[1] The development of the nearby Settle–Carlisle line in 1876, allowed the Great Scar limestone in the area to be worked on an industrial basis.

[10] Initially worked by hand with little machinery, tubs of limestone were allowed to descend a very steep incline to a rudimentary processing plant, which was powered by a steam traction engine.

[11] The method of extracting rock was by blasting and hand-recovery; mechanization of the workings did not occur until June 1945, precipitated by a shortage of workers.

[12][13] Around the turn of the 20th century, Horton was exporting almost 50,000 tonnes (55,000 tons) of limestone via the Settle and Carlisle railway, which represented a third of all mineral traffic on the line.

It has been noted that due to the long and complicated process for the creation of the limestone pavement, the quarrying of it is not sustainable, and once damaged, will never recover.

[22] Hanson bought the quarry after previous owners Tarmac and Tilcon amalgamated, with competition rules demanding that they give up some of the assets.

[28] However, plans have been submitted to have a northward facing connection into the quarry from the line, which will necessitate the closure of the foot-crossing in the station.