North Brancepeth Coal Co. Ltd.

Registered in 1870

Warning: This is not intended to be an exhaustive history of the company, but an indication of the changes of ownership and the links between companies and directors in those companies. Only collieries, pits etc. in the North of England are shown - the company may own other properties etc. outside this area and there may have been other changes of ownership etc. for which we currently do not have details.

Registered – July 15, 1870, to work the North Brancepeth Collieries – viz., Littleburn, Boyne, Broompark, and West Broom, near Durham. During 1920 the entire capital was acquired by the Littleburn and Adelaide Collieries, Ltd., shareholders in the North Brancepeth Coal Co., Ltd., receiving three fully-paid £1 shares in the purchasing company for each North Brancepeth £1 share held.

Capital – £120,000, in 120,000 shares of £1 each; all the shares are issued and fully paid. The capital was formerly £60,000 in £100 shares, afterwards increased to £150,000, in 1,200 A and C shares of £100 each and 600 B shares of £50 each; in April, 1888, it was resolved to consolidate the capital into £10 shares without distinction; in 1895 the capital was increased to £200,000 in £10 shares; in 1900 the capital was reduced to £120,000 in £6 shares by returning £4 per share (on April 11, 1900). On July 4, 1917, the shares were sub-divided.

Dividends (since 1906-7) – For 1907-8, 58 1/3 per cent.; 1908-9, 30 per cent.; 1909-10, 25 per cent.; 1910-11, 20 5/6 per cent.; 1911-12. 20 5/6 per cent.; 1912-13, 36 2/3 per cent.; 1913 14, 33 1/3 per cent.: 1914-15, 18¾ per cent.; 1915-16 to 1918-19. 25 per cent. each year; 1919-20, 35 per cent.

Accounts – Issued to shareholders only.

Transfer form, common; fee, 2s. 6d. Voting power, one vote per share.

Source: Mining Manual & Mining Year Book for 1924

Offer wanted for Littleburn Colliery near Durham, as going concern, drawing capacity 1,000 tons daily ; a battery of 64 Huessener patent ovens with modern washing plant making 2,000 tons coke weekly ; by-product plant and electrical generating station ; 8,500,000 tons coal unworked ; 408 workmen's houses. All plant, machinery and other property in excellent condition. — Address Secretary, North Brancepeth Coal Company Ltd., Darlington. (1931-03-18)

Source: The Times Newspaper