NEHL - This area was full of bell pits before the larger colliery complex came about. Commercial mining began with the Burn family who also owned the colliery at West Stanley. The pit was located close to Widdrington on the East Coast Main Line which meant it was easy to transport coal, and led to the construction of its own sidings.

Two shafts were sunk 300ft deep - one for winding and one for ventilation. Further drifts were sunk nearby for easy access to the coal face.

A fire struck the mine in the late 1890s that destroyed the headgear and buildings around the shaft. They were rebuilt and the colliery continued working.

This pit was highly successful, breaking production records in the 40s.