Mention of Workmen at Killingworth Moor Colliery in 1761
George Stephenson worked as an engine-wright at the West Moor colliery and it was here that he developed his expertise as a locomotive engineer. George’s son Robert attended Long Benton Parish School in the 1800’s and the family home of Dial Cottage still stands on Great Lime Road.
1808 George Stephenson entered into a joint contract with two other men to work the engines of the Killingworth pit, which was part of the Grand Alliance Company (the company had been formed to protect the mining interests of powerful owners around Durham).
1809 Colliery pit accident
In 1813 his responsibility was extended to cover all of the ‘Grand Allies’ collieries.
Stephenson persuaded Sir Thomas Liddle, later Lord Ravensworth, that the colliery would benefit from the use of steam locomotives and in 1814 he was allowed to construct his first locomotive the Blucher.
1825 February. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway held locomotive trials here observed by seven engineers including James Walker and average speeds of 7mph and a top speed of 9.5 mph were reached. [1]
In 1882 Killingworth colliery had the deepest coal mine in the world.
1951 The pit was still producing when an accident occurred there
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ The Times, Tuesday, Feb 08, 1825
- Biography of George Stephenson, ODNB