Part of the map is missing of the early years. The Durham Mining Museum http://www.dmm.org.uk/colliery/g009.htm lists Brandling Pit, East and West Pit? However the map lists Mary and Fanny Pits? There are unnamed air shafts at grid ref NZ260682, (East Pit?) near Vicars lane, And grid ref NZ252675 at Craghall Dene Avenue (West pit?). Both disappear from later maps. Note also Ginns, which were probably a relic before Steam power? There is more information on http://www.twsitelines.info/SMR/4024 Gosforth Colliery, Mary and Fanny Pits. There was also a West Pit and Brandling Pit. Marked as Disused on the 2nd edition OS mapping, so were out of use by 1895. Gosforth Colliery was opened by Rev. RH Brandling. It was then run by the executors of Messrs Brandling, then by Bowes Hatt & Co and finally by John Bowes & Partners. The first shaft was sunk here in 1825 but coal was not "won" until 31 January 1829 when a "good seam" was finally located. This had been at great expense - the High Main seam was inclined by a dyke, the shaft therefore had to be sunk to 181 fathoms to reach good quality coal. Then a horizontal drift 700 yards long was worked through the dyke to the seam, excavating through solid rock. There were two shafts with a pumping engine and a wagonway 3.5 miles long to the Tyne. The wagons were pulled by fixed engines. In celebration a grand subterranean ball was held for the workmen. The "ballroom" was 1100ft (335m) below ground and was built in an L shape 15ft (4.5m) wide. Seats were placed in the room, which was illuminated by lamps and candles. Cold punch and malt liquor was provided and music played by the Coxlodge band. The ball started at 9.30am with dancing commencing at 3pm. Up to 300 workers attended. Gosforth Colliery was sold in the 1850s when the Brandling family got into financial difficulties and was forced to sell off much of their estates.
This photograph is by lyons and was uploaded March 16th 2019. © lyons please do not copy or distribute without prior express permission.
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