With reference to Donisthorpe,Measham and Oakthorpe,
Donisthorpe appears to be on the exposed part of the coalfield and
Measham
on an inlier surrounded by Triassic.First records of mining go back to1204
but
whether this is true of the area under question I don't know,other than the
fact that there are upper coal measures,normally barren,in the area.Maps
indicate areas
of intensive mining two miles to the north of Donisthorpe between Moira and
Church Gresley.
In 1960,three large collieries operated:-
From N.W. to S.E. ...Rawdon employed 1260,Donisthorpe 1200 and Measham
over 700 men.Rawdon included the Marquis Colliery and Measham included the
adjacent Minorca Colliery in its take.Rawdon was at Moira,Donisthorpe
adjoining
Donisthorpe and Oakthorpe and Measham at....erm..Measham.
All three collieries produced steam and manufacturing coal as well as
good
quality household coal from the Woodfield Coal(about 6' thick),the Stockings
Coal(between 6' and 7') and the Eureka(varied from 2' 7" to 6').In
addition,Measham
worked the Main Coal which reached a thickness of 16' 6" in a nearby
bore.This
valuable seam appears to have a limited distribution due to incropping on
the base
of the Trias.
All three mines made it,I think, to the 1980's,I saw Doni and Rawdon
on my
way back from Keyworth in 1983.Where are they now?Ask Mr. McGregor.
Hope this is of value. [sources various but old 'Guide to
the Coalfields'
Andrew Santer
are brilliant]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|