.




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