Felton Hill coal workings (Birtley)
Mounds and spoil heaps related to coal workings are visible in the area around Felton Hill. Coal pits are marked on Armstrong's map of 1769 and Hodgson mentions coal working here in 1814. Disused coal shafts and a level (at NY 91968124) are recorded on the 1st and 2nd edition Ordnance Survey maps. (1)
Visible on GoogleEarth aerial photographs. (2)
A total of 15 bell pits were identified during a walk over survey, but more extend to the south and west. Includig their associated surrounding spoil heaps these survive up to 18m in diameter and 1.3m in height. Their exact date is unknown but there are references to mining in leases of the Filton Moor estate dating back to 1567. (3)
A topographic survey was undertaken by Archaeological Services Durham University at Green Rigg windfarm, focussed around Turbine 16 and the access road for the meteorological mast. Around Turbine 16, the earthworks survey extended between 35m and 80m away from the access road and turbine. The survey encompassed linear earthwork field banks and ditches, one of which had been truncated by peat cutting. Some of the drainage ditches were identified as being potentially natural in origin. A mine shaft was recorded west of the turbine location which was cut by a drystone wall. Two further mineshafts with spoil collars and spoil heaps were recorded in the survey area. Several linear earthwork banks were cut by mineshafts.
Additional references. (4) (5)
Extensive spread of bell pits on Felton Hill are visible on Lidar imagery. (6)
Visible on GoogleEarth aerial photographs. (2)
A total of 15 bell pits were identified during a walk over survey, but more extend to the south and west. Includig their associated surrounding spoil heaps these survive up to 18m in diameter and 1.3m in height. Their exact date is unknown but there are references to mining in leases of the Filton Moor estate dating back to 1567. (3)
A topographic survey was undertaken by Archaeological Services Durham University at Green Rigg windfarm, focussed around Turbine 16 and the access road for the meteorological mast. Around Turbine 16, the earthworks survey extended between 35m and 80m away from the access road and turbine. The survey encompassed linear earthwork field banks and ditches, one of which had been truncated by peat cutting. Some of the drainage ditches were identified as being potentially natural in origin. A mine shaft was recorded west of the turbine location which was cut by a drystone wall. Two further mineshafts with spoil collars and spoil heaps were recorded in the survey area. Several linear earthwork banks were cut by mineshafts.
Additional references. (4) (5)
Extensive spread of bell pits on Felton Hill are visible on Lidar imagery. (6)
N9520
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY, Green Rigg wind farm 2006; Northern Archaeological Associates
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY, Green Rigg windfarm 2012; Archaeological Services Durham University
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY, Green Rigg windfarm 2012; Archaeological Services Durham University
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.