Page 69
Wirksworth subsidence. April 25th [1906]
Dear Sir,
I have today examined the
shaft that the sewerage pipes are at and find
some portions of it stand on wood.
The drainage that comes down here is not the
only cause of this subsidence.
About 35 feet down this shaft is an open
space about 12 feet wide but on the South
side of this space is an open joint or Rake Vein
that has been cut.
There is a shaft in this vein 7 or 8 yards
down to some sewerage deposit that comes
along the vein from the other houses nearer the
Royal Oak.
This I believe is the principal cause of
this subsidence.
It must have been coming on here some time
as it has brought down the wall out of one end
of this shaft.
I have had an Iron rod down into sewerage
deposit 10 feet deep and find no solid bottom
to it whether this is only partly blocked down
and this sewerage lying on the top I cannot say
but I certainly should put Iron rails across as
it is down in the rock and uncertain what
is below.
Awaiting your instructions,
Yours respectfully,
Samuel J Sheldon
Page 70
Wirksworth subsidence,
Apl 25th [1906]
Yours this morning. By all means with dry stone
fill no 1 shaft up. The danger is No 2 shaft this is
on another distinct vein running South West and North East
these two veins cross each other just on the back side of
this shaft and certainly at this point the veins would be
wider and in all probability be set off wood and with
this sewerage running on No 2 vein would certainly
rot this wood and draw down the refuse from above
the brake? may have started lower than I can see
but by all means stop any from from coming down from
above you.
If you decide decide to fill up both the shafts then all well
and good the stone would have to be let down then
lifted over this ridge of Limestone and ? into
the sewerage deposit.
My suggestion for Iron Rails was to look what
mischief there was beyond this point towards that
Big wall that has shown signs of coming down
This vein runs right under the corner of it
I enclose for your inspection just a rude sketch
Yours Respectfully
Samuel J Sheldon
Deputy Barmaster
Page 71
Middleton Wirksworth
May 1st 1906, Wirksworth subsidence
Dear Sir,
35 feet down No 1 shaft is the floor of this shaft
as far as I can see and 10 or 12 feet wide this width is
extended till it takes in the side of the other vein
in which shaft No 2 is carried lower down.
7 or 8 yards lower down than the floor of
No 1 is this sewerage deposit that comes along
that vein No 2. Nothing coming down
No 1 would find its way into No 2 they are
two distinct veins with a ridge of limestone
between them.
Its no use poring [sic] anything down at the
other houses and expect to see it drain? No 1 shaft
this has no connection.
These houses are connected only with that vein
that goes towards the Royal Oak and the outlet
of that appears 7 or 8 yards lower than the floor
of No 1 shaft and more South.
If Mr Wood wishes the drains to remain in as they
are and run the risk of any further subsidence
then almost anything will do for filling up with.
Page 72
No 1 shaft receives Hawley and no other.
No 2 shaft the other houses and can only be
seen by going down 35 ft and standing in the
vein along which the sewerage comes in the
sides of the vein you can see whence it has come down.
Yours respectfully,
Samuel J Sheldon.
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