Annesley Colliery – Nottinghamshire

The colliery at Annesley was first sunk in 1865 and closed during the 1990′s. When it closed it was the oldest working colliery in Nottinghamshire. The entire area was designated as a conservation area in 2000, which meant nothing could be demolished. During 2004 though, some 16 buildings were demolished by the owners, illegally.

I think this is by far one of my favourite explores to date. It’s a mess, but an interesting piece of Britain’s industrial history.

Headstocks

Outside, and you can’t help but be impressed by the mighty structure. It’s a shame that the other one was demolished.

Inside – the shaft has been filled with rubble and capped. The lift would’ve been dual-purpose. Miners would’ve used a compartment at the top, and coal would’ve come up in the bottom section.

Up to the top, via a rickety set of steps, and wow, what a view. The huge wheels were made in Tamworth.

Winding gear, found in some nearby non-descript sheds.

Ventilation Shaft

This can be seen on the left of the first picture. Shining the torch down it had no effect, so we had to go down the stairs. About 20 steps down it absolutely stunk of hydrogen sulfide(?) so we decided not to venture further. It was also flooded a bit further in.

Bath house

The village of Annesley is a traditional mining village, with several large terraces for the workers to live. A quick walk and they were at work. Some may have cycled from further afield…

The miners would’ve changed from their normal clothes and put them in these lockers.

A quick walk to the “dirty” side’s lockers and they would’ve retrieved their work clothes.

After working and putting the dirty clothes back in the dirty lockers, they would’ve showered. This huge shower room is in quite good condition, with soap still in some dispensers! After showering, the miners would’ve gone through to the clean side and got changed into their normal clothes.

Back to the bikesheds, and home.

Also

Also inside the bath house were a few offices and nurses block.

Electricity Shop

This is the electrician’s workshop.

Signs

Some of the various signs that were present.

I’m slightly disappointed with myself. Whilst I got some cool photos inside most buildings, I didn’t really get any exterior shots. I may have to revisit…