Grosmont Pig Iron

A unique survivor from Grosmont Ironworks which operated from 1865 to 1891 in the area where the National Park car park now stands. Called pig iron because when the blast furnaces were tapped, the molten iron ran down into lines of sand channels and moulds, looking like a sow's litter suckling from the furnace. The word 'Grosmont' was stamped into the bottom of the sand mould, resulting in the relief you can see in this pig. One theory as to why this still exists is a reference to a race from the Whitby Gazette where 'two noted amateurs took part in a 100 yards handicap race, named the Monk and Ox. Monk gave Ox a 50 yards start, the Ox having to carry a pig iron bar weighing about 8 stones. They were dispatched with a capital start, the Ox kept well in front and beat the Monk by about 5 yards, amidst much excitement.' Source: Objaverse 1.0 / Sketchfab