Middle Hill Colliery Bell Pit 2009

One of the few Bell Pits that still survive in the fields on the southern ridge of the valley. There are only a few of these left as most have now been filled in by the local farmers. This bell pit is about 6 or 7 metres deep. These were the earliest types (can date to 1500-1600s) of shaft opened in this area where the coal was relatively close to the surface and little ventilation was needed. A Horse Gin or Druke and Beam was usually used to raise the coal and waste, with the waste being dumped right next to the pit. Usually the pits were left open as it took to much manpower to fill them back in. If you weren't digging coal you weren't making any money.

This photograph is by Gazdav and was uploaded January 13^th 2009. © Gazdav please do not copy or distribute without prior express permission.

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