Looking at the pictures again, I am inclined to say that these were fan
drifts - certainly the sketch suggests that. Was there a fanhouse above or
in fact aren't they part of the same fanhouse? The two dividing tunnels were
presumably connecting with two shafts so find those and you have the answer.
Unless you find tunnel entrances and rail routes.
Simon.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Adrian Pearce" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2011 1:10 AM
Subject: Fan Drift or Railway Tunnel?
So is anyone here an expert on fan dirfts?
A short section of shallow tunnels was recently found at Summerhill near
Wrexham. They are beautifully brick lined and the cross section is almost a
circle. The location is under where the fan house for Westminster Coliery
used to be which makes me wonder if they are fan drift tunnels.
However, someone else seems to think they are rail tunnels and says fan
drifts were only short. Photographs and rough plan are here
http://northwalesminers.com/info/articles/westminsterfandrift.htm
any suggestions?
BTW they had only been open for 3 weeks when the Coal Authority moved in to
put a temporary fence around the hole. I really hope they do not intend to
fill it in.
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