I have often wondered what it would be like to work/own a small coal mine. Recently, I came across your informative website and was fascinated to see someone had had the same thought, William "Billy" Clayton, who works in his own Hilltop colliery.

I wonder if anyone could tell me if the Hilltop mine last worked by William Clayton is still operating, and is Mr Clayton, an example of steely determination, still working it on his own?
Is this really the last coal mine in Lancashire, private or otherwise?
Are there any small coal mines such as this operating near Manchester?

Sorry for so many questions.

Colin

Anybody able to provide any information or pointers for Colin on this?

---

Well I assume Colin has Googled Hill Top so this probably won't help. None of the sites I found were completely up to date. The original lease ran out in 2004 but an application was made for a seven year extension that the LCC appeared to be treating favourably. I think it is the only working mine in Lancashire.

http://www.burnley.gov.uk/downloads/Hilltop_Colliery_1_.pdf 

http://www.minersadvice.co.uk/hill_top.htm 

Edit.
Of course a quick phone call to Burnley Borough Council would probably give you the answer. Although thinking about that I wouldn't bank on it. 🙂 01282 425011

---

Thank you for the prompt replies. I had googled for the area around manchester for small private coal mines, and hilltop seems to be the only one with any info. Seems incredible Mr Clayton is working it on his own in spite of being retired! I'm wondering if he would like any help.

I'm slightly confused about the small opencast coal mine above the drift as i don't think Mr Clayton owns that, but I could be wrong.

Colin

As far as I am aware it is still in production but he only does a very minimal amount due to various reasons one of which being the hardness of the coal. What I find fasinating is that this mine is very similar to many of those which would have been encountered in the Wigan area which many people have long since forgotten existed.

I have just found out from the web that William Clayton, owner of Hilltop and Grimebridge colleries died at Burnley General hospital on 16/5/08.

http://www.rossendalefreepress.co.uk/community/obituaries/s/1049919_william_clayton 

Colin

hi there collin you dont know me but hill top colliery is still working but sadly my father passed away near 3 years ago

billy clayton son

Hello Billy Clayton son,

I am v grateful and surprised to receive a reply from you 2 1/2 years after I posted my message. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I had actually completely forgotten all about the aditnow site which an internet search for surviving Lancs coalmines had directed me to.

I was extremely impressed with the photos of your father (and yourself) battling against the odds winning coal pretty-well by hand from the face in difficult circumstances. Escpecially as it was one of the last mines. I would have loved to have visited the working mine and see at first hand the workings and effort involved in one of the last mines to survive which were once the backbone of industry in Lancs and the north west. My own family had been involved in coal mining and distribution for about 4 generations sourcing coal from many mines, eg Chatterley Whitfield (which I was fortunate enough to descend before it closed and became flooded) and delivering house to house. This they did initially by horse and cart and then wagon around Hulme and Stretford but also delivering as far afield as Chinley and Whaley Bridge. Sadly, the company is no more, killed by north sea gas, but my uncles in Whaley Bridge and myself still have coal fires. Perhaps you may have heard of W Whitehurst and sons?

Unfortunately, my research indicated that Mr William Clayton had just passed away and the mine had closed. However, from out of the blue, I am very glad to hear that the mine is still operational, and the Clayton family still v much involved! In this day and age, that is quite a major achievement.

Perhaps one day I may be able to visit you and I would love to see around your mine.

Colin W

I was lucky to have met Bill at Grimebridge and Tan Llan Collierys. His passing away was a great loss to our industry. Good to see that young Billy is winning coal like his dad.

hi there colin you are welcome to come around any time you want and i will show you round hill top colliery but dont expect
anything fancy its just a small mine still in development but like i say you are welcome anytime
cheers billy :thumbup: :thumbup:

Dear Billy,

Thank you for your reply. I would v much like to visit ur mine and view the coal seam itself. I would not want to get in the way, but would it be best to make arrangements to visit via this site or by phone or whatever else is convenient for you?
I understand re condition of mine as a Morrisey has v kindly showed me photos of the mine.

Colin

I believe there is still a coal mine working at Lower Moor near Todmorden Moor above Todmordon on the West Yorkshire boundary.

---

Hi new member here
My name is Gordon Hudson
The coal mine is called Hill Top Colliery from the old NCB pit. I have worked down this mine up to 2years ago. Old Bill Clayton is now dead at the age of 70 about 2yrs ago. His sons now run the pit with Bills silent partner.One of his lads is also called Bill Clayton
The mine is actually turning out a lot of coal now. Old Bill only had it as a hobby he just loved coal mining and so do I. I can be contacted on 01282 711893

---

Hi new member here
My name is Gordon Hudson
The coal mine is called Hill Top Colliery from the old NCB pit. I have worked down this mine up to 2years ago. Old Bill Clayton is now dead at the age of 70 about 2yrs ago. His sons now run the pit with Bills silent partner.One of his lads is also called Bill Clayton
The mine is actually turning out a lot of coal now. Old Bill only had it as a hobby he just loved coal mining and so do I. I can be contacted on 01282 711893

Hi Gordon,

Just been talking to young Billy - he say's where is his cash for the unit beams that you sold for him on ebay? PS, he says that you've never done a days work down at Hilltop. :angel:

Hi Billy i have found this old bit of footage on Youtube of your late father at Grimebridge
i am going to post it just in case you haven't seen it
i also would love to have a look around
What must now be the last remaining coal mine in Lancashire Thanks Andy

Dear Doccol Peregrine here
The mine is up and running and they are waiting for the license to be renewed to get some of that good coal out. I have asked for a job there if they' will have me, you can ring me on 01282 711893
Peregrine

---

looks like it's already been granted
Good luck to Billy and his team !


http://council.lancashire.gov.uk/documents/s5629/Hill%20Top%20Colliery.pdf 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/GrandadBHF 


PLEASE HELP US RAISE OUR TARGET IN MEMORY OF BILL CLAYTON OWNER OF HILL TOP PIT! thank you ;D;D;D