Stoney’s working past uncovered

An unusual wreck was discovered at the Stoney Cove inland diving centre in Leicestershire recently.

During preparatory work for a new sunken attraction at Stoney, a metal box was discovered sticking out of the sediment.

an original narrow gauge truck

Removal of years of sticky mud and stones revealed that it was, in fact, an original narrow gauge truck.

In its former life, Stoney Cove was a working granite mine. From the beginning of the 19^th Century stone was dug here for use in repairing roads.

A railway line was subsequently built into the nearby village of Stoney Stanton, linking the quarry with the Birmingham-Leicester line.

Spring water was a constant threat to the workings, with pumps operated almost continuously to keep the quarry open.

Excavation finally ceased in 1958 and the quarry quickly filled with water. Within five years divers were using the site for sport diving and training.

Wooden remains known as the Gresham Ship were placed on the bottom at Stoney Cove recently. The Gresham Ship is actually what’s left of an Elizabethan merchantman.

The quarry truck was uncovered by Tim Kociuch and other divers at Stoney Cove as they cleared obstructions from the bottom.

As a symbol of Stoney’s past, the quarry stone truck will now be tidied up and put on display at the diving centre.