The coal measures at Whitehaven extend only
between three and five miles inland. These areas
have been explored by the early mines in the
area, although an early attempt at the submarine
measures was made at Saltom Pit, just below Haig,
began in 1729.
A few miles north near Workington, a disaster
occurred in 1837, where the mine had been worked
too close to the seabed and gave way. The sea
rushed into the workings killing 27 men and boys,
and 28 ponies. A discoloured whirlpool could be
seen at sea for a day or so. This was reportedly
three miles out to sea even at this period in
time.
At Whitehaven - William (1804), Wellington
(1840), Haig (1914), and Ladysmith (1898) all
worked under the sea (also Harrington Pit at
Lowca). The roadways at Haig ran straight out
into the area between Wellington and Ladysmith
that had not been previously exploited.
I am sure that Easington does in fact reach
further out to sea than the Whitehaven mines, but
had Haig continued production until the present
day, the situation may well have been reversed.
John Greasley
_________________________
Website : www.haigpit.com
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