History

3.1 Period 1: 1894-98 3.1.1 - None of the historical sources consulted give any indication of mining within, or adjacent to, the study area before 1894, and the absence of outcropping seams on the Geological Survey map argues against any mining having taken place. However, pre-19th century mining is not always recorded in any surviving documents, and the waggonway system of the immediate area (if any) is not known to have been studied. The possibility of unrecorded pre-1894 mining within the study area therefore cannot be totally excluded.

Figure 2: Plan of Woodhorn Colliery site c. 1848 (click to enlarge)

3.1.2 - Woodhorn Colliery was one of five collieries owned by the Ashington Coal Company. The company had been active in Northumberland since 1866 and went on to dominate mining in south-east Northumberland, developing into one of the largest coal producers in the country. Enclosed fields previously occupied the site chosen by the Company at Woodhorn (see Figure 1). Shaft sinking began at the Woodhorn site in May 1894, drawing coal in February 1898. By 1895, the No.1 Winder (with boilers to the rear), No.1 Heapstead (extended by 1923) and No.2 Heapstead (also extended by 1923) were in place. There were also the Blacksmiths' and Joiners' Shops (extended to the south, 1908), various other workshops, a pond to the north-east for supplying the boilers, a spoil heap to the north, a magazine to the north-west and a stretch of railway approaching the colliery from the south-west (see Figure 2). All of the buildings were constructed of yellow Ashington brick, made from the clay drawn from the shafts. The composition of the colliery by 1895 was typical of others in the region in the process of sinking shafts but yet to produce coal.

Figure 2: Plan of Woodhorn Colliery c. 1895 (click to enlarge)

3.2 Period 2: 1899-1923 3.2.1 - By 1923 Woodhorn Colliery had developed into a well-integrated colliery, typical of the Northeast region of the late-19th century to early 20th century. The No.2 Winder would have been added early in the period, prior to coal extraction in 1901, as were the Jack Engine House (c.1900, possibly incorporating fabric from the earlier, smaller engine house), the Central Fan House (1900), Cage Repair Shop (c.1900), No.1 and No.2 Heapsteads and the Stables (c.1900). By the end of the period extensions had been added to the Blacksmiths' and Joiners' Shops, No.1 and No.2 Heapsteads, additional boilers constructed to the rear of No.1 Winder and a stores building between the No.1 and No.2 Winders. Other new buildings included the Electricians' and Fitters' Workshops, the Offices (1910) and the Screens. A second pond was also dug and the existing one extended, so as to provide the additional boilers with water. A network of railways connecting the various buildings, and the rapidly expanding spoil tip and railway sidings, completed the integrated layout of the colliery by the end of the period (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: Plan of Woodhorn Colliery c. 1923 (click to enlarge)

3.3 Period 3: 1924-65 3.3.1 - The colliery during this period, unlike many other collieries in the region, underwent relatively little development. The large block of pithead baths, canteen and medical centre were opened in March 1930, providing 1,152 clean clothes lockers, 1,152 pit clothes lockers and 64 bath cubicles. Other new buildings constructed included the Powder Distribution Station, Lamp Room, Pugmill, the East Fan House and Crab Engine and Compressor; the latter two were constructed on the sites of two buildings of the preceding period. A number of buildings were extended, including the Offices, Screens and No.1 Winder, and the No.1 Heapstead was altered. A number of alterations were also made to the network of railways, some stretches being removed and new stretches added, particularly to the west of the Baths (note that the apparent lack of railways interconnecting the various buildings may be due to omissions of the surveyors, rather than due to their removal or absence, see Figure 4). No plans which identify the extent of the spoil tip could be located for this period, and so no suggestions are made as to its development.

Figure 4: Plan of Woodhorn Colliery c. 1965 (click to enlarge)

3.4 Period 4: 1966-2000 3.4.1 - By the mid 1960s, the colliery was struggling because of thin coal seams and the availability of cheap alternative fuel, such as oil and natural gas. From 1966, coal was no longer brought to the surface at Woodhorn but went by underground conveyor to Ashington Colliery. The screening plant was demolished and the two steam powered winding engines were replaced by a less powerful electric winder. Throughout the 1970s coal production was confined to the lower, thinner seams and with this production and manpower steadily dropped, until production finally ended on 28th February 1981. The winding engines and shafts remained in use, as they were vital to the operations of Ashington Colliery, but these too closed in October 1986. Clearance and reclamation began on parts of the site during this winding-down period, and continued after final closure; details are contained in the next section.

Figure 5: Plan of Woodhorn Colliery c. 2000 (click to enlarge)

By the late 1980s many of the buildings and structures were demolished, including the Baths, Powder Distribution Station, Lamp Room, Rescue Station, Stores, Boilers, Electricians' and Fitters' Workshops, No.1 Heapstead and the Pugmill. The spoil tip and ponds were landscaped and most of the network of railways and railway sidings either lifted or covered with the overburden of landscaping (see Figure 5). It was decided that many of the remaining, older buildings would be preserved as part of a mining museum. The museum opened in 1989 and continues in operation today.