Image ID: 17730

The Gypsum Works

Courtesy of Reg Baker

Kinoulton Road
Cropwell Bishop
England

Gypsum is a naturally occurring rock which, when ground to a powder and heated, loses most of its moisture. When mixed with water it forms a paste or 'slurry' which sets solid. This simple discovery has made gypsum one of the most useful and versatile building materials and forms the basis of a huge industry producing a wide range of building and medical products. In the Midlands there is a wide belt of gypsum stretching from Uttoxeter to Newark, which has been mined since Roman times. Seen here is one of the older producers and refiners. The course of the old Grantham Canal passed in front of the factory, where barges would be loaded with the processed gypsum.

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Keywordsgypsumrockgeologymineralconstructionchemicalprocessingplantfactorycanalindustrybrick

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