Linnyshaw Colliery (1850-1921)

Usually referred to as Berryfield by the locals, Linnyshaw was commenced in 1850. The No.1 pit was 10 feet diameter and intersected the Seven Feet (Rams) Mine at 860 feet, the shaft being taken down to 289yd 1ft 6in. No.2 pit was sunk to 328 yards and was the up cast shaft for the colliery, ventilation originally being by furnace. For winding, a single cylinder vertical engine 48in x 60in, was erected between the shafts, winding a single cage in each. The Crombouke, Brassey and Rams mines were worked and the colliery had a good reputation for its products. It was in production until 1921, when the remaining reserves were taken over by Sandhole Colliery. Use of the colliery for pumping continued for some years but what remained at the surface was finally demolished about 1936.

Furnace ventilation was superseded in 1890 by the installation of a 15 feet diameter fan by Walker Bros., Pagefield Ironworks, Wigan. This was supplied complete with a casing and engine. The engine was a horizontal duplicate with two cylinders 22in x 36in each facing the centrally placed crankshaft.

Towards the end of the 19th century underground haulages powered by compressed air engines were installed. To supply these engines Walker Bros. in 1889, erected a coupled pair of air compressing engines having cylinders 17in (steam), 18in (air) by 36in stroke.

Steam for the winding and other engines was supplied by four Lancashire boilers.

Coal preparation was by vibrating screens and picking belts, there being three sets of each. The plant was driven by a 15in x 20in twin cylinder engine.

LINNYSHAW COLLIERY – No.1 Pit