Development of the Colliery

(c. 1920's) The wooden gantries were replaced in 1923 and 1927, therefore this picture could be from either date. The new reinforced concrete pithead gear was built by Johnson's of Manchester.

(c. 1917) The screens were an early form of winding gear, here pictured with one of the two original saddle-tank railway engines. As these railway sidings were built on a curve, the colliery buildings reduced the driver's visibility and this meant that when 'The Midland' came in with empty wagons it had to reverse blind around the bend and was in danger of over-running the track. The difficulty was overcome by placing 'Little' Harry Thompson on a box in the end truck, he then blew on a trumpet when he got to the end of the siding. Nevertheless, he and his truck were still sent over the end of the track on two occassions and he was then placed in the second truck for greater safety.

(c. 1936) Taken from near to the weighbridge and 'Landsale', the place where coal was sold to customers arriving by road, this picture was taken when Arley Colliery was at its most productive.

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