Monument record 2609/0/2 - Tower Yard

Tower Yard replaced Poynton Coal Station as the Poynton Collieries yard and administrative centre. The administrative centre was built in 1835, and the offices and yard in 1846. The yard ceased to be used in 1935, with the closing of the collieries (1). Full architectural description of surviving buildings (3).

Coal mining began in the 14th century, remaining relatively small until after the introduction and development of the steam engine. This then led to the considerable expansion which was closely associated with the growth of cotton spinning; output peaked in 1907 and since then has declined until final closure in 1992. The coal fields in Cheshire and Lancashire are severely folded and faulted, producing difficult working conditions. The seams are generally thin, producing coking, steam and household coals; cannel coals were more common to the southwest (4).

Tower Yard became the main workshops for Poynton Collieries after 1846 and was the site of an unsuccessful pit sunk in 1848. A number of buildings survive including the converted beam winding engine house and powder house. The office buildings at Tower Yard are Grade II listed buildings however, the Yard is of regional importance only. The powder house is a rare intact example of a once common colliery feature and should be protected (5).

<1> Shercliff W H, Kitching D A & Ryan J M, 1983, Poynton, A Coalmining Village, /56 (Monograph). SCH2683.

<2> Ashmore, O, 1982, The Industrial Archaeology of North West England, /55 (Book). SCH3181.

<3> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 3/120 (Report). SCH1934.

<4> Gould, S & Cranstone, D, 1992, Monuments Protection Programme Industrial Monuments Assessment: The Coal Industry Step 1 Report, p.12 (Report). SCH4340.

<5> Instone, E & Cranstone, D, 1994, Monuments Protection Programme Industrial Monuments Assessment: The Coal Industry Step 3 Report (Report). SCH4341.