Land of Iron

The Land of Iron is the new name of the Cleveland Ironstone museum which showcases the impact of ironstone mining in East Cleveland on the United Kingdom


An artist impression of what the building could look like from an aerial perspective

Land of Iron will be the new name for Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum in Skinningrove. The new name reflects the unique experience that visitors will go through when they step foot in the museum, following its £2.3m revamp. 

Situated on the former Loftus ironstone mine, Land of Iron will showcase the impact and significance of ironstone mining for the United Kingdom. 

Loftus Mine was the first ironstone mine to open in Cleveland in 1865 and one of the last to close in 1958.

Ironstone mining in Cleveland and North Yorkshire took place on a large scale and dates as far back as Roman times. However, it was its role in helping to power the Industrial Revolution where its heritage significance truly lies.

Land of Iron holds the largest collection of objects and archives relating to ironstone mining in the country.

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, £1.2m has been invested into the expansion project, known as ‘Room to Grow’. 

Further funding of £800,000 has been received from the Coastal Communities Fund, £200,000 from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and £50,000 from private donations.