The sough is approx half a mile long and was dug to drain the pits around Bagthorpe which including Bents Pit and Flats Pit. Construction of the sough was originally undetaken in 1573 by Cornishmen, however after going over budget the sough was completed by Selston men in 1576. The exact site of the sough tail is at present uncertain, however the sough drained in to Bagthorpe Brook probably at approx SK460516