"Thistle Pit" shown on 18th century "Plan of Heaton Estate". Grid ref is approximate. The Thistle Pit was won in 1736. It used the pillar and stall method of working which was common practice in Northumberland and Durham. The Heaton Colliery was managed by John Bullock until 1733 when he was succeeded by Nicholas Walton. Pit had been sealed and planted over with trees by 1815.