Killingworth High Pit - Newcastle, UK
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Superted
N 55° 01.886 W 001° 33.187
30U E 592479 N 6099246
This is the site of the now abandoned Killingworth High Pit coal mine, famed for where George Stephenson, the famous railway engineer started work.
Waymark Code: WM4ZRP
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/19/2008
Views: 33
Killingworth High Pit was one of many coal mines in the north east of England. The mines were connected to the ports by a series of waggonways which were initially wooden rails and horse-drawn carts and later metal rails with steam trains.
The mounted old pit head wheel has a plaque on it celebrating the bicentenary of Stephenson.
Known universally as the Father of the Railways, George Stephenson (1781-1848) was the son of a Northumbrian colliery steam-engine keeper. He was born in the village of Wylam on the River Tyne, a few miles west of Newcastle.
He began his working life alongside his father at Dewley Colliery but he was ambitious and took the first steps towards fame by learning to read and write at night school. Fascinated by machinery, Stephenson became enginewright at Killingworth Colliery in 1812 and studied the work of Watt and Trevithick.
Mine Type: Abandoned Mine
Mineral Collecting: Not Known
Material Mined: Coal, Lignite
Operation: Underground Mine
Surface Features: Yes
KNOWN DANGERS:
The area has been made into a place for recreational purposes so should be safe for all the family.
Any associated website: Not listed
Any Other information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Optional photograph welcomed.