Tarry Colliery was operational by the 1850s, and was leased to John Vint for its entire working life from Robert Ogle. It was a modest working, and similar to many minor rural workings in that it had a primary pit surrounded by a number of smaller shafts and a limekiln. As there was a limekiln, it can be assumed producing quicklime was either the purpose of the working or a profitable by-product of it.

By the 1890s, the main site had relocated just to the east end of Eglingham Moor to a second pit. This also featured a limekiln, with a couple of ancillary buildings on ground level and a small reservoir. This first pit was disused by this stage.