NEHL - Dawdon Colliery was a late addition to the portfolio of pits on the Durham coast. The 6th Marquess of Londonderry enacted the sinking of the pit due to it being increasingly expensive to exploit the 19th century shafts which were no longer fit for purpose. It was located directly south of Seaham, with an expansive complex with at least a dozen sidings, pit reservoir full of pumped out water as well as cliff drops - presumably for ditch waste.

A pit village was built, peaking at 20 streets to accommodate the 3800 miners that ended up working here at its peak in 1930. A recreation ground was also located nearby, as well as a reading room and pit baths.