Walkmill timeline
Walkmill Community Woodland has a long and industrious history as a working coalmine. From its establishment in 1879 to its closure in 1961, Walkmill Colliery was a key part of the local economy, employing hundreds of people and supplying coal for industries across the region. The mine's story began with the discovery of rich seams in the early 1800s, finally closing its doors in 1961 when all the coal seams were exhausted.
1875
Moresby Parks consists of one house (Moresby Parks Farm).
1877
James Baird, William Fletcher and William MacCowan, Moresby Coal Company, ask the Earl of Lonsdale for the right to mine coal.
1879
Walkmill Pit and railway are opened.
1881
Coroner holds inquests into 2 deaths at Walkmill. These were conducted in the old schoolroom in the village.
1883
Moresby infant school is built.
1884
Methodist chapel (built by villagers) is opened.
1887
Archibald Thom Senior and his family move into the mine manager’s house, Moresby Parks.
1901
William Moore, a coal hewer from Distington is living at Pit Cottages, Walkmill with other miners and their families.
1908
Pit manager Archibald Thom cuts the first sod for new shaft at Walkmill stating that in 30 years the old shaft had produced 3 million tons of coal and he hoped the new shaft would be as productive.
1920
George Curwen, Crusher Attendant, aged 18, is killed as a wheel off a wagon filled with coal passes over his neck.
1936
The peak of coal extraction at 1,200 tons per day, employing 950 men.
1946
Henry O'Neill , overman at Walkmill is awarded the BEM for going to rescue three miners (one survived) after an explosion.
1947
All UK coal mines are nationalised.
1956
One of the two main shaft winding engines is converted from steam to electricity.
1960
A roof fall results in the last fatality at Walkmill pit. William Saunders, 32 years old.
1961
Walkmill pit is closed.
1990s
British Coal and Kier Mining spend thousands of pounds to move earth and slag heap. The site is planted with trees.
2019
The site is put up for sale by Cumbria County Council.
2021
99-year lease is signed by Moresby Parish Council.
2023
National Lottery Heritage Fund project begins, led by West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT).
2024
River restoration and path improvement project is completed.
2027
Walkmill Community Woodland is given back to nature and you.
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