Castle Drift and Wrytree are both part of the Blenkinsopp colliery, which
mines the Little Limestone Coal at Haltwhistle, just south of the Roman Wall.
The drift runs south directly under Blenkinsopp Castle at an incline of
about 1 in 5 (from memory) and I think was owned by RJB group.
The Little Limestone Coal at this location was about 5'6" thick, with an inch
stone parting near the top, making for ideal mine dimensions. The stone
parting was not separated as the coal was bought by one of the large
Yorkshire power stations and even including the stone, the coal met BTU and
ash specifications.
When visited in 1990, the coal was taken out to bank by a conveyor with the
rollers slung between props in the drift. The last 100 yards or so had a
kink in it as it followed the imperfect line of the 19th cent drift.
An unusual peristaltic sensation occurred on the abdomen whilst manriding the
belt to day, as the body traversed each set of rollers! The gentleman who
showed our party round the workings was due for retirement but outpaced us
all up and down the drift like a whippet!
I think this colliery is still working
MARK
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