Monument record 2609/1/6 - Lord and Lady Pits

Lord and Lady Pits were sunk in 1835, to the 4' and 5' seams. Lady Pit was extended in 1857 to the Gees seam, while Lord Pit became a pumping shaft. Extended again in 1866 to the Accomodation seam, at 222 yards. Condensing Cornish beam engine fitted in 1870. Used after 1875 to drain Park Pits. Raised coal again 1889-1907, then became a drain again. Electric pump installed 1926. Closed 1935 (1).

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 (3).

One of the larger collieries in Poynton, sunk in 1835 and ceased working in 1935. The 1889 horizontal winding engine house (converted into an office), a locomotive shed and a possible capstan house for the earlier pumping engine survive. Most of the buildings are unlikely to have retained any internal features of technological importance (4).

<1> Shercliff W H, Kitching D A & Ryan J M, 1983, Poynton, A Coalmining Village, /17,26-7 (Monograph). SCH2683.

<2> Ashmore, O, 1982, The Industrial Archaeology of North West England, /56 (Book). SCH3181.

<3> Gould, S & Cranstone, D, 1992, Monuments Protection Programme Industrial Monuments Assessment: The Coal Industry Step 1 Report (Report). SCH4340.

<4> Instone, E & Cranstone, D, 1994, Monuments Protection Programme Industrial Monuments Assessment: The Coal Industry Step 3 Report (Report). SCH4341.