COLLIERIES
Coal mining has been operating in the area since 1375 when the first recorded sale of a coal mine was recorded – Vavasour’s mine at Cockfield. Deep mining by shaft or drift mine, was basically finished by the late 1960’s although some small scale, privately worked Licensed Mines worked into the 1980’s. This section will provide some details of collieries and coal workings in the local area. But the first section will provide:
Some historic details from pre-1825,
Specific details from the 1714 lease for Railey Fell/Carterthorne Colliery,
Where was the “ancient” Railey Fell Colliery?
Have a look at the images in the:
Some details of individual collieries are given:
RAILEY FELL/WEST TEES COLLIERY (H. STOBART & CO.)
We will also provide some images and details about:
And some of the personalities, management and pitmen, associated with the industry.
And those who lost their lives working in this industry.
Some details concerning surface mining, otherwise known as:
Some background information is provided here:
GEOLOGY, THE DURHAM COALFIELD etc.
THE DURHAM MINERS’ ASSOCIATION (DMA)
COAL MINING IN THE GAUNLESS VALLEY
1898: TRAFFIC FOR AND FROM COLLIERIES, WORKS, SIDINGS & DEPOTS CONNECTED WITH NER
UNION MEMBERSHIP IN THE GAUNLESS VALLEY 1870-1912
1963-1964 LIST OF COAL MINES (NCB COLLIERY GUIDE)
We must thank the Durham Mining Museum for its fantastic website and general information.
Its well worth the visit to their museum at Spennymoor.
For general details about the Gaunless Valley collieries and railways, our 2 local history societies work together – ER&DHS and the Gaunless Valley History Trust. GVHT have agreed to let us display its photos here – Butterknowle and Woodland. There is no local history group for Cockfield. The late Harry Metcalfe (senior) collected photos and the oracle that is John Hallimond has shared his photos and knowledge. Many of the images below have been collected by the above. Many thanks.
GORDON HOUSE COLLIERY, COCKFIELD
SMALL SCALE DRIFT MINES
EVENWOOD RAMSHAW & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY 