CHAP. XVII. 



TAPTOX HOUSE. 



359 



About the same time he erected great lime-works, close 

 to the Ambergate station of the Midland Railway, from 

 which, when in full operation, he was able to turn out 

 upwards of two hundred tons a day. The limestone 

 was brought on a tramway from the village of Crich, 

 about two or three miles distant from the kilns, the coal 

 with which to burn it being supplied from his adjoining 

 ( 1 lay cross colliery. The works were on a scale such 

 as had not before been attempted by any private 

 individual engaged in a similar trade ; and we believe 

 they proved very successful. 



LIME WOBKS AT AMBERGATE. [By Percivai Skelton.] 



Tapton House was included in the lease of one of the 

 collieries, and as it was conveniently situated being, as 

 it were, a central point on the Midland Railway, from 

 which he could readily proceed north or south, on his 

 journeys of inspection of the various lines then under 

 construction in the midland and northern counties, 

 he took up his residence there, and it continued his 

 home until the close of his life. 



Tapton House is a large roomy brick mansion, 

 beautifully situated amidst woods, upon a commanding 



