Hair, T.H. (1844) “A Series of Views of the Collieries in the Counties of
Northumberland & Durham” (reprinted 1987 by Davis Books Ltd., Newcastle) said
of Walridge (sic) Colliery:
"This colliery is situated about 11/2 miles from Chester-le-Street and was
opened on August 1st 1831. On this occasion. a great number of inhabitants of
Chester-le-Street and the neighbourhood assembled to witness the proceedings.
About noon. the first waggon-load of coals were drawn off, amid the cheers of
the populace, accompanied by a band of music. A party of gentlemen afterwards
dined at the Lambton Arms, Chester-le-Street, in celebration of the event; and
the workmen were also regaled with roast beef and plum pudding, ale, etc.
"The colliery is held under lease of Colonel Joliffe and Lady Byron by George
Sowerby Esq and Partners. There are two coal-pits and one engine-pit." [i.e. in
1844]
(This and other extracts from Hair's book are also printed in Mike Kirkup
(1999) "Eyewitness: The Great Northern Coalfield".)
Earlier that year, starting on Bonding (or Binding) Day, 5th April, had been
the first major strike by North East miners.
Mike Syer
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> Alan Vickers wrote:
> Another reference from Galloway's book is :
>
> 'On December 4, 1831, 1.000 pitmen riotously assembled at Waldridge
> Colliery, stopped the pumping engine while thirty or forty men were in the
> pit, and threw tubs and corves down, with the intention of killing those at
> work. A reward of five hundred guineas was offered for the apprehemsion of
> the parties concerned in this outrage. Six men were tried at the ensuing
> Durham Assizes and sentenced to imprisonment for various terms (Sykes's Loc.
> Rec.). The rioters here and at other places are stated to have been
> protected by the union (Scrutator's 'Impartial Enquiry, p. 9.).'
>
> Ref Jolliffe pit, the NGR which I should have quoted is NZ 307 538.
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