The Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum Group is happy to offer guided tours around the site at Norden, visiting the remains of the Clay workings that date from 1970s back to the 1860's.  Included in the tour will also be a view of the construction of the Museum. The history of Purbeck Ball Clay and its part in the development of the Nation will be explained in full detail. Also an optional walk along a tramway to view a bridge is available (see below). The tour will last approx 2 hours. Tours can be arranged for anytime of the year and remember the best time to see the remains is January and February. However, what ever time of the year, it is still amazing how much industrial remains are here at Norden in such a beautiful area. Don't forget to bring your camera. 

The Railway Ramblers have visited us twice now led by Jeff Vinter (consultant to the BBC Railway Walks series)

 A minimum donation of £2 a head is required. (Minimum total donation for a tour is £12.) 

Please e-mail for further information.

To quote a retired Bournemouth teacher from a completed tour " I am ashamed that I was unaware of this important aspect of local history and did not pass it on to my students."

'Tiny' the Lewin of Poole 0-4-0T engine crossing the Skew Arch bridge at Norden in August 1938 © R.W. Kidner

 

Find out more about how the wealth created by the extraction of Purbeck Ball Clay helped finance the education of one of Britain's great scientists