Sunk in 1840 by Richard Greenwell, with changing ownership up until closure in 1959 (1-3).

"The Colliery was drowned out in 1892 and acquired by the Horden Company in 1900. The flooded workings are being unwatered and re-equipped. It is expected that the 2,000,000 gallons of water at present being pumped to waste daily will be harnessed at the source and shortly delivered in a clean state to the local Water Company for domestic consumption. When the pit is so relieved Coal development will commence.

It is expected eventually to draw 1,500 tons of Coal per day. All the Plant, including winders, is electrically driven.

Horden Collieries Ltd. Information Book, 1929" - Courtesy of the Durham Mining Museum Page

NEHL - The Castle Eden pit developed around a mile away from the village of the same name, with Hesledon developing around the colliery. The pit settlement and its 7 rows were built in the 1840s and incorporated its own railway station very early on. By the 1850s there was a pub, post office and national school here also facilitating education for miners children. By the 1890s further infrastructure was provided, with the 1840s terraces being demolished for more atypical Durham terraces. A police station, hotel, infant school and multiple chapels were constructed for every congregation expected in a pit village. St John's Church, a handsome red brick church, was built in 1882.

The pit itself came out of use in 1892 due to flooding, but was re-commenced by Horden Collieries in 1900. The National Coal Board continued operations until 1959