June 06, 2010 South Shields Old Town Hall

Here is a full view of the old Town hall at South Shields taken from near the market stalls - the church you can see in the background is St Hildas which will feature in future posts - the local colliery in South Shields was actually also named St Hildas Colliery  and closed in 1940.
The enterprising Simon Temple, Esq., first won a colliery here on the ground of the dean and chapter of Durham, which was hence called Chapter Main Colliery. The first coals were conveyed to the spout, amidst great rejoicings, on April 23, 1810. The great expense of the undertaking, however, compelled that gentleman to stop payment; when the concern fell into the hands of Messrs. Brown, of London, proprietors of Jarrow Colliery, and who sold the lease to Messrs. Devey. The present colliery belongs to Robert, William, and John Brandling, Esqrs. The pit was bottomed at the Bensham Seam in July, 1825; the shaft being about 143 fathoms deep. The average thickness of the seam is about 6 feet; and the workings extend to the south of the shaft, which is situated at a short distance from St. Hilda's church, South Shields. The strata rise towards the sea. The pumping engine is of 90 horse power; and there are two drawing engines, each of 30 horse power. There is also a steam-engine of 20 horse power in the mine. The shaft is divided into an upcast and downcast, by means of a brattice.