The principal lessees of the land are Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan, & Co., who also work the royalty, by the two pits, Binchester and Westerton. The Binchester is working the Harvey seam at a depth of 40 fathoms, having a thickness of 3 feet 8 inches ; and the Brockwell, 4 feet 3 inches thick, at a depth of 80 fathoms, the two producing and output of 800 tons per day. The Westerton pit adjoins the Binchester, the two being one as regards the surface. Here the Five Quarter and Main coal seams are being worked at a depth of 80 fathoms ; drawing 350 tons per day. There are 395 coke ovens, and the coal for coking purposes is washed by Robinson's patent washers. A Guibal fan, of 36 feet diameter, is placed at the Westerton pit, which ventilates the two. The waste gas from the ovens is utilised for heating the boilers. The two pits employ no less than 800 men and boys in all.

- Whellan's 1894 Directory of County Durham (retrieved from Durham Mining Museum)