Thomas Heslop was born in 1858 at North Bitchburn and lived at Hunwick being employed by the North Bitchburn Coal Company Ltd initially underground, then as a clerk/student of mine engineering then as a mining engineer and finally as Chief Agent.  In 1882, he moved to Cockfield to take control of the company’s Evenwood collieries and from 1892 supervised the development of Randolph Colliery.  In 1907, he married Sarah Walker of Cockfield.  In 1911, he was promoted to Chief Agent for the company. 

He took an active role in community affairs and was a councillor for the district.  Thomas Heslop died in 1923 aged 65 at Hilton Lodge, Evenwood Gate leaving over £3M (in today’s money) to his widow.

Family Details

Thomas Heslop was born 16 July 1858, the son of Simpson and Mary Heslop at Bishop Auckland.[1]  There were at least 12 children:[2]

• George bc.1841 at Toft Hill
• Robert bc.1842 at Toft Hill
• Simpson bc.1844 at Toft Hill
• James bc.1846 at Toft Hill
• John bc.1850 at Hunwick
• Mary A. bc.1852 at Hunwick
• Ann bc.1854 at Hunwick
• Charlotte bc.1856 at Hunwick
• Thomas born 1858 at Hunwick
• Michael bc.1861 at Hunwck
• Margaret bc.1862 at Hunwick
• Hannah bc.1865 at Hunwick

In 1861, the family lived at Beechburn Hill Top, where 46 years old Simpson worked as a coal miner, overman; 20 years old George was a coal miner; 19 years old Robert was a deputy overman and 17 years old Simpson was a labourer.[3]  In 1871, the family lived at Rough Lea Colliery, Hunwick.  Simpson was recorded as a “colliery overman” and 12 years old Thomas was still at school.[4] In 1881, Thomas now 22 years old was head of the family living at Rough Lea Terrace, Hunwick and recorded as a, “colliery clerk”.  Living with him were his 20 years old brother Michael, a coal miner; and 3 sisters – 25 years old sister Charlotte, a dress maker; 19 years old sister Margaret, a school teacher and 16 years old Hannah.[5]  In 1891, 32 years old Thomas, now recorded as a, “mining engineer” lived at Hunwick Lane Ends with 2 sisters, 35 years old sister Charlotte and  26 years old Hannah.[6]  In 1901, Thomas, now 40 years old and recorded as a “Colliery Manager” lived at Cockfield with the Walker family, although he was described as a visitor.[7]  Head of the family was 68 years old widower Jane with 2 sons and 4 daughters including 29 years old Sarah.  

In 1907, Thomas Heslop married Sarah Walker of Cockfield.[8] 

In 1911, Thomas now 52 years old and 39 years old Sarah lived at Hilton Lodge, Evenwood Gate.  Thomas was recorded as a, “Colliery Manager”.  Polly Gargate was their 20 years old “general servant”.[9]

1923 July 24:  Thomas Heslop of Hilton Lodge, Evenwood died aged 65.  His effects, £22,454 18 shillings 1d went to his widow, Sarah Heslop.[10]

Employment Details[11]

1872: commenced work at North Bitchburn Coal Company’s Rough Lea Colliery near Hunwick

1873: entered the offices as a student of mine engineering.

1882: Thomas Heslop was appointed manager of the North Bitchburn Coal Company’s Evenwood Collieries.

1892:  Thomas Heslop was responsible for the development of the North Bitchburn Coal Company’s new enterprise at Evenwood, the Randolph Colliery and associated coke works. He was also the manager of Evenwood and Storey Lodge Collieries which were being run down as the new winnings at Randolph and Gordon House were being developed.  Thomas Snowdon was manager at Gordon House.

In 1911, Thomas Heslop was promoted to Chief Agent in succession to the late Mr. Cornelius Widdas.  Charles A. Pattison took the position as manager of Randolph Colliery.

1922 December 31: Retired after 51 years in the employment of the North Bitchburn Coal Company.

Interests, Political and Philanthropic Work

Mr. Heslop represented the Evenwood Parish on the Auckland Rural District Council and Board of Guardians for 27 years, since 1894.[12]

PHOTOGRAPHS

Above: Randolph Colliery, Evenwood: Thomas Heslop standing far left

Above: About 1911, Hilton Lodge under construction (photo courtesy of Neville Colgrove)

Above: Thomas Heslop’s headstone, Evenwood Cemetery

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REFERENCES

[1] England and Wales Birth Index 1837-1915 Vol.10ap.115 Auckland 1858 Q3 & England Selected Births and Christenings 1538-1975 film no.1894228

[2] 1861 & 1871 census

[3] 1861 census

[4] 1871 census

[5] 1881 census

[6] 1891 census

[7] 1901 census

[8] England and Wales Marriage Index 1837-1915 Vol.10a p.498 Teesdale 1907 Q4

[9] 1911 census

[10] England and Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations) 1858-1995 Note: over £3.1M in today’s money 2021.

[11] 1923 January 5 The North Star

[12] Auckland Chronicle 9 November 1911