In this new look at the Plym Valley, local author Ernie Hoblyn looks at the ruins of the industrial past and asks, ‘Why did they build that here and what is it for?’ Covering the valley running north from the Laira estuary to Clearbook, Industrial Archaeology of the Plym Valley describes the railways, quarries, mines, mills and clay works that once operated there, looking at both the physical remains and the memories of those who once lived in the valley. Most of the industries in the Plym Valley existed during the period from the mid-eighteenth century to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, roughly from the start of the Industrial Revolution to the late Victorian era. Few survived very far into the twentieth century and today little apart from ruins of buildings survives as witness to all the hard work done by many people over many years. This book aims to bring a few of these ruins to life and tell their story.