Memories Of South Hetton Colliery.

Subscribe to my you tube channel for 300+ more coal mine tributes and counting. South Hetton Colliery was a major coal mine in County Durham, England, that operated for nearly 150 years. Its establishment in the 1830s was the catalyst for the development of the village of South Hetton, and its history is deeply tied to the social and economic life of the region. Early history and development Establishment: The colliery was founded by the South Hetton Coal Company under the ownership of Colonel Thomas Bradyll. The sinking of the first shafts began in 1831, with large-scale production commencing two years later in 1833. Engineering innovation: South Hetton was known for its innovative engineering. In 1833, a massive 240-horsepower engine was installed to pump water from the 876-foot deep shaft. The colliery is also believed to have been the first in County Durham to adopt cages for coal drawing, replacing the more primitive wicker corves. Infrastructure: To transport its coal to export markets, a railway line was extended to the colliery in 1835, allowing coal to be shipped from Hartlepool. Life at the colliery Growth of the village: The colliery's success drove the growth of the village of South Hetton. In 1840, the colliery proprietors built the village's first schools. By the 1890s, the village had grown to include a miners' hall, literary institute, and multiple churches and pubs. Peak output: The colliery's peak came around 1910, when it produced an average of 1,800 tons of coal per day and employed about 1,000 men and boys. Tragedy: Though an explosion at the nearby Murton Colliery in 1848 killed 14 men and boys, 12 of the victims lived in the South Hetton community. Decline and closure Nationalisation: Like many British coal mines, South Hetton Colliery was nationalised in 1947, becoming part of the National Coal Board (NCB). Closure: The colliery officially ceased operations in 1982, bringing to an end nearly 150 years of coal production. After closure, the site was used for a time for safety work and to access other mine workings.