Whitley and Marden Quarries

Whitley Quarry was also variously known as Whitley Lime Kiln Farm, Marden Farm or the Maudiln Pits. The 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map shows limekilns and an engine house within the site. A reservoir, belonging to North Shields Water Works also lies within the quarry (HER ref. 2001). The earliest records show a John Dove leasing the site in 1663. By around 1825 it had 12 lime kilns, including one battery of 6, 3 old kilns, a windmill, smithy and an internal wagonway system. It used the Whitley Wagonway to transport materials to the Tyne. Before the establishment of the railways it was probably the biggest lime producer in Northumberland. By 1850 it was in decline, with the flooded portion in use as a reservoir. LOCAL LIST