Geological Sites | Leeds
| Bradford | Calderdale
| Kirklees | Wakefield
 STATUS: RIGS
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Calderdale
OS GRID REF. SE 103 252 to 103 259
OS 1:50,000 Landranger 104 Leeds and Bradford
OS 1:25,000 Explorer 288 Bradford and Huddersfield
BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 77 Huddersfield (Solid and Drift)
FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire RIGS Group in 1996
MOST RECENT SURVEY West Yorkshire Geology Trust October 2007
SITE DESCRIPTION
Beacon Hill forms an escarpment topped by Upper Carboniferous Elland
Flags. The steep slope which descends into Halifax is made of shales,
silts and minor sandstones beds, which are generally less resistant
to weathering and erosion than the Elland Flags. There are Elland Flag
quarries on the top of Beacon Hill. Silts and shales are exposed at
the north end of Beacon Hill, in a large quarry occupied by various
factory buildings. Godley Cutting, which is occupied by the A58 from
Halifax to Hipperholme, exposes an excellent sequence of shales and
silts.
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS:
There is a long history of coal mining in the area, with the Lister family
of Shibden Hall being the owners of the mines. The south side of Godley
Cutting has two adits (tunnels) which exploited the thin coal seams.
It is reported that these are openings into large chambers in which
pillar and stall mining has taken place. Shale has been extracted for
brick-making at the north end of Beacon Hill. There are some sizable
Judd walls on the top of Beacon Hill, which show that sandstone waste
has accumulated as a result of quarrying on top of the hill.
 EDUCATIONAL VALUE:
This area is suitable for small groups of secondary students or adults
to observe Upper Carboniferous sedimentation.
Beacon Hill is a suitable vantage point for observing the geology and
landscape of the Halifax district. Access to Godley Cutting should be
maintained for research purposes.
AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS:
There are extensive panoramic views to the west towards the Calder valley
and north into the Shibden valley.
ACCESS AND SAFETY:
There is a lay-by suitable for a minibus at 103 258 (Shibden Hall Road).
Exposures in Godley Cutting are best observed from Horley Green Road
and Shibden Hall Road (binoculars are useful). Keep to pavements at
all times as minor roads are busy bus routes.
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