In this new look at the Plym Valley, local author Ernie Hoblyn looks at
the ruins of the industrial past and asks, 'Why did they build that here
and what is it for?' Covering the valley running north from the Laira
estuary to Clearbook, Industrial Archaeology of the Plym Valley
describes the railways, quarries, mines, mills and clay works that once
operated there, looking at both the physical remains and the memories of
those who once lived in the valley. Most of the industries in the Plym
Valley existed during the period from the mid-eighteenth century to the
late nineteenth or early twentieth century, roughly from the start of
the Industrial Revolution to the late Victorian era. Few survived very
far into the twentieth century and today little apart from ruins of
buildings survives as witness to all the hard work done by many people
over many years. This book aims to bring a few of these ruins to life
and tell their story.