Asby Colliery
Asby Colliery, Arlecdon, near Whitehaven, Cumberland.
See also Collieries on the River Marron (pdf file)
Operated between 1860 and 1908.
A much more detailed listing with sources can be viewed at this link (to follow). In particular, maps and more information on the development of the colliery, its officers and managers has been included.
c1859 William Irving (1811-1872) obtained a “take-note” from Lord Lonsdale to explore for coal at Asby. The following year they bored into a seam of good quality coal, 6 feet thick.
1871 After further sinking of the main shaft, another seam of coal 8’ 6” thick was struck.
1871 A fresh lease was signed, sizing the royalty at 215 acres.
By 1872 a branch line had been built connecting the colliery to the newly built Whitehaven, Cleator and Egremont Railway.
1872 William Irving died. After an unsuccessful attempt to sell the colliery as a going concern, the business was continued by the trustees of his estate. The colliery’s engineer and agent was Henry Woolcock.
1891 Irving’s widow, Janet, died, but the operation continued in the hands of the trustees.
1892 Henry Woolcock died and was succeeded as agent for the mine by his son, Joseph Henry Woolcock.
1873 Asby Colliery Company Limited incorporated on 27 Apr 1893 (company No: 38732) with capital of £7,000 to purchase Asby Colliery. The initial subscribes included Irving’s children, J H Woolcock and Captain James Jacques, who became chairman.
1898 By March 1898 over half the issued shares (87/156) belonged to Joseph Huntrods, engineer of Workington.
1899 Resolution at EGM that the Asby Colliery Company Limited to be wound up voluntarily by reason of its liabilities.
Winding up was completed late the following year and the colliery passed into the ownership of Joseph Smith Peile and Andrew Johnston (of Strongitharm and Johnston, mining engineers of Whitehaven) who held the lease of the neighbouring Moorside Colliery.
1901 Output about 60 tons/day, with about 40 hands.
1903 Renewal of the lease showed the royalty area increased to 250 acres.
1907 Joseph Smith Peile died.
1908 The colliery was offered for sale unsuccessfully and was abandoned on 31 Oct 1908.