Garesfield Colliery

Location:

Garesfield
7½ miles [12 km] WSW of Newcastle

Map Ref:

(Sheet 88) NZ139598, 54° 55' 57" N, 1° 46' 59" W

Maps:

1928 map from Reid's Handy Colliery Guide

1933 map from the Colliery Engineer magazine, shows the disposition of pits in the Conset iron Co. Ltd. group and the railway links between them

1951 map from the Guide to the Coalfields (Colliery Guardian)

Opened:

1800

Closed:

29 Jan 1960

Pits:

A Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ139581, opened: 1837

Bute Pit, opened: 11 Sep 1869, sinking: 1867

Shaft details for Bute Pit

Clinty Drift, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ131600

First Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ165601, opened: 1801, sinking: 1801

Shaft details for First Pit

Heavygate Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ130588

No. 2 Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ160600

No. 3 Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ160603

No. 4 Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ151598

Ruler 'M' Drift, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ131600

Tilley Drift, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ136604

Towneley Drift, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ140598

Owners:

1860's - Marquis of Bute

1890's - Consett Iron Co. Ltd.

1947 - National Coal Board (N.C.B.)

Output:

1882 - Coal.

1888 - Coal. Fireclay.

1890 - Coal. Fireclay.

1896 - Coal: Coking, Gas. Fireclay.

1902 - Coal: Coking, Gas. Fireclay.

1902 - Lilly - Coal: Coking, Gas, Manufacturing. Fireclay.

1902 - Victoria - Coal: Coking, Gas, Manufacturing. Fireclay.

1914 - Bute - Coal: Coking, Gas. Fireclay.

1914 - Lilley - Coal: Coking, Manufacturing, Steam. Fireclay.

1921 - Bute - Coal: Coking, Gas. Fireclay.

1921 - Lilley - Coal: Coking, Manufacturing, Steam. Fireclay.

1921 - Ruler - Coal: Household.

1921 - Towneley - Coal: Coking, Gas.

1930 - Bute - Coal: Coking, Manufacturing. Fireclay.

1930 - Lilley - Coal: Coking, Steam. Fireclay.

1930 - Ruler - Coal: Gas.

1950 - Bute - Coal: Coking, Household. Fireclay.

1950 - Lilley - Coal: Coking. Fireclay.

1950 - Ruler - Coal: Gas.

1950 - Tilley - Coal: Coking, Household.

1955 - Coal: Coking, Gas. Fireclay.

1959 - Coal: Coking, Gas. Fireclay.

1960 - Coal: Coking, Gas. Fireclay.

Employment:

Year	Pit	Total	Below	Above
1896		586	483	103
1902		592	468	124
1902	Lilly	328	262	66
1902	Victoria	565	399	166
	Total	1,485	1,129	356
1914	Bute	699	504	195
1914	Lilley	741	644	97
1914	Towneley	347	300	47
	Total	1,787	1,448	339
1921	Bute	619	513	106
1921	Lilley	676	578	98
1921	Ruler	6	6
1921	Towneley	394	325	69
	Total	1,695	1,422	273
1930	Bute	634	524	110
1930	Lilley	378	306	72
1930	Ruler	122	95	27
	Total	1,134	925	209
1940		565	565
1945	Bute	400	330	70
1945	Lilley	134	98	36
1945	Ruler	53	49	4
1945	Tilley	400	330	70
	Total	987	807	180
1950		990	807	183
1950	Lilley	133	95	38
	Total	1,123	902	221
1955		140	110	30
1959		140	110	30
1960		140	110	30

NCB Employment Figures

Colliery Management (prior to 1955)

Seams Worked:

1914 - Bute - Brockwell, Five Quarter, Stone Coal, Three Quarter

1914 - Lilley - Barlow Field, Brockwell, Five Quarter, Stone Coal, Three Quarter, Towneley

1914 - Towneley - Towneley

1921 - Bute - Brockwell, Five Quarter, Stone Coal, Three Quarter

1921 - Lilley - Barlow Field, Brockwell, Five Quarter, Stone Coal, Three Quarter, Towneley

1921 - Ruler - Ruler

1921 - Towneley - Towneley

1930 - Bute - Brockwell, Five Quarter, Stone, Three Quarter

1930 - Lilley - Barlowfield, Brockwell, Five Quarter, Three Quarter

1930 - Ruler - Ruler

1950 - Bute - Brockwell, Five Quarter, Stone, Three Quarter

1950 - Lilley - Brockwell, Five Quarter, Three Quarter

1950 - Ruler - Ruler

1950 - Tilley - Tilley

1955 - Brockwell, Five Quarter, Ruler, Three Quarter, Tilley

1959 - Tilley

1960 - Tilley

Catalogue of plans of abandoned mines for Garesfield Colliery

Notes:

1801 - A boring was put down in the First Pit, Garesfield Colliery, proving the Brockwell Seam

1867 - Chopwell Bute Pit, Garesfield Colliery, was sunk from the surface to the Brockwell Seam.

1929, 07 Oct - Towneley seam abandoned

Miscellaneous Notes and Incidents for Garesfield Colliery

Description

This colliery, the property of the Marquis of Bute and Miss Simpson of Bradley, is situated in the township of Winlaton, parish of Ryton, about 7 miles south-west from Newcastle. It was commenced in the year 1800. The depth of the shaft is 25 fathoms, and there is also a day level at the eastern part of the workings. The royalty is partly in Winlaton lordship, and partly in Chopwell royalty; and the seams worked are the Stone Coal, the Five-quarter, and the Brockwell, the last being the lowest in the Newcastle coal field. The average thickness is 33 inches. The coal is peculiarly adapted for making the best coke for iron manufactures. The engine is of 25 horse power. The waggons are transmitted, by means of horses and inclined planes, to Derwenthaugh staith; and the coals are thence carried by keels to the ships.

Views of the Collieries (1844)

Disasters (5 or more killed)

None Found

Names of those killed at this colliery

Please note that this collection of names is by no means complete!

						Armstrong, T. W., 16 Sep 1929, aged 50, Shifter, killed by a fall of stone
						Atkinson, Thomas, 07 Nov 1924, aged 63, Horse Keeper, found dead in underground stables
						Bainbridge, William, 05 Aug 1903, aged 65, Hewer, Deceased was walking outbye on an engine plane in the Brockwell seam when a slab of stone, with a maximum thickness of 4 inches, fell from the roof upon him. The stone was relieved by a slip and a cleavage plane. The road was frequently examined and travelled by officials, who had noticed no danger. The Local Inspectors reported that they thought the mishap was "a pure accident."
						Bell, George, 21 Sep 1911, aged 34, Hewer, caught by trucks
						Blackburn, James, 15 Jan 1883, aged 14, Coal Cleaner, run over by waggons on surface
						Callaghan, Joseph, 04 Jan 1909, aged 14, Driver, fell off tub before set of tubs he was driving
						Charlton, Charles, 24 Nov 1909, aged 15, Driver, fell before tubs he was driving
						Cole, Miles, 05 Feb 1886, aged 13, Driver, full tub passed over him
						Curran, Patrick, 19 Apr 1901, aged 15, Helper-up, He had been assisting a putter to lift a tub on to the rails, and, on the putter pushing the tub forward, the deceasedЖs head was crushed against a prop [Inquest attended]
						Davidson, James William, 05 Nov 1909, aged 16, Staple braker, fell down drop staple
						Douglas, S., 03 May 1948, aged 57, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Dunn, Andrew, 02 Jan 1907, (accident: 31 Dec 1906), aged 48, Gateman, locomotive accident [More information ...]
						Finnion, George, 22 Jul 1912, (accident: 09 Jul 1912), aged 40, Hewer, deceased was extracting an old pillar, 7 yards in width, with a bad roof; the props were set two feet apart, but the ramble fell, running out four props; his spine was fractured, and he died on 22nd July, 1912
						Gibson, Samuel, 30 Oct 1925, aged 58, Shifter, killed by a fall of stone
						Herald, Thomas, 21 Dec 1885, aged 60, Stoneman, killed by a fall of stone
						Herron, Joseph, 09 Feb 1926, aged 41, Engineman, crushed by descending cage
						Hood, George, 16 Apr 1923, aged 70, Shifter, killed by a fall of stone
						I'Anson, V. D., 06 Oct 1896, aged 24, Locomotive Fireman, He was passing in between a waggon and a truck when they were joined by the locomotive and he was crushed [Inspection made & inquest attended]
						Jewitt, Septimus, 13 Nov 1902, (accident: 12 Nov 1902), aged 14, [Not Employed], deceased, who was trespassing on a private railway, amused himself by touching each waggon of a train as it passed him, and he either slipped or his hand was caught and he fell before the waggons ; he was taken to Newcastle Infirmary and died there next day
						Marr, John Robert, 06 Nov 1924, aged 18, Hewer, crushed
						Morgan, John, 23 Sep 1895, 5:00 p.m., 7th hour of shift, aged 20, Hewer, in attempting to get into the cage, without giving the usual signal, he was caught as the cage moved away [More information ...]
						Noble, Edward, 05 Jun 1908, aged 61, Hewer, caught by engine set
						Oughton, Edward, 13 Sep 1927, aged 15, Driver, crushed
						Puncheon, Thomas William, 26 Sep 1907, aged 47, Hewer [More information ...]
						Surtees, J. S., 16 Sep 1929, aged 63, Shifter, killed by a fall of stone
						Walton, Thomas, Jun 1899, Hewer, He was admitted to the Newcastle Infirmary about the middle of June seriously ill, and very shortly afterwards died from a tumour, as reported by the doctors. No inquest [fatality reported during the year but not classified as a colliery accident]
						Ward, William, 11 Apr 1907, aged 24, Shifter, killed by a fall of roof, Buried: St. James' Churchyard, Burnopfield {NBI} [More information ...]
						Whitfield, Matthew, 08 Nov 1924, (accident: 17 Jul 1924), aged 56, Shifter, died from injuries received
						Whitfield, Robert, 07 Jun 1886, aged 51, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Wilkinson, Michael, 11 Feb 1892, 9:00 a.m., 3rd hour of shift, aged 13, Coupler, Deceased was attempting to jump off a full set of tubs, on which he was improperly riding, and was thrown against the empty set [Inspection made]

						30 names found

If you know of any fatalities missing from the above list then please contact us with the details and we will add them to our database.

Those names marked with , have a web page providing individual details of the accident, the page may also include a photograph of the deceased. Click on the symbol next to the name to see the web page.

more information on some of the fatalities shown above

The following unnamed fatalities are listed in the Mines Inspectors Reports, once again this collection is not complete!

Date							Inspectors Remarks
12 Apr 1851	–	–	–	1	–	1
12 Jul 1856	–	–	–	–	–	0	found dead
28 Nov 1856	–	–	–	–	1	1	died in pit
20 Feb 1858	–	–	–	1	–	1	fall of stone
13 Sep 1860	–	–	–	–	–	–	waggon way above ground
04 Jun 1862	–	–	–	–	1	1	coal waggons
02 Dec 1863	–	–	–	–	1	1	waggon way
10 Mar 1864	–	–	–	–	1	1	killed on railway
26 Mar 1865	–	–	–	–	1	1	run over by waggons
30 Mar 1865	–	–	–	–	1	1	waggonway
10 Apr 1865	–	–	–	–	1	1	crush of tubs

Collieries and Pits within 5 miles (8km)

a simulated map showing the immediate vicinity of Garesfield Colliery

list of collieries/pits etc. near to Garesfield Colliery

Credits

Sources:

1869 List of Mines
1880 List of Mines
1881 Mines Inspectors Annual Report
1883 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4078)
1885 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4760)
1886 Mines Inspectors Report (C 5090)
1888 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1890 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1892 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6986), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1895 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8074), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1896 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, also available online at Peak District Mines Historical Society Ltd
1896 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8450), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1899 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 134), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1901 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 1062), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1902 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1902 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 1590)
1903 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 2119), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1906 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 3449), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1907 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 4045), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1908 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 4672)
1909 List of Mines - from Reid's Handy Colliery Guide
1909 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 5177)
1911 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 6237), Newcastle District (No. 2) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1912 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 6983), Newcastle District (No. 2) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines, copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1914 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1919 List of Mines - from Reid's Handy Colliery Guide
1921 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1930 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1940 Colliery Year Book and Coal Trades Directory published by Louis Cassier Co. Ltd.
1945 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1950 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, from a copy held in the Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
1955 Guide to the Coalfields published by the Colliery Guardian
1959 Guide to the Coalfields published by the Colliery Guardian
1960 Guide to the Coalfields published by the Colliery Guardian
An Account of the strata of Northumberland & Durham as proved by Borings & Sinkings, Volume F-K, published by the North of England Institute of Mining & Mechanical Engineers, 1885
Banners of the Durham Coalfield, Norman Emery, 1998, Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN 0-7509-1708-3
History, Topography, and Directory of the County Palatine of Durham by Francis Whellan. Second edition published in 1894.
Victoria History of the Counties of England – Durham. Published in three volumes in 1907.
Views of the Collieries in the Counties of Northumberland and Durham by T. H. Hair. First published in 1844.

Further Research:

Research Notes for Garesfield Colliery



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