NEHL - High Westwood Colliery was constructed in 1876 after the closure of the 'Low' Westwood Colliery. It was opened by the Consett Iron Co. who operated many of the pits in the area as part of their supply chain. There was a long line of coke ovens stretching over to the Hamsterley Colliery on both sides. A small pit village also developed around the site, with at least 4 terraces, a school, post office, Methodist Church and quarry all developed in the area.

It was still operating into the 1940s, and was linked by tramway to a drift at Allendale cottages. By this time, residential development had exploded in conjuction with the growth of the pits.