The story is important in mining history since Hetton was the first colliery to prove the presence of coal deep beneath the magnesian limestone plateau which led to the opening up of the East Durham Coalfield. It is also important to the railway historian as the first railway to be completely designed by George Stephenson. Incredibly, there is no comprehensive history of this important coalmine. Although papers have been written about the railway above ground, there no history of the whole transport system – the technology both above and below ground – which enabled the coal to get from the coal face to the market place.
This book seeks to address these issues and remind the present generation of the lost mining industry of the North East of England of which Hetton Colliery with its amazing railway was an important part. It is written by Les Turnbull, a member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, who is acknowledged as one of the leading authorities on the history of early railways. It is a softback book, 88 A4 pages in length, is printed in full colour and is lavishly illustrated throughout with original documents, many of which are taken from archives held at The Common Room.
Price £10. For single items P&P is £3.50. We are happy to combine multiple titles for reduced postage costs. Bulk orders to traders are also available. We can accept payment by BACS, PayPal and cheque – please contact us below for more information.
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Published by NEIMME. ISBN 978-0-9931151-6-5
Further information about Hetton Colliery Railway can be found at: https://www.hcr200.org/
