The Web Site of Don and Faith Gaunt

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Introduction

I guess that most personal web sites are a way for that individual or individuals to show off their achievements. I rather think that this one is no exception! However, as well as showing off, most sites also try to contain things that are informative or interesting. Again, I hope that this will prove to be the case here. The site is called "Faydon" because although most of the stuff here is written by me I would have got nowhere without the help and support of my wife.

Don

So what is here that might interest or inform? The following topics are those I intend to include. As they are written, links giving further information will be included.

If you see any errors or additions or you would just like to chat, you can contact me on don at faydon dot com (written out to avoid auto spammers).

To go to the different sections, click on a picture on the left. If more information is included, another link will appear.

Steam Railways

We have researched the remains of three old railways.

The Malta Railway

This went from the capital, Valletta to the old city of Rabat. It was about 7 miles (12 km) long and ran from 1883 to 1931. Surprisingly, after all this time, there are still many things to see. On the left is Birkirkara station which has had the facade restored to its original state. I have two pages, one on discovering the trackway of this railway by means of three short walks and the other on the Malta National Trust who have a number of restored and preserved artifacts of historical interest. More on Malta

The Jersey Eastern Railway

There were two passenger lines on Jersey, both starting from St Helier. The Eastern Railway went to Gorey, while the Western went to La Corbiere. Not a great deal of the track remains but most of the stations are now private houses and can easily be seen from the road.The picture shows a painting of a JER train leaving Gorey Village for St Helier. I have some pictures and a description of the line which I hope to include in the future.

The Great Southern of Spain Railway (The GSSR).

I have written a book about this railway, situated mostly in the Spanish Province of Almerķa. It was built by a British Company in the 1880s but although the line survived for 100 years, British interest ceased with the seizing of the line in 1936 (The start of the Spanish Civil War). I have several pages describing the book and matters relating to it. There are many pictures and newly discovered archives and biographies.The picture on the left shows one of the Mercer engines used in the line's construction (Photo by Lawrence Marshall). More about the GSSR

Almerķan Industrial Archaeology

Here is a Map which shows the location of the sites described below. Click on the map to enlarge it.

From pre-Roman times to the present day, Almerķa has been a rich source of minerals. However it was the hundred years between 1850 and 1950 that saw the largest exploitation of this natural wealth. Lead mining saw a brief expansion but it was iron ore that was to produce the real boom. Mining companies mushroomed everywhere. Unfortunately Spain was politically unstable and this, coupled with wars both internally and abroad combined to kill off most companies. Finally, by the 1960s, with seams running out, everything closed. Today, the only successful mining being carried out is for marble.

Adra

Adra is a small coastal town right on the border with Granada Province. It has a very long history, going back to prehistoric times and there are a quite a lot of artifacts remaining. I started to write a page on Adra but unfortunately the web site that was my main source of information closed down. I have now bought two comprehensive books on Adra history and hope to complete the page soon. The pictures show; (Far left) Adra lead factory. Only the chimney now survives, near to the tourist office; (Centre) Adra Port Railway Although this short line was built in 1916 purely to construct the port,surprisingly, some artifacts still remain; (Near left) Adra Sugar Factory. More on Adra

Salt Manufacture

Although most of the salt factories in Almerķa have ceased or been built over, one still functions on the outskirts of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. The picture shows the remains of a factory near Roquetas de Mar. I have a page with a map showing where the major salt works in Almeria were situated. More on Salt Manufacture

The Alquife Mining Company

This company was the largest of those mining iron ore in the province and survived the longest (into the early 1970s) The picture shows the huge structure, known locally as "El Cable Ingles", which was the loading bay for ships arriving at the port. I am still writing this page, however, there is an article on the 3-phase electric engines used on this line.

The Baird Mining Company

Although it took a similar route to the Alquife Mining Company, the Baird Company was never as successful. The track has completely gone and only the unattractive loading pier remains. My photograph looks along the line of the track and shows a modern sculpture representing "The freedom of the Press".

The Alhamilla Mines

A small and largely unsuccessful attempt to mine iron ore in the Sierra Alhamilla a few miles north of Almerķa. Illustrated are the remains of the engine shed. There is nothing left of the line except at the mine end where there are some ruins and in the village of Pechina where the station building still remains intact. I tell the sad story of this line. More on The Alhamilla Line

Los Millares

Although a bronze age settlement a few miles north ofAlmerķa Los Millares can still claim to be industrial archaeology since, as the picture shows, they smelted copper here. The site, to the north of Almeria, is large and well signed. Opening times are Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 2pm. I have a page with a brief overview of the site.

Rodalquilar

Situated in the heart of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park was a gold mine. Several attempts were made to make this a profitable one but with no great success. The site is clearly visible from Rodalquilar village and is free with open access. Nearby is the almost deserted settlement which housed the workers.More on the Gold Mine

Bedar

This was a huge area for mining, initially for lead, then iron ore. The remains of many tunnels, hoppers and railway track beds still exist even though mining ceased 50 years ago.The picture shows a monument to the miners in Bedar Town. I have written a page on the main sights that can be visited. More on Bedar

Lucainena to Agua Amarga Mining Line

There are many artifacts left to see both at the Agua Amarga loading bay (pictured) and the mine works at Lucainena. Much of the old trackway is left and some of it has been turned into a footpath. I have written explanatory notes and diagrams to show how this mine operated. More on Lucainena and Agua Amarga

The mines of the Sierra Almagrera

Mining has taken place in these mountains since prehistoric times, due to its proximity to the sea. The remains of lead and iron workings abound, although unfortunately, little is being done to preserve them. The Herrerias mines (pictured) had a connection with Louis Siret, who excavated the Los Millares site mentioned above. More on Almagrera

Croquet

My Chosen sport has for many years been croquet. I have played internationally and represented England on a number of occasions. This link More on croquet will take you to the Bear of Rodborough Croquet Club web site.

Unusual Plants

Faith and I collect Air Plants, Cacti and Insectivorous Plants. I intend to include more on these later.

Some air plant pictures

©Copyright Don Gaunt