|
jrdawson
|
 |
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2008, 09:24:53 PM » |
|
In the Northumberland County Archives, a sketch map dated 20 March 1755, by John Mason, can be found. The map details coal mining activity and bore holes in "Black Close" (alias Cambois Colliery), on the north bank of the River Wansbeck, belonging to the Right Honourable Countess of Oxford.
On this map there are three bore holes marked, and the following pits are named; "Good luck Pitt" [sic] "Whin Pitt", "Jack Roll Pitt", "Water Pitt", "Endeavour Pitt", "Old Engine Pitt" and "Hodgson Pitt". There is also marked a Wagon Way, Mrs Greathead's garden, and some houses. At the mouth of the river is a sketch of a brick walled Staithes, and higher up the river is another structure named the High Quay. Presumably, coal drawn from the workings would have been transported down the Wagon Way to waiting collier ships at the small port of Cambois to take their loads to further destinations.
This indicates there is a history of coal mining in the Wansbeck area long before the large scale development of the late 19th century and reflects how much and how long coal mining has been part of the very essence of Wansbeck.
|
