During the late 15th century quarrying became a local industry at Barton, and by 1511 plaster was being taken at 20s a load for the erection of houses in Nottingham. Come 1679 'Gypsum Fever' appeared to be rife in the village, and a too enterprising inhabitant was indicted for 'the digging of alabaster on the Common.' In the first half of the 20th century Barton had its own gypsum mine on Gotham Hills near Glebe Farm. Thankfully a test pit in Barton Woods came to nought, although the scar is still plain to see even today. In pre-war years, the heavily laden train would come down from the mine and being unable to brake, a runner was sent ahead to open the double white gates onto the main road, so it could continue its journey to Barton jetty unhindered! By the 1940's gypsum trains stopped at the main road, where a crane would load the lorries which were destined for Newark, the Thrumpton plaster works and Barton quay having closed by this time.