Coal Mining in Tameside

The coal industry in Tameside was at its height in the mid 18th century, with the main centres being in Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Dukinfield and Hyde. But as the coal industry expanded, the problems of flooding and poor ventilation meant that great depths could not be reached.

However, by the early 19th century, with improvements in steam pumping engines, steam winding engines and mechanically forced air ventilation, mines could be dug deeper. This led to a pattern of mines opening, operating for a short period, then closing, to be replaced by other, similar-sized mines. However, the technology that enabled mine owners to dig deeper was expensive. In time, the many small mines were replaced by larger, fewer ones. Unfortunately, mining declined rapidly in the second half of the 19th century because they had either been worked out or had become unprofitable. By 1906, only the Denton and Ashton Moss collieries remained. The Denton mine closed in 1929 and Ashton Moss survived until 1959.

This has left a legacy of old mine workings and shafts. Whilst, because of their age, many of these old workings no longer pose a hazard to development, mining related settlement problems cannot be entirely ruled out.

If you suspect a surface hazard related to coal mining or have a general enquiry then contact:

The Coal Authority, 200 Lichfield Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4RG
01623 427162 thecoalauthority@coal.gov.uk or visit the website at www.coal.gov.uk