Memorial to a mineral wealth of old

This well constructed limestone element of a jetty, located on the west shore of Morecambe Bay, close to the small rural village of Bardsea, bears witness to the need to ship haematite ore from the 19th Century mines, primarily around Lindal in Furness, from where it was brought to waiting ships by horse and cart.  Initially, the haematite ore was shipped to Wales, this ahead of the rapid growth and development of Barrow in Furness with its own extensive iron and steel works.  Together with a similar jetty a short distance to the north, they also served passenger vessels taking passengers across the bay and to north Wales.  The usefulness of the jetties was finally brought to an end by the completion of the Furness Railway around the bay.