On the “Symon Fault” in the Coalbrook-dale Coalfield

Abstract

This paper comprises observations on a section through a part of the Shropshire Coalfield in nearly a straight line from north to south—commencing at the Greyhound Pit, near the Oakengates Tunnel of the Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway, and terminating at John Anstice & Co.'s Halesfield Pits near Madeley; but it is more particularly intended to explain the nature of the “Great East Fault,” or “Symon Eault,” as it is locally called. The district of which the section forms a part has been explored and brought before this Society in a paper “On the Geology of Coalbrook Dale,” by Mr. Prestwich, published in the ‘Transactions of the Society’ 2nd ser. vol. v. part 3, which fully treats also upon the fossil fauna and flora. My object is therefore not to enter into detail further than is necessary to explain the true nature of the “Symon fault,” alluded to and described by Mr. Prestwich ( loc. cit. p. 432) as far as the data then obtained would allow. In May, 1843, I commenced my labours in the district, as check-viewer and surveyor for the owner of the Malinslee and Stirchlee Royalties, extending over an area of upwards of 1200 acres (within the dotted line on the Map D, Pl. XIV.). Since 1843 I have made half-yearly surveys and plans of the workings in the coals and iron-stones, and have had opportunities of obtaining details necessary for my object.