Forge & Monument
The site covers 107 hectares and is located 3km east of Ripley within the county of Derbyshire. Production commenced in 2000, with more than half a million tonnes of coal being extracted over a 3½ year period.
Benefits Provided by the Scheme
The restoration scheme was carefully designed to enhance the landscape, habitat diversity and public access, whilst retaining some agricultural land, and included:
• 3km of new Bridleway
• 7km of new Hedgerow
• 18
hectares of new woodland
• 15 hectares of new grassland
In addition to the site restoration works, UK Coal fully funded and supervised an extensive program of consolidation and restoration work on the 13th Century Codnor Castle, and the Jessop Monument and hall.
Codnor Castle
Codnor castle was the seat of the Lords de Grey from around 1200 until the late 15th century. The Castle is thought to have begun life as a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, eventually becoming a stone built castle in the 13th century. In 2008 UK Coal completed a program of consolidation work designed to stop any further deterioration and preserve the castle for future generations.
During the course of the consolidation works Time Team were invited on site to investigate the archaeology at Codnor Castle. The dig took place over three days in June 2007 and was haled as a great success. In addition to finding a magnificent Henry V gold noble coin, Time Team uncovered evidence of three distinct phases of construction of Codnor Castle, including a drawbridge and great hall.
The Time Team Programme is titled 'Gold in the Moat' and was first screened on channel 4 on the 6th of January 2008 at 5:45pm. more info...
Jessop Monument and Hall
Jessop Monument and Hall was erected in 1854 to the memory of William Jessop Jnr. 1783-1852, a managing partner in the Butterley Company for many years. It was raised by public subscription amongst his friends and admirers and the workmen of the Butterley Company at a cost of £700. The monument is located on high ground above Codnor Park and stands an impressive 90 feet tall, a door in the square base leads onto a 150 step spiral staircase.
On the 8th July 1861 the monument was struck by lightning, splitting the tower from top to bottom and sending huge stones falling to the ground.
In 2008 UK Coal completed work to stabilise the Jessop Monument, which included replacing the stone work damaged in the lightening strike, using carefully selected stone, cut to shape on site. more info...