Building work began in 1860 and the 100’ high engine house chimney was built by John Flintoft from Lastingham. By 1861 the railway had been completed and most of the buildings housing the machinery were in place, as were many of the terraces of miner’s cottages. The population of Rosedale rocketed from 558 in 1851 to 2,839 in 1871, a recession in 1880’s saw a decline. 1901 and 1911 again numbers were over 1,000. By the 1920’s following strikes and closure of some of the mines, the valley gradually ceased to be the bustling community of the 19th century. The buildings and working fell into gradual decline. Recently many of the buildings have been conserved by the Lottery funded ‘Land of Iron’ project. There are lots of display boards along the railway walks and at the top of Chimney Bank, explaining all about the industry at its height. As well as a really interesting display in Rosedale church, called a Tour Through Time, which tells the history of the village from prehistoric times to the present day. Well worth a visit.