Wat-3-4-Inside Cover] 3014 [Wat-3-4-P0] Wat / 3 / 4 Includes Plans - [Left Edge of Page with Parts of Letters] B Pit C Pit Bigges Main Plan of an Engine (Pumping)

BIGGES MAIN PAPERS – 1792 – 1809. Wat -3-4

[NB. Text in Pencil in Blue] [On Cover “BIGGES’ MAIN PAPERS – 1792-1809 - INSTITUTE” with Labels “Wat / 3 /4”, “Bigge’s Main Colliery, Reports, Estimates, and other Papers relating to, 1792-1809. (82 papers.) D12 – 44” ] [Inside Cover “Wat / 3/ 4” “3014” “

[Wat-3-4-Inside cover] 3014 [Wat-3-4-p0] Wat / 3 / 4 Includes plans - [Left Edge of page with parts of letters] B pit C pit Bigges Main Plan of an Engine (Pumping)

VALUATION, COAL REMAINING in ENGINE & A PIT, EAST BENTON COLLIERY, by Messrs BROUGH & STOKER Wat-3-4- p1 22 Feb &14 Sep 1792

[Wat-3-4-p1] 1. Admeasurements of the Staples, Stone drifts &c. in the Engine and A Pits East Benton Colliery taken Feby. 22nd. 1792. Engine Pit £ s d Fs. Y. F. I. F. I. £ s d Staple to Under Level drift – – – – – – – – – 7 .. 1.. 0.. 0 7 .. 0 Diar. at 7¼d. P. fathm. 0..4.. 6¼ – Do. – East Waste – – – – – – – – – – – 7 .. 1.. 0.. 0 7 .. 0 Do. at 7¼d. P. Do. – 0..4.. 6¼ 1st. Do. – in North headways – – – – – – – – 2 .. 1.. 0..11 6 .. 0 Do. at 5¼d. P. Do. – 0..1.. 3 2d. Do. – in – – Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – 3 .. 1.. 2.. 9 5 .. 6 Do. at 4½d. P. Do. – 0..1.. 5¾ 3d. Do. – in – – Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – 6 .. 0.. 1.. 6 7 .. 0 Do. at 7¼d. P. Do. – 0..3.. 7¾ 1st. Do. – in Back Do. – – – – – – – – – – – 8 .. 1.. 0.. 0 6 .. 0 Do. at 5¼d. P. Do. – 0..3.. 6½ 2d. Do. – in Do. – Do. – – – – – – – – – – – 5 .. 1.. 1.. 0 7 .. 0 Do. at 7¼d. P. Do. – 0..3.. 5 1 2 4½

Length Breadth Height Sold yards Feet Ins. feet Ins. feet Ins. and Feet Close drift at Rise dyke in West Way – – – – – 127 – 7 3 7 – 238..19 Open Level at – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – 119 5 3 6 7 2 110..25 Close drift in North side of Do. – – – – – – – 27 – 5 – 5 – 25.. 0 – Do. – at dip of dyke in North Heads. – – – – 402 7 7 – 7 – 730..16 1st. Siding in West Way – at Do. – – – – – – 53 5 2 8 7 – 36..25 2d. Do. – – Do. – – – – – Do. – – – – – – 53 5 2 8 7 – 36..25 Open Level in Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – 52 – 7 – 3 6 47.. 5 Do. – – – – Do. – – – – – – – – – – – 66 – 7 – 3 6 59..24 Close drift in Black Headways – – – – – – – 194 4 4 – 4 – 115.. 4 Open Level from Do. – – – – – – – – – – – 117 5 1 10 4 2 33.. 5 Do. – – – – Do. – – – – – – – – – – – 18 5 1 8 1 4 1..12 Close drift at Rise dyke in No. Hd. – – – – – – 192 3 7 – 7 – 348..24 Open Level at Do. – – – – Do. – – – – – – – 34 3 7 – 3 6 31.. 2 Do. – – – Do. – – – – Do. – – – – – – – 26 4 6 – – 9 4..10 Close drift in back headsways – – – – – – – 125 6 7 – 7 – 227..20 Open Level – at – Do. – – – – – – – – – – 27 – 1 – 1 – 1.. 0 Close drift at Rise dyke near B Pit – – – – – – 198 – 7 – 7 – 359.. 9 Open Level – at – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – 59 6 3 1 6 4 43.. 0 Under Level drift to Engine – – – – – – – – – 127 – 4 – 4 – 75.. 7 Water Levels – – to Do. – – – – – – – – – – 118 – 2 – 1 – 8..20 Close drift in East Crosscut – – – – – – – – 210 – 7 – 7 – 381.. 3 Open Level drove to East Boundy. – – – – – – 150 – 1 2 – 10 5..10 Walls cut up for Air course in Enge. Standage 1st. 27 – 3 8 2 6 9.. 4 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 2d. 33 – 6 – 2 6 18.. 9 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3d. 21 – 5 – 2 4 9.. 2 2579 10 116 6 109 5 2958..10 at 3d. P. Yd. 36 19 7 Carrd. Over – – – £ 38 1 11½

[Wat-3-4-p1a] 1a. £ s d Brot. Over – – . 8 1 11½ A Pit Faths. Y. F. I. Staple in No. headways 11..0..1..6 – 7 feet Diamr. – at 7¼ P. Fathom – 6 9¾

Length Breadth Height Sold yards Feet Ins. feet Ins. feet Ins. and Feet Close drift at dyke in west of Shaft – – – – – 58 – 7 0 7 0 105.. 7 Open Level at – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – 48 2 6 4 2 1 23..14 – Do. at So. Side of Wagn. Way – – – – – – – 14 6 6 0 8 2.. 4 Close drift at Dyke in So.W Crosscutt of Do. – 68 – 5 0 7 0 123..11 Siding at – Do. – – – – Do. – – – – – – – – 39 7 1 9 7 0 17..25 Open Level at Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – 55 5 7 0 3 6 50.. 7 Do. – – – at Do. – – – – Do. – – – – – – 50 9 1 9 3 6 11.. 0 Close drift at Do. in Back Crosscutt – – – – – – 45 0 6 0 6 0 60.. 5 Close drift in No. headways – – – – – – – – – 299 7 4 0 4 0 177..14 Open Level at Do. Side of W.Way for Air course 34 3 5 9 2 0 14..15 Close drift at Do. – – – – Do. – – – Do. – – – 10 6 1 5 1 10 1.. 2 Open Level at Dyke West of Shaft – – – – – – 66 0 6 0 3 6 51.. 9 Close drift at N. Side of Waggon Way – – – – 23 9 6 0 6 0 31..18 Open Level at Do. – – – – Do. – – – – – – – 66 0 2 0 – 10 4.. 2 674.. 6 at 3d. P. Yd. 8 8 6¾ 14th. Septr. 1792 46 17 4 Brough & Stoker in full Cr. 11th. Novr. 1789 – By Cash on Accot. – – – 20 0 0 for Stone drifts Staples &c. to £. 26 17 4 this Inst. £26..17s..4d.

[Wat-3-4-p1b] ] 1b. 14th. Septr. 1792 1 Brough and Stoker in full for stone drifts Staples &c. to this Inst. – – – £26..17s..4d.

PROPOSAL, To TAKE OLD & NEW ENGINES at ENGINE & B PITS, BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, Wat-3-4- p2 by Messrs. BROUGH & STOKER,18 June 1793

v. [Wat-3-4-p2] 2. [Wat-3-4-p2a] 2a. June 18th.1793 Ex Messrs. Brough & Stokers Proposes to take June 18th. 1793 Messrs. Brough & Stokers Proposes to take the Old the New Engine at B Pit Bigges Main Colliery for Engine at Engine Pit Bigges Main Colliery for Twelve months Twelve months from the date hereof to find Engine- from the date hereof to find Engine Wrights, Foremen wrights Firemen Leather Brass [muds] Change Leather Brass [muds] Change Buckets & Clacks, Oil, Buckets & Clacks, Oil, Candles & Grease &c. P. Week. – Candles & Grease &c. P. Week. – £ s d £ s d To Jno. [Punshen] – – – – – – 0 .. 12 .. 0 To Edwd. Shotten – – – – – 0 .. 12 .. 0 To Jos. [Flemming] – – – – – – 0 .. 12 .. 0 to Geo. Robinson – – – – – 0 .. 12 .. 0 To Wm. Sanderson – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 To Jasper Wilson – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 To Thos. [Hogg] – – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 To Thos. Appleby – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 To Peter Allen – – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 To Jos. Armorer – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 To Jas. Adamson – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 3 .. 6 .. 0 To Jos. Hall – – – – – – – – 0 .. 10 .. 6 3 .. 6 .. 0 To Engine Wright – – – – – – – – – – – 1 .. 12 .. 0 To 4 Buckets at 7s/ 6d. P. – – – – – – – – 1 .. 10 .. 0 To Engine Wright – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 12 .. 0 To 1 Clack – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 5 .. 0 To 5 Buckets at 7s/ 6d. P. – – – – – – – – 1 .. 17 .. 6 To Oil & Grease – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 4 .. 0 To 1 Clack – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 5 .. 0 To Candles – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 3 .. 9½ To Brass mudd for 5 Buckets at 2s/- – P. – – 0 .. 10 .. 0 To assistance in Changing Buckets & Clacks 0 .. 8 .. [6] To Oil & Grease – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 4 .. 0 £. 6 .. 8 .. 9[½ ] To Candles – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 3 .. 9½ [Below text Upside Down] To assistance in Changing Buckets & Clacks 0 .. 8 .. 0 June 18th. 1793 2 . £. 7.. 6.. 3½ Messrs. Brough & Stokers Proposal to take sundry Engines at Bigges Main Colliery – – – –

ACCOUNT Copy, of Mr. ELLIS’s PAPER SENT to Mr. CLAYTON, c1802, Wat-3-4- p3

[Wat-3-4-p3] 3. [Wat-3-4-p3] 3a. Copy of Mr. Ellis’s paper sent to Mr. Clayton Copy of Mr. Ellis’s Amount of Mr. Jeffrey’s demand – – – – – £ 1083..14.. 6 Paper sent to Mr. Deductions Clayton – – – Claim abandoned in 1794 – – – – 171..15..11 In consequence of Cameron letter – 200.. – – Amount of Messrs. Bells Browns & Co. 178.. 2..10 Bills for Coals &c. to the End of 1801 Amount of Coals had in 1802 – – – 23..14.. – 573..12.. 9 Remaining due to Mr. Jeffrey’s on this acct. – – – 510.. 1.. 9 If he accepts – – – – 350.. – – Then he relinquishes now – – – – 160.. 1.. 9 in 1794 – – – – 171..15..11 171..10..11 Total given up – – £. 331..17.. 8 200.. – – 350.. – 160.. 1.. 9 178.. 2..10 5[32]..17.. 9 27..14 1080..14.. 6 551..16..10 551..16..10

PATENT, GRANTED Messrs. CAMERON, BLAIR & JEFFREYS For COAL RAISING MACHINE INVENTION, Wat-3-4- p4 28 Jan 1786

[Wat-3-4-p4] 4. [Wat-3-4-p4b] 4b . Patent granted to Messrs. Cameron, Blair & Jeffrey’s for the Having observed before that Mr. Jeffreys had given up any Invention of a Machine for raising Coals &c. on Jany. 28th. claim for shorts in the year 1794 it is further corroborated by 1786 – for the term of 14 years – his own statement of his accot. in a letter addressed to Term of the Agreement to be 13 years from the time the Mr. Johnson (marked No. 5) for which he is claiming in 4 Machine went to work – the accot. he has now presented to the Company a sum Machine started to draw Coal Decr. 12th. 1787 as P. Colliery book of £171..15..11 – 1794 The articles of agreement differs the following [Hade] Viz. No. 6 – The Company’s statement of the quantity of scores Mr. Johnsons term 13 years – Jeffreys says 14 years a letter drawn by the Machine – from Mr. Cameron dated Octr. 9th. 1788 states that the term must be 13 years to correspond with the term of the No. 7 – Mr. Jeffrey’s accot. he has presented to the Company partnership – markd. No. 3 lately – What was the Certain annual quantity that the Machine was to be supplied with both the agreement states 4000 xx The quantity & Value of Coals Mr. Jeffrey’s has got Certain quantity 4000 xx for which Cameron Jeffrey, & Co. were from Biggs Main & Willington Collieries which he paid 2s/- P. xx extra [scores] at 1s/ 9d. P. xx as P. receipts – now stands indebted for – – –

[Fold>] [Wat-3-4-p4a] 4a. article 6th. states that Messrs. Cameron Jeffrey, & Co. to be With respect to the accompts. I think Mr. Jeffreys gave up allowed 26 days in a Year exclusive of usual Holidays the demand of any short workings for 1794 as P. his Letter for the repairs of the Machines – if longer time is required dated Augt. 17th. 1796 as marked No. 4 – (see also No. 5) Messrs. C. Jeffrey, & Co. to pay Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. 20s/- P. Mr. Jeffreys observes in the above Letter that the 6th. Clause day for every extra day – Qy. In the Course of the term did in the minutes of the agreement (marked No. 3) states they ever exceed the said 26 days – that “If the Machine is not Supplied with the annual Messrs. Cameron Jeffrey, & Co. only to be paid for the one half quantity of 4000 xx of 24 peck Corves. Messrs. Bells, Brown of the Coals that may be sett out P. Mr. Johnson’s minutes & Co. to pay Messrs. Cameron Jeffrey, & Co. 1s/- P. score for the Jeffreys does not take any notice of them – – deficiency Unless prevented by unforeseen Accidents The 13th. Article in Mr. Jeffrey’s agreement states that they which render it impracticable – – engage to sett her to work on or before the 1st. day of July 1787 Qy. The reason why the Machine was stopt in the year 1797 Qy. did they as no Coals appear to have been drawn in that year or has Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. sunk any new pits since Qy. Was Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. under any obligation to that time so as they might have removed the Machine purchase the Machine at the end of the term as the heads to it for the purpose of drawing Coals – of the Agreement differs in that respect C. Pit Begun May 1797 to Coal work a Pit finished working Coal work May 1797 –

ACCOUNT, For STONE DRIFT & STAPLE, BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, by Messrs T. BROUGH & STOKER Wat-3-4- p5 28 Mar 1794

[Wat-3-4-p5] 5. [Wat-3-4-p5a] 5a.

Admeasurement of the Stone Drifts and Staples 5 . y st in Biggs Main Colliery taken Feb . 1 . 1794. 28th. March 1794 Length in Height in Breadth in Solid £ s d Brough & Stoker Accots. Yards feet Ins. feet Ins. Feet £12.. 8s. 0½d. 1 Drift – 28½ – 5 .. 6 – 5 .. 6 – 2586 1 Do. – 22 – 2 .. 9 – 5 .. 6 – 998 1 Do. – 15 – 4 .. 0 – 5 .. 0 – 900 1 Do. – 25 – 1 .. 3 – 5 .. 0 – 468 1 Do. – 44 – 6 .. 6 – 6 .. 6 – 5577 1 Do. – 10 – 1 .. 3 – 6 .. 6 – 243 1 Do. – 18 – 6 .. 0 – 6 .. 0 – 1944 12716 or 417 Solid yards at 3d. P. 5 17 9 Faths. ft. Ins. 1 Staple 8 .. 0.. 9 Deep and 8 feet Diamr. – – – – 9½ – at 10d. P. fathm. 7 1 1 Do. – 8 .. 1.. 6 Do. – and 6 feet Do. – – – – – 5¼ – at 8d. P. Do. – 5 6 B Pit 1 Drift – 122 – 2 .. 0 – 2 .. 6 – 1830 1 Do. – 218 – 3 .. 6 – 3 .. 6 – 8011 1 Do. – 46 – 3 .. 6 – 3 .. 6 – 1690 1 Do. – 14 – 2 .. 0 – 6 .. 0 – 504 12035 or 445 Solid yards at 3d. P. 5 11 3 Faths. ft. Ins. 1 Staple 2 .. 4.. 0 Deep and 6 feet Diamr. – – – – – – at 8d. P. fathm. 1 9 1 Do. – 1 .. 2.. 0 – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – – at 8d. P. Do. – 10½ 1 Do. – 1 .. 2.. 0 – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – – at 8d. P. Do. – 10½ 1 Do. – 1 .. 2.. 0 – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – – at 8d. P. Do. – 10½ 1 Do. – 1 .. 2.. 0 – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – – at 8d. P. Do. – 10½ 1 Do. – 1 .. 5.. 0 – Do. – – – Do. – – – – – – – – at 8d. P. Do. – 1 2½ £. 12 8 0½ Settled 28th. March 1794 P. Thos. Brough

COURSE Given by Mr, BARNES to CLEAR COAL BARRIER Under HALLS, Wat-3-4- p6 at LITTLE BENTON COLLIERY,13 Jan 1795

[Wat-3-4-p6] 6. [Wat-3-4-p6a] 6a. Jany. 13th. 179[5] 6 . Little Benton Colliery Course given by Mr. Barnes Courses & distances from the mark in the B Pit West Mothergate to clear the barrier of Coal c L left under the Halls – – left Janry. 13th. 1795 at 16.02 from the Shaft to clear the Barriers of Coal to be left under the Halls 1st. N 87 W – 150 2 – S 3 E – 225 3 – S 82 W – 800

REPORTS & DRAFTS, Re-BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, About WORKING Wat-3-4- p7 WALLS & PILLARS, By Thomas BARNES, William SMITH, John BUDDLE & John STRAKER, 23, 27 Oct 1795

[Wat-3-4-p7] 7. To Messrs. Thos. Barnes, Jas. Easton, Wm. Smith &c. Bigges Main Colliery Oct. 23d. 1795. Gentlemen, You are requested by Messrs. Bell Brown & Co. to de- send the A Pit at Bigges Main Colliery to examine the dip working to the South and West adjoining Walker Colliery, and to give your opinion of the propriety or impropriety of working the Pillars in that part of the Colliery. You will also please (for the same purpose) to examine that part of the Colliery workings in the Engine Pit, which lies between the great downcast and upcast Troubles to the North, and if you think it adviseable to attempt working either or both of these Places in the Walls or Pillars, you are desired to say when and where such workings ought to commence, and in what measure manner would you recommend them to be wrought. As it appears necessary to make a trial by Boring or sinking to the Low Main Coal in order to know the state of the Seam, which way would you recommend and at what Pit.

Bigges Main Colliery Oct. 27th.1795. In compliance with the preceeding request we have examined a part of the South West Workings, in the A Pit Boundering upon Walker, and a considerable part of the North workings in the Engine pit, lying between the great downcast & upcast Troubles before mentioned, and after considering the state of each are of opinion, that the later situation from the single circumstance of its being under the Engine Level, and the Walls in danger of being altogether lost, if the working thereof is not now attempted is the most eligible for making the experiments, but as we deem the general Working of the Walls of this should be effected with as little derangement in the Air courses as the nature of the work will admit, we advise that every pillar in the range of the Air Stoppings should be only thinned, from [8] to 6 yds. by widening the adjoining Boards 2 yds. but that such other Walls as are not in the range of the Air Stoppings, should be shortened from [18] to 13 yards by taking 5 yards from one end of each. – With respect to the two methods of working sinking or Boring to Low Main Coal, we do not hesitate to recommend that which will

[Wat-3-4-p7a] 7a. be most effectual (viz) Sinking one pit to the Seam, and the A Pit presents itself to us the most eligible. Thos. Barnes Signed Jas. Easton Wm. Smith John Buddle Junr. (A Copy)

[Wat-3-4-p7] 7. Octr. 1795 7 . Copied & Exd. Report of the [xx] View made of Biggs Main Colliery before the commencement of Working the Walls or Pillars

[Rough Draft of above Report p7]

[Wat-3-4-p8] 8. [Wat-3-4-p8a] 8a. Bigges Main Colliery Octr. 27th.1795. Octr. 7th. 1795 8 . View of Bigges Main In compliance with the above ^request we have examined Colliery that ^ part of the So. West workings, in the A Pit Boundering upon the Walker, and [xxx] a considerable of the part of Copied the ^ workings in the Engine pit, lying between the great downcast & upcast Troubles before mentioned, and after considering the situation ^ of each are of opinion, that the later ^ from the single circumstance of ^ its being under the Engine Level, and the Walls thereof in danger of being altogether lost, ifa part of the working ^ of them is not now attempted, are is the most eligible for making the experiments, but as we deem the general working of the Walls in this Colliery an unprofitable if not an impracticable attempts We recommend that about ¼ th. only of each Pillar should be removed, & as this should be effected if possible without deranging ^the Air courses as the nature of the work will admit, we advise that every pillar where in the range of the Air Stoppings should be this only thinned by to 6yd from 8 to 6 yards by widening the adjoining Boards 2 yds. but that such other Walls intermediate Walls as are not in the range of the Air Stoppings ^ be shortened from18 to 13 yd. by taking 5 yards from one end of each. < two methods of working sinking or Boring to> With respect to the ^ [Low Main Coal ] intended trial of the Low Main Coal, we do not hesitate to recommend that which will be most effectual (viz) Sinking one pit to the Seam, & then the A Pit presents itself to us the most eligible.

QUERIES by Lessees & Lessors, Re-BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, About Wat-3-4- p9 WORKING WALLS & PILLARS, For Messrs. BUDDLE & STRAKER,

[Wat-3-4-p9] 9. To Messrs. Buddle and Straker. Gent. East Benton You are requested by the Lessors and Lessees of Bigges Main Colliery to give your Opinion on the following Questions. –

Quest. 1st. After examining the Workings in the Engine and A Pits that lays on the South side of the great Trouble ( a downcast to the North of 9 Fathoms) run- ning in a direction from ^ East to& West, you will say how far and to what extent the Lessees have succeeded in Working the Walls or Pillars as recommend- ded to be wrought by a View held in Oct. 1795 by Messrs. Thos. Barnes, Jas. Easton, Willm. Smith, and John Buddle Junr. Quest. 2d. It appears after having succeeded in Working the Whole or a great part of the Walls so recommended to be wrot. that there has not any Creep or Thrust taken place by reason of such Working. Would you recommend under such circumstances that an additional quantity might (if practicable) be wrot. from off those Walls or Pillars now remaining in that tract of Pillars where such second Working has already taken place and in what manner and to what extent. Quest. 3d. Should there be by attempting to work the now remaining Pillars in Question a General Creep take place, are you of Opinion that the Lessees or the Colliery in her present State be injured in any way by means of such Creep being brought on. Quest. 4th. Are you of Opinion should the Creep take place that the Shafts beforemen- tioned are properly secured, if not, will you be pleased to recommended what additional means ought to be made of to secure the same.

[Wat-3-4-p9a] 9a. Quest. 5th. Where would you recommend commencing Working the Walls or Pillars lying on the North side of the great downcast and upcast Troubles in this Colliery, and would you recommend the same mode of Working such Walls to be continued as formerly practised in Working the same. Quest. 6th. As those tryals recommended to be made at the A Pit by the Gent. In the former View in order to Ascertain the Low Main Coal Seam having proved unsuccessfull do you think it would be adviseable to Bore at any other Pit or Pits of this Col- liery so as to be fully informed whether or no the Low Main Coal does or does not exist in this Colliery.

VEND, Re-BIGGES MAIN & WILLINGTON COLLIERIES, Wat-3-4- p10 31 Dec 1794 to 31 Dec 1795. 4 Jan 1796

[Wat-3-4-p10] 10. [Wat-3-4-p10a] 10a. Sr. Willington & Bigg[s] 10 . Willington Vend from Decmr. 31st. 1794 to and Chas. Vend from 31st. Decr. 1794 with 31st. Decmr. 1795 – – – 34397 to & with 31st. Decr. 1795 (10) Bigg’s Main do. to and [with] do. – – – – – – 40151 [Below text Transverse] Mr. John Watson I am at Geo. Johnsons Esqr. Byker Sir to be left at Heaton Your Humble Servt. Lodge – – – – Joseph Cavers Willington Quay 4th. Jan. 1796 –

ACCOUNT, of CAST IRON GOODS DELIVERED to BIGGES MAIN Wat-3-4- p11 COLLIERY, 30 Sep 1796. by John WINFIELD & Co.

[Wat-3-4-p11] 11. [Wat-3-4-p11a] 11a. Dr. Sr., May 15th. 1797 11 . Inclosed we send you the Account of cast Iron An Accot. of Cast Iron Goods delivered to Biggs Main Colliery 30th. Sept. together work delivered to Bigges with the Accot. for Goods laying here all for the Machine Main Colliery – – of Messrs. Boulton & Watt at Biggs Main Colliery [Below text Transverse] We are [Dr. Sr.] Your mot. H’ble Servts. Mr. John Watson John [W] Linfield & Co. Biggs Main Gateshead. 15 May 1797 Colliery

[NB. Printed Text in BOLD Print, & Hand Written text in Italics]

[Wat-3-4-p11b] 11b. [Wat-3-4-p11c] 11c. Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Pipewell Gate Foundery 30 Septr. 1796 Gateshead near Newcastle. 2 Bunches of Corf Rods Bought of John Whinfield & Co. CAST IRON & BRASS FOUNDERS. 22 flash Barrs – – – – 13..1..14 2 do. Bearers – – – 2..3.. 7 16..0..21 c 10/ 6 – – 8..9..11 1 Firedoor frame – – – – – – – 3..3..24 c 12/- – – 2..7.. 7 1 Damper Plate – – – 2..0.. 3 2 do. Slides – – – – 2..1..15 4..1..18 c 16/- – – 3..10..7 2 Flooring Plates – – – – – – – 5..3.. 9 c 14/- – – 4.. 1..7½ £18.. 9..8½

PROPOSALS, For MAINTAINING EAST BENTON WAGGONWAY, Wat-3-4- p12, p13 by James & Richard FORSTER,4 May 1798

[Wat-3-4-p12] 12. [Wat-3-4-p12a] 12a. Proposals for keeping in Repair East Benton Proposal for Keeping Waggon way & Waggons for the use of Messrs. in repair East Benton Bells Brown & Co. – – – – – – – – – – Waggon Way & Waggons 1st. We Propose to take the above Waggon way and May 4th. 1798 Waggons to keep in Repair, by the week at Three Pounds Pr. Week. & to have a House & Fireing for a Waggon Wright – – – – – – – – – – 2 We Propose to keep in repair Cutts & Batteries not Exceeding two foot, waggon way gates and Posts, and Ash the Run, to be Allowed House & Fireing for a person to attend the Run – – – 3 If any Part of the Waggon way or Waggons be Unoccupied 13 weeks, to be paid for Repairing the same 4 This Agreement to be for 3 years, & 3 Months Notice to be given; – – – – – – – – – – May 4th. 1798 James & Richd. Forster

[Wat-3-4-p13] 13. [Wat-3-4-p13a] 13a. Proposals for keeping in Repair the Waggon Proposal for Keeping way & Waggons at Biggs Main Collry. for the in repair the Waggon use of Messrs.Bells Brown & Co. – – – – – – way & Waggons at Biggs 1st. We Propose to find all Materials workman- Main Colly. May 4th. ship & Smith work &c. for the above Waggon 1798 & Waggons at 3s/ 2d. Pr. Ten from the B Pit Copied & 3s/- Pr. Ten from the C Pit 2 We Propose to keep in Repair Waggon way gates & gate Posts, Clean gutters, Ballast the waggon Way, &c. the Owners to find horses &c. 3 If any Part of the Waggon way or Waggons be Unoccupied 13 weeks, to be paid for Repairing the Owners – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 4 To be found Houses & Fireing for 2 Men – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 5 To be Paid 1s/ 8d. Pr. Ten for All Coals led from Willington Collry. To Biggs Main Staiths, & 1s/ 8d. Pr. Ten for All Ballast Waggon work. May 4th. 1798 James & Richd. Forster Term to be Twelve Months from May 1st.

PROPOSAL, to TAKE 2 BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY ENGINES For Wat-3-4- p14 12 Months,by John STOKER,3 Oct 1799

[Wat-3-4-p14] 14. [Wat-3-4-p14a] 14a. October 3d. 1799 Octr. 3d. 1799 14 . Jno. Stoker Proposes taking the 2 Main Engines Jno. Stoker Proposal at Biggs Main Collry. for the Term of Twelve for taking the two Calender Months – to find Engine Wrights Plugmen Main Engines at Bigges Firemen. leather Oyl Candles &c. Main Colly. for a Term also to Repair Broken Spears in Pit of 12 callendar Months for the Sum of £15..5..0 Pr. for Freight The Owners to find the above Engine men with houses & fire

LETTER, Mr. BARNES to John WATSON, Re-HEATON STOWING COALS UNDERGROUND Wat-3-4- p15 at BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, 22 Sep 1800

[Wat-3-4-p15] 15. [Left [Wat-3-4-p15a] 15a. [W. ?] Newcastle Septr. 22nd. 1800. 16 – 24 [calculation] Copy of a Letter from Dear Sir, 16 – 24 [cont.] Mr. Barnes to Mr. It has occurred to me more than once that 25 – 25 16 – 24 Watson the Heaton Owners ought to be allowed to to stow 25 – 25 [16] – 24 22nd. Septr. 1800 any Kirvings or Small Coals underground while working 52 98 20 – 20 in Bigges Main Liberty except Hitch Coals – I hope 2¼ 20 – 20 [Below Text Transverse] you will see the propriety of this clause as it would 196 88 Mr. John Watson be a shame to leave underground any of the clean 24 2¼ Coal Viewer part of so good a Seam – I trust therefore it will 220 176 Bigges Main Colliery not be too late for you to get this clause inserted as 280 22 NEWCASTLE ON TYNE nothing but the confusion occasioned by Illness & 17600 198 some very unexpected business prevented me from 440 [ ? ] [Below Text Transverse] mentioning this Covenant – 67600 [ ? ] Octr. 1st. 1800[ at] M Oxley [5th Lord ] I am Dr. Sir, [ ] 676 [ 96 ] [does not ry] Lady [Sic Carsso ] Yours sincerely [ ]55,440 [ 440] 3 Years from [ ]date – Thos. Barnes

CALCULATIONS & PROPOSAL by, Messrs. JOHNSON, ROW & SMITH LEASE of PIECE of COAL, Wat-3-4- p16 in LITTLE BENTON ESTATE COALS, Sep 1800

[Wat-3-4-p16] 16. [Wat-3-4-p16a] 16a. Calculation of a piece of Coal lying below a dip Trouble September 1800 – to the West of Ten feet on the South West part of Chas. Wm. Messrs. Johnson Row and Smith Lessees of Heaton Colliery Bigge Esqrs. Estate at Little Benton & Intended to be sublet from agrees to take to Lease of Messrs. Bells Brown & Co. Lessees of the Lessees of Little Benton Lessees of Heaton Colliery Bigg’s Main Colliery a piece or parcel of Coal containing 12 Acres acres R. Per. 3 Roods or thereabouts being below a downcast Trouble to the The Total quantity [appears] to be (P. admeast.) – – – 12 .. 3 .. 0 West in the South west part of Chas. Willm. Bigge Esqrs. Deduct for the Barrier to be left along the Boundary 7 .. 3 ..30 Estate at Little Benton on the following Terms – Vizt. – hedge should the Coal be wrot. to Biggs, Main Colliery Term 7 Years to commence 12th. May 1800. 4 .. 3 ..10 Certain yearly Rent 200 £ for 80 Tens of Coals each Ten Total quantity as above – – – – – – – – – – – – – 12 .. 3 .. 0 containing 528 Bolls and each Boll 36 gallons Win- Deduct for the Barrier to be left along the face of the 6 .. 1 .. 0 chester measure. above dip Trouble should the Coal be Lett to the Owners Messrs. Johnson Row and Smith to pay for all Coals of Heaton Colliery – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – that are wrought and exceeding the above yearly quantity 6 .. 2 .. 0 at the rate or Price of 50s/- P. Ten To have liberty to make up their short workings in It appears that 6½ Acres of the above Coal may be wrot. any one year or years of the Term. to Heaton Colliery which reckoning for the first working To have power to determine the Lease at any time 80 Tens P. Acre (each Ten 528 Bolls and each Boll 36 Gall. during the said Term on giving 6 months previous no- Winchester measure) will yield 520 Tens, say at 50s/- tice in Writing provided it is the Opinion of Chas. Willm. P. Ten) that is 25s/- for Biggs Tentale Rent and 25s/- to Bigge Esqr. and Messrs. Bells Brown & Co. or whom they. Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. as being Lessees of Biggs Main £ s d shall appoint that no more Coals can be possibly ob- Colliery) – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1300.. 0..0 tained out and from the said Premises hereby agreed The Coal that will probably be obtained by working to be let, and not otherwise the Walls or pillars in 6½ acres (say 30 Tens P. acre is 195 487..10..0 Should any differences of Opinion arise as to the pro- Tens at 50s/- P. Ten as above – – – – – – – – – – bability that more Coals can be had out and from the 1787..10..0 said Premises such differences to be left to two Viewers one One half of the above sum will be £893..15s..0 d. for each party to be chosen by the said Chas. Willm. Bigge and Messrs. I mean the Lessor & Lessees of Little Benton Colliery – – Bells Brown & Co. and the other by the said Messrs. Johnson

[Wat-3-4-p16b] 16b. [Wat-3-4-p16c] 16c. Row and Smith and in case they should not agree to Septr. 1800 16 . be determined by a third person nominated by the two Proposal from Messrs. Arbitrators. Johnson Row & Co. to Messrs. Johnson Row and Smith their Viewers Agents the Lessees of Bigges Main or Workmen to go by the directions of Chas. Willm. Bigge Esqr. Colliery together with Messrs. Bells Brown & Co. or their Viewers as to the working the Calculation of a piece of the said Coal. of Coal below a dip Tble. Messrs. Johnson Row and Smith agrees to leave a Barrier of Coal at least Sixty Yards in breadth along and against Copied & Exd. the said downcast Trouble to the West so far as it extends in the Grounds of the said Chas. Willm. Bigge Esqr. Messrs. Johnson Row and Smith to be allowed One tenth part of all the Coals wrought for Workmen’s Fire Coal &c. &c. Reference to be made to the agreement now Existing between Messrs. Bells Brown & Co. and Thomas Chas. Bigg[e] Esqr. bearing date the 20th. day of August 1785 for 41 ^ as to the working the said Bigg’s Main Colliery. With all other usual and necessary Covenants –

2 LETTER, Mr. BARNES to John WATSON, Re-WORKING PILLARS in EAST BENTON COLLIERY, Wat-3-4- p17,18 Also, Re-COWPEN COLLIERY PLAN with LINING ERRORS, 2, 10 Dec 1800

[Wat-3-4-p17] 17. [Wat-3-4-p17a] 17a. Decr. 2d. 1800 – To Mr. Barnes Walker Colliery Dr, Sir, Dear Sir, I am very sorry I have not had it in my power to answer your As I find you are now working the East Benton Letters before this morning as I was from home in the former part Pillars to the S.West of the A Pit and above the 8 ft. Dyke & of last week when it came and I have been almost entirely confined have already gone thro’ a considerable part of those [xxxxxx] to my bed ever since my indisposition – I should have waited nearest the Dyke, I suggest for your consideration after <[to have communicated to you what plan I was providg. with > compleating the Pillaring in that quarter, the propriety of < respect to working the pillars west of[ ]Dyke]> filling up the places I have marked on the Plan for the upon you on your arrival at home ^ but I heard you precaution of the West Waggon Road & the North Pillars were so poorly that you were confined to your Room which without delay; for I think it is pretty clear that when I am st sorry is confirmed by the latter part of your letter you begin the West Workings all that you can expect is to have consulted with you that the Creep may not come on until you are about [Below Text Transverse] what in what [xxxxxxuth] Plan as far North as these places, & the Pillaring ought therefore Decr. 2nd. 1800 17 . ought to have be[pursued] be ready in time – If your Opinion coincides with Mr. Barnes’ Letter to in order to obtain the greatest mine in the matter you will of course proceed in the Watson – quantity of Coal by workg. work, if not will you be so good, as to state your objections Copied these Pillars on the West [side] as I am bound on the part of the Lessors to see no Co[al] Mr. Jno. Watson of the [Rise trouble] to west in [lost] by Creep that can be avoided – Bigges Main the A Pit, & what Bords ought to I have received the Drat. of agrt. [xxxx] Between be stow’d up for the safety of the Lessors & Lessees of Bigges Main & the Lessees of Heaton the Pillars in case of a Creep which from the slight perusal I have been able to give ,where we [have already begun] 1 th it seems very fair – I see you have admitted /10 . for coming on ^ of [them ofxxxx] Engine & Workmen’s Coal if they happen to consume that to work them many which I think only reasonable. parts of the Colliery &c. [xxx] I am Dr, Sir, [Below Text I shall just point out to you what we Yours sincerely Transverse] are now doing you will see by your plan J Barnes the said [trouble <[continuing]> P.S. As I am at present a close prisoner of bigger] the Creep that we are ^ [Pillaring] up the Bord Rooms in my Lodging Room I fear it will be some time before was troubled us but [xxxxxx] [Back] I can have the pleasure of seeing you – after considering agt. the said Dyke for abt. 25 to 30 yards [xxx] the [business] more [ ? are ? ] as far as the ? be to ? maturely I am led to which will [ ? of abt. 50 yards ? to the think the bound is which I think you and I were of Opinion too large to [depend upon [this being as] that in all probability would stop any ^ Creep from gett’g. over to the East side of the sd. [of her] to I must confess I had rather abandoned the Idea of [pillar’g.] up those 2 or 3 West Bords So. of the West Waggon Way Bd. from

[Wat-3-4-p18] 18. [Wat-3-4-p18a] 18a. Walker Colliery Decr. 10. 1800. think if the business is well managed it may be got Dear Sir, settled without any mischief but I mention all this It gives me much concern to hear of your in confidence to you & hope until the Lessees have been indisposition for I assure you I have suffered so much able to digest a Plan for the purpose of satisfying both within this last 4 months as to have a strong fellow Mr. Croft & Mr. Hannah’s Exrs. that you will have the feeling for you, I sincerely wish that your confinement goodness to let the matter rest between you & I – [would] ^ be of short duration – In regard to Bigges Main You see the damage is nothing, but if certain I am very strongly of Opinion that the Pillaring you are making mischievous Characters were to get hold of the circum- & intend to make along the West side of the 8 ft. Dyke will stances before an amicable adjustment took place prevent any shake from passing to the East side, which much trouble a vexation might ensue & perhaps is securing one great point; but the great length of the you & I would get our share of it – In fact the Workings above the Dyke from North to South renders it Undertakers ought to suffer the whole damage if very probable that a Creep will begin at the So. End before every person had their due for you see they neither you have got thro’ your North Pillars & take a part of the– know nor care where they work – latter from you, now I think this may easily be prevented – They know nothing however of this matter by filling well the west Boards I mentioned, & I am glad at present neither does John Robson for as I said you mean to do so – before I think it would be extremely imprudent The Bearer will shew you the Plan ^ made from his to extend its communication in the present stage surveys & Linings which I shall be much disposed to of the business – rely upon for accuracy though they represent a part of the I am D. Sir, Yours sincerely North workings a little into the Coal belonging to the J. Barnes representatives of Mr. Hannah and I will explain to you the cause of it. – Upon making the first Lining of Cowpen I desired the Bearer to procure Mr. Johnson’s Plan of the Main Coal Seam which he did & will lay before you to day & the New lining being laid on these workings shewed the [Wat-3-4-p18b] 18b North Headways to be within Mr. Crofts Coal though Decr.10th. 1800 18 . approaching last to Mr. Hannah’s, the Headways was Mr. J. Barnes’s Letter to accordingly Stopt & a new Survey being made of that Mr. Watson. part of the Boundary this headways appeared to be in the situation represented by the New Plan, and you will [Below Text Transverse] see by a bare inspection of Mr. Johnson’s Plan that the Copied & Exd. only cause of all this Error has originated in the Person who begun to lay down the workings using the Polar instead Mr. John Watson. of the magnetic Meridian for As soon as I discovered this Bigges Main. – error I made it known to Mr. J. Surtees who seems to

AGREEMENT, of Robert WATSON, to CORVE BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, for 1801, 22 Dec 1800 Wat-3-4- p19

[Wat-3-4-p19] 19. [Wat-3-4-p19a] 19a. Bigges Main Colliery 22d. Decr. 22d. Decr. 1800 19 . 1800. Rt. Watson’s Agreet. Memorandum of Agreement between Messrs. to Corve Biggs main Bells Brown & Co. & Robt. Watson as follows Colliery for the year Robt. Watson agrees to Corve the different 1801 – – – – – Pits at the above Colliery for 12 Months B pit @ 6d. P. xx from the 1st. of January 1801 – Viz – A Do.@ 5½ Do. The A Pit at 5½ d. P. Score of 24 Peck Corves & The B Do. at 6d. P. do. Three Months Notice to be given by either Party in dissolving this agreement Every case to be taken to remedy the breaking of the Corves at the A Pit. For Bells Brown & Co. J. Potts Rob Watson 4½ Witness 56 Robt. Pearson 5.10½

PROPOSALS, For MAINTAINING BIGGES MAIN WAGGONWAY, by Richard FORSTER, 24 Dec 1800 Wat-3-4- p20

[Wat-3-4-p20] 20. [Wat-3-4-p20a] 20a. Proposals for finding materials and keeping in Proposal for finding Repair Biggs Main Waggon Way & Waggs. – for the use Materials & Keeping of Messrs. Bells Brown & Co. – in Repair Bigges Main 1st. I propose to take the above Waggn.-Way & Waggs. to Waggon Way & Waggons keep in Repair by the [ten] of 22 Waggs. to the Ten, Decr. 24th. 1800 at 3s. Pr. Ten from the A Pit 3/ 4s. Pr. Ten from the B & C Pitts & 2s. Pr. Ten for All Willington Coals Copd. & Exd. Led to Biggs Main Staith – – – – – – – – 2nd. I propose to find Workmanship and all Materials Smith work &c. Included in the above Price 3rd. To be Paid 2s./ Pr. Ten for all Ballast Waggon Leadings at 33 Waggons to the ten – – – – – – – – – – 4th. I Propose to keep in Repair Cutts & Batterys not Exceeding 2 foot Waggon Way Gates & Posts and ash the Run – – – – – – – – – – 5th. If any Part of the Waggon Way or Waggons be Unoccupied 13 Weeks to be Repaired at the Owners Expence 6th. The Undertaker to be found with 3 houses and Fireing for the People Imployed in the Waggon Way &c. and to be Allowed Horses to Ballast the Waggon Way Lead Wood &c. for the use of the Work To be Paid 2s/ 6 d. Pr. Day when Working Days works

Decmr. 24th. 1800 Richd. Forster

VALUATIONS, of EAST BENTON & BIGGES MAIN COLLIERIES, 1799-1806 Wat-3-4- p21, 22

[Wat-3-4-p21] 21. 21 . East Benton Colliery Stock [from] 1799, 1806

[

[Wat-3-4-p21b] 21b. 102820 14774 ) 102820 ) 69595 14774 88644 ) 280 141760 132966 . 87940 6959.50 73870 10 [P cent visgen] 140700 132966 Risque 10 £ P. [ ] 102820 .77340 69595 10282 73870 6959 8 ) 92538 62636 11566 3 ) 93000 16 ) 187908 ) 71 11625 16 93000 27 Rosque 10 P Cent 9300 16 8 ) 83700 1.4774 ) 83700.000 ) 56653 10462 yearly annuity 738700 13500 16 16 . 98300 15 8000 8000 88644 8 )1st.8000 )1st.8000 42700 .96[5]60 42666 42700 25 88644 24 26 213500 . 79260 17[ ]664 256200 85400 73870 85332 82700 10675.00 [73900] 10239.84 1083200 72700 56653 3 16 ) 169959 ) 10622 1600 . . 99 96 . 35 32 [34] at

[Wat-3-4-p22] 22. Estimate of [Below Text Transverse] Estimates of the Value of Biggs 22 . Main Colliery June 1801 – Copied & Exd.

[Wat-3-4-p22a] 22a. [Wat-3-4-p22b] 22b. Estimate of the Value of Biggs Main Colliery the said Colliery hereby demised. property of Messrs. Bells Brown & Johnson June 1801 Lessees to pay Rent in proportion provided the Colliery hereby Heads of Indenture of Lease from Messrs. Collingwood & others demised shall be deemed a current going Colliery before 12th. of May 1787. to Messrs. Bells Brown & Johnson of East Benton Colliery in Nor- To work the Colliery in a fair Orderly manner. thumberland. To give Lessors a just account of the Quantity of Coal wrought & Term 41 Years from 12th. of May 1785 vended monthly if requested. Certain Yearly Rent after the 12th. day of May 1787 is 600 £ for Lessors may inspect Overmen and Staithmens Books of Accompts 480 Tens of Coals reckoning 528 Bolls to a ten payable at two days May keep Clerks at their own proper cost to take an accot. of the Workings &c. or times in the year (ie.) the 22d. of November and the 12th day of May May gauge the Waggons or other Carriages at the Pits. in each Year by equall portions the first payment to begin and be made May stop Waggons or other carriages carrying over measure till reduced on the 22d. day of November 1787. to a proper gauge. A further Rent of One pound five shillings P. ten on Coals May descend the Pits to examine the Workings. wrought and led above the quantity of 480 Tens in One Year to be paid Lessees covenant to deliver up quiet and peaceable possession at the expitati[on] as above with liberty to make up Shorts. or sooner determination of this demise Lessees may drive Outstroke Drifts into any adjoining Colliery Liberty to make up Shorts. and draw the Coals won & wrought by Virtue of such outstroke to To fill up & level the Ground &c. if requested. bank at the pitts of the Colliery hereby demised in case the Owner or Lessors covenant for peaceable enjoyment Owners of such adjoining Colliery or Collieries and also the Owner or Lessees may lead away all Materials within 12 months after the expiration owners of the Lands and Grounds where such Pit or Pits shall of this Lease. thereto consent but not otherwise. To pay no rent for Workmen’s Coals or a proportionable part of Coals To pay 2s/ 6d. P. ten Rent for all Coals ^wrought out of any adjoining consumed by the Fire Engine for drawing of Water. Colliery and drawn to bank at the Pit’s of such adjoining Colliery Lessees may use Waggons of any size about 21 Bolls. A further Rent of 2s/6d. P. ten for all Coals so wrought out of any adjoining To give Lessors 3 months notice on a altering the size of the Waggons. Colliery and drawn to bank at the Pits of the Colliery hereby demised. If obstructed from working for 3 months together to pay no rent during such Tentale rent to be paid on the 12th. day of May for overleadings in the obstruction on giving 3 months notice. preceeding Year May determine this demise on giving 12 Months Notice. Lessees pay Taxes. Damage of Ground to be settled by two indifferent Persons Lessees to expend 6000 £ at the least in prosecuting the winning of

[Wat-3-4-p22c] 22c. [Wat-3-4-p22d] 22d. Heads of Indenture of Lease from Thos. Chas. Bigge Esquire To leave a Barrier of Coal of 60 Yards against all adjoining to Messrs. Bells Brown & Johnson of Little Benton Colliery in Northumbd. Collieries except the Colliery of Edwd. Collingwood Esqr. & Partners. Term 41 Years from 12th. of May 1785. Lessor or his Tenants to have all Manure bred on the Grounds One Pound five shillings rent P. ten to be paid for all Coals wrot. at Little Benton at 8 d. Pr. Fother provided such Manure be not used by during the first 3 yrs. of the Term. Lessees for their present Farm. Certain Rent after the first 3 years 200 £ in lieu of 160 Tens Lessees not to sell any Manure bred on the Grounds of Lessor at of Coals for the 4th. Year. Little Benton without his consent had in writing. 300 £ for the 5th. Year in lieu of 240 Tens of Coals Workmen and machine Coals to pay no Rent unless the exceed 400 £ for the 6th. Year in lieu of 320 Tens of Coals 30 Tenns. 600 £ for the 7th.Yand every succeeding Year of the Term in Ten 528 Bolls. lieu of 480 Tens of Coals Lessees may Determine present Lease on giving 12 months First payment to be made on the 22d. of Novr. 1788. Notice in Writing. A further Rent of One Pound five shillings P. ten for Coals wrought and vended after the first 3 years more than the respective Quantities allowed in each succeeding Year. Liberty to drive One or more Outstroke drifts into the adjoining Colly. of Edwd. Collingwood Esqr. & Partrs. if they consent thereto. Five shillings P. ten for Coals wrought out of East Benton liberty by Virtue of such Outstroke Drifts & Drawn to bank at the Pit in Little Benton liberty & Led over Mr. Biggs Grounds there. Lessor to have 100 Fothers of the best Coals Annually. The certain Rent of 600 £ to be paid for the 4th. year of this Term instead of 200 £ provided the Colliery shall become a current going Colliery before the 12th. of May 1788 and 160 Tens of Coals be wrought in any one year previous thereto. To sink only One Pit & erect only one Fire Engine for Drawing the Coals.

[Wat-3-4-p20e] 22e. [Wat-3-4-p20f] 22f. Heads of Indenture of Lease of Way leave Over Grounds at Heads of Indenture of Lease of a piece Ground situate Walls End in Northumberland. near Walker Spouts. The Dean & Chapter of Durham to Bells Brown & Johnson Term 21 Years from 29th. day of September 1792 Term 21 Years from 20th. day of Novr. 1791. Rent One Pound five Shillings P. Annum. Rent 200 £ P. Annum payable at two days or times in the year (i.e.) on the 28th. day of March & the 28th. day of September by even & equal portions the first payment to begin & be made on the 28th. of September 1792. Lessees may determine this Lease on giving 12 Months notice in Writing.

Ground Rent of Byker Hill Houses £6..18..0 P. Annm. Do. of Houses built on Walls’end Estate £2..2..0 Yearly Rent of Biggs Main Ongate 9 £. Agency to Ward & Brown 50 £ P. Annm. Keels 20,735 Sea vend in 1798 Spout 5,400 26,135

Keels 23,252 1799 Spout 6,740 29,992

Keels 27,525 1800 Spout 9,111 36,636

[Wat-3-4-p22g] 22g. Estimate of the Expence of Laying a Chaldron of Coals upon the Staith from Bigg’s Main Colliery for the Term of Eight years Vizt., Upon a Vend of 30,000 Chas. annually for the first 5 years and upon a Vend of 20,000 Chas. Annually for the last 3 years. Vend of Vend of 30,000 Chs. 20,000 Chs. £ s. d. £ s. d. x Hewing P. score with a 24 peck Corf upon a mean – – – – 2 9 – 2 9 x Putting upon a Mean – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 5 9½ – 5 9½ Keeping Trap doors – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 6¾ – – 6¾ x Overmen deputies and Keekers wages, drawing props ✓ laying Barrowways, ridding stones in the workings cutting – – 11½ – – 11½ sumps pumping and leading water – – – – – – – – – x Oil, Wick, Candles, Grease, Fire Lamp Keepers and Lamp – 1 – – 1 – Lighters – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – x Cranemen, Onsetters at Crane and Shaft – – – – – – – – – 4 – – 4 x Driving keads. Holing Walls, Wett, Double and narrow working, driving and Boring the Bounder drifts – – 5½ – – 1½ adjoining the Waste of Old Benton, turning Bords cutting Levels, putting thro’ hitches and troubles – – – x Keeping Pit Shafts and Gins in repair – – – – – – – – – – – 1½ – – 1½ Sawing Timber and sundry other labouring work – – – – – 1 2 – – 10 x Building Stoppings including Bricks & Lime and shift – – 4¼ – – 3¾ work in the Waste – – – – – – – – – – – – – – x Pillaring up Bords in different places so as to make a ✓ Barrier to prevent the Creep injuring the remaining – 2 4 – 2 4 ✓ part of the Pillars, ridding across Bord rooms and / making the Barrow ways ready – – – – – – – – – / Planks, deals, Props, Barrowways stuff Brattices and – 2 1 – 1 10¾ / other Timber – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – x Smith work (including Iron) Sharping, Sledge shoes x Trams, Underground Waggons and Waggon Way plates – – 11 – – 11 x Mauls, Wedges Shovel Irons, Hooks and Chains, Trace x Chains, Corf Bows & Nails for every purpose – – – – x Wright work (including Timber) for Underground x Waggons and Keeping in repair Sledges, Trams, Shovel – – 3 – – 3 x Bords Maul shafts and Hamesticks – – – – – – – – – x Drawing Coals by Machines – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 – – 1 – x Sledge out the Coals (including Man & horse) – – – – – – – 8¼ – – 8¼ Carrd. Over – – – – – £. 1 0 9¼ 19 10½

[Wat-3-4-p22h] 22h. £ s. d. £ s. d. Brout. Over – – 1 0 9¼ 19 10½ Corving exclusive of Corf Bows – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 7 – – 7 Wailing, Shovelling the Heapstead attending Screens, shovels – 1 – – 1 – Snaps and Barrows – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ✓ Binding and removing Pitmen, their Fire Coal &c. – – – – – – – 11 – – 11 ✓ Ropes – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10¼ – – 10¼ Viewers and Agents salaries with office expences – – – – – – – 5 – – 7¼ ✓ Surgery & substance to the sick and maimed Pitmen – – 2 – – 2 during their [Hnys] – – – – – – – – – – – – – Loss by finding Pitmens Bread Corn – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3½ – – 3½ ✓ A Moiety for drawing Gateshead Park Colliery water – – – – – – 2¼ – – 3½ Pillaring up Wall Rooms after the Judds are taken of the – – 3¼ – – 3 wall ends – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Cutting thro’ top Coal, Greasing Waggon Way & Banks- – – 3¼ – – 3¼ mens waiting on money – – – – – – – – – – – – – Lamp Coals cleaning out the Rings in shaft attending – – 1¾ – – 1¾ air Tubes &c. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Contingencies unforeseen – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1½ – – 1½ – P. Score – £. 1 6 0 1 5 4½

✓ Which will be P Chaldron – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10 4¾ – 10 2 ✓ Keeping Fire Engines – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 11¾ – 1 5½ ✓ Leading upon an Average – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10¼ – – 10¼ Waggon Ways and Waggons – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3 – – 3 Colliery Rent – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 1½ – 1 1½ Wayleave Rent and Staith Room with all Taxes & Cesses – – – – 2¾ – – 4 Damage of Ground – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0¾ – – 1 Loss by small Coals – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 2 – – 2 Repairing buildings including materials – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 – – 1¼ Fittage &c. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 7¾ – – 7¾ Staith charges including Staithmen, Offputters, Turn- rails, Wailers, Trimmers, Shovels, Barrows, repairing and – – 2½ – – 3¾ upholding Staith and Spouts – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 15 0 15 6

[Wat-3-4-p22i] 22i. Bigg’s Main Colliery June 1801. At the request of Mattw. Bell and Willm. Brown Esqr. I have to the best of my judgement calculated the probable expence the Coals will cost laying on board of ship at the Staith P. Chaldron upon two separate quantities, Vizt. , Upon a Vend of 30 and 20 Thousand Chaldrons annually as also what quantity of Coal can possibly be obtained from out of this Colliery in order to ascertain the Value therefore present Cash.

It appears by admeasurement that there is yet to work Scores of 24 about 52 Acres of Whole Mine (exclusive of Barriers that peck corves are left against adjoining Collieries) which reckoning 28981 at 80 Tens P. Acre (reckoning and accounting 418 Bolls to a Ten) will produce – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – And 318. Acres of Walls or Pillars at 35 Tens P. acre as above 77539 106520

It will require 15000 Score of 24 peck corves to be wrought Annually to make a Vend of 30,000 Chaldrons of Coals fitf scores or the London Market which in all probability may be 75000 obtained the first 5 years the Colliery has to go from this time, which will require – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Say 20,000 Chas. Vended annually the last 3 years which on account of the Mine being at that time nearly exhaust- 31520 ted will be all that can possibly obtained which will require for the three years vend. – – – – – – – – – – – 106520

From the above statement it appears that the Mine will entirely be wrought out of this Colliery in the course of 8 years according to the above Vends. Having thus shewing the quantity of Coal that will probably be obtained and the duration of the Colliery I shall now endeavour to shew the Annual profits that may probably arise from a Vend of the before mentioned quantities Vizt. 30,000 Chas. Annually for the first 5 years and 20,000 Chas. Annually the last 3 years provided the different articles can be procured at the prices hereafter specified. Vizt. Hay P. Ten £4 – Iron P. Ten £32 – Oats P. Boll 7s/- Rye for supplying the Pitmen with Bread Corn 12s/ 6d. P. Boll, Oil P. Gall: 3s/- and square Timber at 2s/ 2d. P. foot; and allowing that the Coals are sold to the Ship Owners during the above time of 8 years at 24s/- the Newcastle Chaldron upon which prices I have made the Estimates & following calculation from Vizt.

£ [Wat-3-4-p22j] 22j. 1st. year, Upon a Vend of 30,000 Chas. @ 24s/- P. will amount to 36000.. – Dedt. The Cost of Laying 30,000 Chas. upon the Staith 22500.. – 13500.. – at 15s/- P. as P. Estimate – – – – – – – – – 2d. Year – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – as above – – – – – – 13500.. – 3d. do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – as do. – – – – – – – 13500.. – 4th. do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – as do. – – – – – – – 13500.. – 5th. do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – as do. – – – – – – – 13500.. – 6th. do. Upon a Vend of 20,000 Chas. @ 24s/- P. will amount to 24000.. – Dedt. The Cost of Laying 20,000 Chas. upon the Staith 15500.. – 8500.. – at 15s/- P. as P. Estimate – – – – – – – – – 7th.Year – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – as above – – – – – – 8500.. – 8th. do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – as do. – – – – – – – 8500.. – Total amount of the supposed Profitt – – – – – £. 93000.. –

Having thus shewing the Profitt that may probably arise I shall next state what the Value of the Colliery may be in present Cash £ s.d. Value of the Moveable stock – – – – £ – – – – – – – – – 18900.. – Dedt. 50 P. Cent from the amount off 14300 – – – of the value of the stock in case it should be 7250 sold at the end of 8 years – – – – – – – £ s.d. Debts due to sundries – – – – – – – – – – – – 4420 11670.. – 7320.. – Interest in the Colliery for 8 years as above – – – – – – – – – – – – 93000.. – – do. – in the Lease of a piece of Coal Let to the Owners of Heaton Colly. 700.. – Cash due from sundries – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1890.. – Total amount of the Value of the Colliery £. 102820.. –

According to the above statement the Value of the Colliery in present Cash will be (allowing 15 £ P. Cent P. Annum at Compound Interest and return of ths purchase money in the course of the 8 years – – – £5363[1] ³/16 . of which will amount to 10035 £ the Value of the share which Mr. Johnson holds in the above Colliery, Altho’ I should not recommend to give more than 8000 £ ^ when the risqué in working Collieries – – – and the present situation of Biggs Main Colliery is considered. – J. Watson

[Wat-3-4-p22k] 22k. A Second Calculation of the Value of Bigg’s Main Colliery allowing a purchaser £10 P. Cent P. Ann. Intent upon the purchase money

The Coal remaining in the above Colliery is calculated to last 8 Years and the Total profits that may probably arise in the course of that time as calculated to amount to £93000. – which makes the Annual profit to Amount to £11625. upon an Average. Therefore. Years Qr. mo: £ s. d. The above annuity for eight years is worth 5 .. 1 .. 1 purchase atl- 61998.. 6..8 lowing Interest upon the purchase money at the rate of £10 P. Cent P. An. Using Stock, such as Hay, Corn, Horses, Iron &c. – – – – – – – – – 4400.. – .. – The Value of the remaining stock such as Engines, Machines Waggon Way Waggons &c. &c. amounts to P. Valuation to £14500 but when the said Stock comes to be sold at the termination of the Colliery in all probability it will only bring half of the above value 4883..15..8 which will be £7250.. – therefore the present worth of it ^ allowing purchaser £5 P. Cent P. Annum Compound Interest upon the purchase money. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – The Interest in a piece of Coal sublet to the Owners of Heaton Years Colliery for the term of 7 years at £100 P. Ann. which is worth 4..3..2 486..13..4 14 /10 mon: purchase, at £10 P. Cent P. Annum – – – – – – – – – Total Value of the Colliery £. 71768..15..8 £ s. d. Debts due to sundry Tradesmen &c. – – – – – – – – – – 4420..0..0 – – – due from sundries – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1890..0..0 2530.. 0..0 Neat Value – – – £. 69238..15..8 s. d. s. d. ths r ³/16 . of £69238..15..8 is = to £12982..5..5 being the share which M . Johnson holds in Biggs Main Colliery – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

[Wat-3-4-p22l] 22l. [So] from the Value – – – – Sinking Pits – – – – – – – – – – 0..0..0 Erecting Machines or Engines – – 0..0..0

£ s. d. ths ³/16 . of 69238..15..8 3 £ s. d. 16 ) 207716.. 7..0 ( 12982..5..5 Mr. Johnson share 16 47 32 157 144 131 128 36 32 4 20 87 80 7 12 84 80 4

[0`]6736249 present worth of £1 payable at the end of 8 years 7250 Value of the stock at the edge of 8 years 336812450 13472489 47153743 `4883.7805250 Minutes of the Conditions of Sale of Mr. Johnson share of Biggs Main Colliery held at Turners Newcastle 1801. The present Mortgage which Messrs. Featherstonhaugh & Co. has upon the sd. Colliery to the amount of £5899.. – to be paid off at £1000 Annually with the Interest at the Rate of £5 P. Cent P. Annum upon the Sum remaining unpaid each year untill the whole is liquidated. The Purchaser to pay a deposit of £10 P. Cent upon the purchase money on the day of sale. The Purchaser to be put in possession on the 17th. day of September on paying the remaining part of the purchase money. (not sold) conditions of sale dated March 21st. 1801 –

WORKING EXPENCE of, BIGGES MAIN & WILLINGTON COLLIERIES’, Wat-3-4- p23 BALLAST ENGINE, 1 June 1797- 31 Dec1801,

[Wat-3-4-p23] 23. [Wat-3-4-p23a] 23a. Willington & Bigg’s Main Ballast Waggon Engine Ballast Waggon 23 . &c. Work for 5 Years as under (Viz) Engine &c. work Willington Biggs main for 5 Years from £ sh d £ sh d June 1st. 1797 to & with 1797 – – 26 7 11½ 4 17 9½ 31st. decmr. 1801 – – 1798 – – 20 2 2 5 11 – 1799 – – 21 5 – ½ 5 5 3 1800 – – 21 12 5½ 5 10 8 1801 – – 24 12 8 7 5 6 113 15 3½ 28 10 2½

5 ) 113..15..3½ 5 ) 28..10..2½ 22..15..0½ average for 5..14..0½ average for Willington for Years Biggs main – – – –

3 LETTER Between, Humphrey JEFFREY, John WATSON, Re- CLAIM Wat-3-4- p24-26 AGAINST Messrs. BELLS, BROWN & Co, 18, 27,28 Nov 1802

[Wat-3-4-p24] 24. [Wat-3-4-p24a] 24a. Sir, 24 . I will see my Solicitor as soon as possible Nov 18. 1802 and get him to fix a day & hour for meeting at Mr. Clayton’s office, of which I will give you the earliest [Below Text Transverse] information, and am Sir Mr. John Watson Your obedt. Servt. Willington Newcastle Novr. 28th. 1802 Humy: Jeffreys

[Wat-3-4-p25] 25. [Wat-3-4-p25a] 25a. Copy of letter sent to Mr. Jeffreys on Sunday Novembr. 28th. 1802 25 . Nov 28. 1802 Sir, Mr. Jeffreys Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Proprietors of Biggs Main N.Castle Colliery being equally desirous with yourself of having any Accot. that they have with you settled, has given me orders accordingly – Therefore in order that we may be enabled to know upon what Grounds you make your claim which you state to have them, shall be glad to meet you with your solicitor (if you think proper to have one) at Mr. Clayton’s Office, in N.Castle any day and hour that you will appoint after Tuesday first. I am for Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Your obedt. Servt. Willington John Watson Novembr. 28th. 1802

[Wat-3-4-p26] 26. [Wat-3-4-p26a] 26a. Newcastle Novr. 27th. 1802 Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Gentn., East Benton Colliery I must beg leave to request once more that some reply may be made to the Letters I [Below Text Transverse] have sent you, and am under the necessity of observing 26 . that if I do not receive it, in the course of a few days Nov 27. 1802 I shall consider it necessary to adopt other means for bringing my claim on you into a train of being adjusted – I am Gentn. Your very obedt. Servt. Humy. Jeffreys

ACCOUNTS, & SUNDRY EXPENCES For BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, No Date. Wat-3-4- p27

[Wat-3-4-p27] 27. ✓ Planks Deals & other Timber say 2s/- P foot – £1300 – – ✓ Props Barroway stuff – – – – – – – – – – 250 – – 1550 ✓ Damage of Ground – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 47.2 ✓ Binding Pitmen & Exps. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 291.0 ✓ Ropes – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 650.0 ✓ Nails – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 142.0 ✓ Candles £231. Grease 66 £ Wick £5 – – – – – – – – – 302.0 ✓ Oats 7500 Bolls @ 7/ 0 ✓ Rye 1700 Bolls @ 12s/ 6 ✓ Surgery 110 £ [Smart] money 26 £ ✓ Hay 480 Tons at 4 £ P. __ allowing ea. Horse 4 Ton P. An. ✓ Agency &c. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 320 ✓ Oil 1900 Galls. at 3s/- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ✓ Gateshead Park Colly. water P. An. – – – – – – – – – £ 150 ✓ Metal work P. An. – say – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 170 ✓ Plumber work – say – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 120 ✓ [Horse Medicines – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 33 Beech Rails – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 70 ✓ Iron, Boiler Plate &c. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 80 Cesses, Taxes, Poor rates &c. – – – – – – – – – – – £ 188 ✓ Sadlery Goods – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 80 ✓ Leather – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 7 Granary Rent in N.Castle – – – – – – – – – – – – – £ 50 Cash Borrowed ✓ Contingent Bill for pillaring up Bord Rooms & riddings £1820 ✓ across Bord Room – say P. fortnight 70 £ – – – – –

Rents [Fold>] [Wat-3-4-p27a] 27a. Chas. W. Bigge Esqr. £ Edwd. Collingwood Esqr. Bounder drift (say 200yards P. year for 5 years @ 2s/- – – – – – 20.. 0.. 0 Dean & Chapter Durham [Noring] – – – – – – – – – – 626 yards @ 5d. – – – – – – 13.. 0..10 Corporation of N.Castle Holing walls 96 yards P. fortnight – – P. year – – – – – – – – 104.. 0.. 0 Sir Jno. Lawson for Byker hill houses – £ s d Debts. Due to sundries at this Time viz to Tradesmen & Cash bord. at [net] Wet 5s/- Under top 5s/- Ramble & Double 2.7.0 P. fort P. year – – 187.. 4.. 0 Value of stock at xxmas & the reduction of it since < P. year> Interest in the Lease of a piece of Coal Let to Heaton Colly. Owners turning Bords [6 7s/-]^ forthy. Thro’ [ofbles] &c. 12s/- P. fort P. year 15..18.. 0 say 70 Underground horses upon a mean to put 15000 scores £. 227.. 0..10 annually. £ 340.. 2.. Keeping Trapdoors P. fortnight 17 £ Buldg. Stoppings 4 at 2s/ 3d. or 9s/- Bricks & Lime 10s/- or 2 – – – 63..14.. 0 Overmen & deputies wages (say 3 drifts 2 in the Broken &[ I in the whole] Waistemen P. fortnight 7..16 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 202..16.. 0 mine - In Broken 2 Overmen & 6 deputies – – – £10.. 8.. 0 £ 266..10.. 0 whole – 1 do. – & 2 do. – – – – 3..18.. 0 Smith work upon a £21 P. fortnight Nails 142 P. year 3 Keekers – – – – – – – – – 3.. 3.. 0 attendance Sunday mons. – – – – – – 0..12.. 0 Sledging out 3d. & Sledge horse keeping 4¾ d. 4000 props P. fortnight in broken @ 3d. P. 8.. 6.. 8 Binding £291 Fire Coals 1320 Chas. at 6s/- £ 400 do. in whole @ [ ¾ ] – – – – – 1.. 5.. 0 Cutting thro’ top Coal 2 £ P. fortnight, Greasing W.Ways 91.0 year 2 Lads [leadig.] water at 5d. P. day – – 0.. 9.. 2 Bankesmens waiting on money & [add] £2.1.0 P. fort. £ s laying B. Ways & Ridding stowed say – 1.. 4.. 0 Lamp Coals & 31s/- – [Cleaning Rags] 8s/- attending ait Tubes &c. 2.2 P. Fortt. 29.. 5..10 Sawg. Timber & sundry Labouring work P. fortnight 34 £ 73 Gal of Oil P. fortnight Leadg. 9½ and 11s. Colly. Rent 25s/- P. Ten (528 Bolls) Wicks P. year £5.. 3s. 9½ Wayleave Rent – – £133.. 6..8 Five Lamp Keepers 6 at 10/ 6 P. week (20½ Byker hill houses – – 6..18..0 Oil Lamp Keepers wages P. fortnight £82..4 10. ¼ houses at Walls end – 2.. 2..0 Candles 15 dozn. do. @ 9/ 6 Ongate – – – – – – 9.. 0..0 Grease P. fortnt. 46s./- Staith house – – – – 1.. 5..0 s. Granary – – – – – – 5.. 0..0 3 Crane men wages – 55 157..11..8 3 Onsetters at do. – – 55 188.. 0..0 3 do. at shop – – 82..6 345..11..8 [Greasing] Axletrees – 11..0 203..6

[Wat-3-4-p27b] 27b. Waiting 30 £ Drawing Brakemen 1½ d. Fireman &c. 2½ , Coals 1½ Cha 7d. Wear & Tear 1d. Wright work d. £ s £ Keeping Fire engines £17..6 d. Coals 29..8..7 Cha. P. day, Repairs 260 P. year Keeping in Repair the Staith 60 £ & attendance Buildings in – do. – – – – 4.5..0 P. fortnight Keeping Shafts in repair & Gins ea. £46 P. an for 2 working & 2 standing @ £10 Horses undergd. – – – Corn 5 Ken ea. – – – – – – – – – £1592..10..6 Hay 4 Ton ea. – – – – – – – – – – 1120.. 0..0 Shoeing – – – – – – – – – – – – 63.. 0..0 11.12 1.1 . Attendance & Farrying – – – – – – 9.. 0 Drays – – – – – – – – – – – – – 33.. 0..0 Drivers – – – – – – – – – – – – 1287.. 0..0 Wear & Tear – – – – – – – – – – 180.. 0..0 Trappings – – – – – – – – – – – 60.. 0..0 4344..10..6 North Expl. 250 £ [Below Text Transverse] do. upholding – 66 310 27 . . Expences of Sundry Materials [for] 2000.0 of Bigges Main Colliery – – Work in waste £6.10 P. fortnight Timber 1000 £ – –

ESTIMATE, Re- Remaining ACRES OF COAL UNDER The HALLS at BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, No Date Wat-3-4- p28

[Wat-3-4-p28] 28. [Wat-3-4-p28a] 28a. 28 . A. R. P. Total Number of Acres Whole Coal remaining under the Halls at Bigges Main Colly. 7 .. 0 .. 30 remaining under the mansion Houses at Bigges Main Colly. –

ACCOUNT, Re- Mr JEFFREYS & BELLS BROWN & Co. Re- BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY Leading, 1796 to 1802 Wat-3-4- p29

[Wat-3-4-p29] 29. [Wat-3-4-p29a] 29a. Mr. Humphrey Jeffeys 29 . To Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Dr. Mr. Humpy. Jeffreys in and £ s. d. with 1796 To 24 Chars. of Coals from Biggs Main Colly. this Year @ 7s/-d. P. 8 8 – £ s. d. Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. 16 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – @ 4 /-. P. 3 4 – 11 12 – 1798 Mar 28. To 1 man 8 Days with Balast Waggon & 2 Horses leading 2 12 – Materials to the Staith – – – – – – – @ 6s/6d. P. Day May 30. To sundry Carpenters taking down Machine – – Vizt. – – – 7½ Day’s – – @ 18d. P. – £ 0..11..3 8 Do. – – – @ 20d. P. – 0..13..4 10 Do. – – – @ 24d. P. – 1.. 0..0 9 Do. – – – @ 26d. P. – 0..19..6 8 Do. – – – @ 36d. P. – 1.. 0..0 4 4 1 To 1 man 3½ days with Ballast Waggon & 2 Horses leading 1 2 9 7 18 10 Materials from the Pit to Store House – – @ 6/ 6 P. Day – 1799 To 8 Chs. of Coals this Year – – – – – – – – @ 8s/-d. P. 3 4 – 136 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 5 /- P. 34 – – 37 4 – 1800 To 88 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 6 /- P. 26 8 – 1801 To 10 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – do. 3 – – 1802 To 16 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – do. 4 16 – £ 90 18 10

PLAN, Re- C PIT, BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, Incomplete No Date, Wat-3-4- p30

[Wat-3-4-p30] 30. [Wat-3-4-p30a] 30a. 30 . Section of a Part of the C Pit Bigges Main Colly.

[Text on Plan Opposite] West.

So. No. C Pit Biggs Main East.

ACCOUNT, Re- Mr JEFFREYS & BELLS BROWN & Co. Re-WILLINGTON Wat-3-4-p31 COLLIERY Leading, 1799 to 1802

[Wat-3-4-p31] 31. Mr. Humpy. Jeffeys To Matt. Bells, Esqr. & Co. ---- - Dr.---- £ s. d. 1799 To 8 Chas. of Coals from Willington Colliery this Year @ 5s/-d. P. – – – 2 – – 1800 To 120 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – @ 6 /-. P. £ s. d. 36 – – 1801 To 8 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – @ 9 /-. P. 3 12 – 168 Do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – @ 6 /-. P. 50 8 – 54 – – 1802 To 47 Do. – – – (including Pay [Ito.] 22) – – – – Do. – – – – 14 2 – £ 106 2 –

[Wat-3-4-p31a] 31a. 31 . Mr. Humpy. Jeffreys on accot. with Matt. Bell Esqr. & Co. 1802

NOTE, Re- Robert PATTISON’s BORD LENGTH at BIGGES MAIN Wat-3-4- p32 COLLIERY, No Date,

[Wat-3-4-p32] 32. [Wat-3-4-p32a] 32a. Robert Pattison 32 . You may drive the East Bord 50 yards Length of Bords to go down in the west way where the x was left at Bigges Main Colly. taking great care that the Wall at every holing South does not not exceed 7 yards. The East dble. winning out headways to be stopt but the west 1 to continued 24 yards from the Stenting Lined thro’ The North Bord in the East way which was 23 yards down from the holing South which we Lined thro’ may go about f 12 yards further and then to be stopt. –

PROPOSAL, For JOINERY WORK on BUILDINGS at BYKER HILL, LITTLE Wat-3-4- p33 BENTON COLLIERY, No Date

Exd. [Wat-3-4-p33] 33. Exd. 14 [Wat-3-4-p33a] 33a. A Proposal of Joiner Work to be done at the Buildings of Byker V4 33 . Hill for Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co., East Benton Colliery. s. d. A Proposal of Joiner Roofing P. [Sqr.] – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3.. 0 work to be done at the Flooring P. yard – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0..4½ Buildings at Byker Hill Joisting P yard – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0..2½ for Little Benton Colly. To making door & door frames P. piece – – – – – 3..6 To making Window Frames & Casements P. Piece 3..6 Upper Windows P piece – – – – – – – – – – – 1..8 Lintles P. piece – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0..6 Step Ladders P piece – – – – – – – – – – – – 1..6 Window Shutters hanging & making – – – – – – 1..0 £ s d Or 2 .. 0 .. 0 P. Roo[n] s. d. To Roofing P. Sqr. with sawing Timber – – – – – 0..3..0 To Flooring P. yard – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0..5 To Joisting P. yard – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0..2½ To Windows & Shutters – – – – – – – – – – – 4..0 To Door & Cheeks – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3..0 To Closet door & door frames with Shelving – – – 3..6 To Lintling P. foot – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0..1 To Step Ladders each – – – – – – – – – – – 1..8 –

Or Each House 2 .. 0 .. 0 . .

PLAN, Re- B PIT, BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, No Date, Wat-3-4- p34

[Wat-3-4-p34a] 34a. 34 . Section of a part of Bigges main B Pit

[Text on Plan Below] Biggs Main B Pit N E

[Wat-3-4-p34] 34.

SECTION, of a STEAM PUMPING ENGINE, No Date, Wat-3-4- p35

[Wat-3-4-p35] 35. [Wat-3-4-p35a] 35a. 35 . Plan of an Engine

WEIGHT & VEND SIZE of WILLINGTON & BIGGES MAIN WAGGONS, Wat-3-4- p36 6 May 1803

[Wat-3-4-p36a] 36a. 36 . Weight Measure Vend Size off Willington & Biggs main Waggons May 6th. 1803

Copied & Exd.

[Wat-3-4-p36] 36. Wellington & Biggsmain Wagns. Measured & Weigh’d May 6th. 1803 No. Biggs Main Willington Bolls A Pitt B Pitt Willm. Pit Geo. Pit Engine Pit Cw. qr. lb. Cw. qr. lb. Cw. qr. lb. Cw. qr. lb. Cw. qr. lb. 1 2 1 21 2 2 7 2 1 23 2 1 9 2 2 3 2 2 1 23 2 2 1 2 1 26 2 2 – 2 1 14 3 2 2 4 2 2 – 2 1 20 2 1 17 2 1 19 4 2 1 15 2 1 25 2 1 22 2 1 21 2 1 20 5 2 1 14 2 2 3 2 1 15 2 2 6 2 1 20 6 2 1 23 2 1 23 2 1 25 2 1 23 2 1 21 7 2 1 24 2 2 1 2 1 12 2 1 25 2 1 18 8 2 1 18 2 3 5 2 1 17 2 2 – 2 1 17 9 2 1 16 2 2 10 2 1 22 2 1 26 2 1 12 10 2 1 18 2 2 8 2 1 22 2 1 24 2 1 12 11 2 1 12 2 2 – 2 2 – 2 1 23 2 1 11 12 2 1 15 2 2 2 2 1 27 2 1 26 2 1 16 13 2 1 19 2 1 19 2 1 14 2 2 – 2 1 20 14 2 1 17 2 1 26 2 1 15 2 1 24 2 1 15 15 2 1 21 2 1 21 2 1 15 2 1 21 2 1 16 16 2 1 16 2 1 16 2 1 16 2 1 18 2 1 24 17 2 1 15 2 1 15 2 1 24 2 1 21 2 1 16 18 2 1 19 2 1 23 2 1 18 2 1 15 2 1 14 19 2 1 19 2 1 24 2 1 16 2 1 19 2 1 21 20 2 1 15 2 1 9 2 1 15 2 1 15 2 1 13 21 2 1 9 2 1 1 2 1 8 2 1 12 2 1 18 22 2 1 9 2 1 4 2 1 15 2 1 10 2 1 15 23 2 1 10 2 – 21 2 1 5 2 – 18 2 1 10 24 3 – 3 2 1 19 1 1 4 – – – 2 1 7 58 1 11 59 – 3 26 3 4 55 2 9 57 2 8

Inside Dimensions of the above Waggons as under Feet In Length at the Top – – – 7 .. 6 Do. at the Bottom – – 4 .. 3½ Breadth at the Top – – – 5 .. 4¾ Ditto at the Bottom – – 2 .. 9½ Length at the Middle – – 5 .. 6½ Breadth at Do. – – – – 3 ..10 Height – – – – – – – – 4 .. 1 NB. The Coals were all fill’d in the face off the Heaps

PROPOSAL MEMORANDA, For TAKING CORVING at EAST & LITTLE Wat-3-4- p37 BENTON COLLIERY, 20 June 1803

[Wat-3-4-p37] 37. [Wat-3-4-p37a] 37a. East Benton Colliery 20th. June 1803 37 . Memorandum I propose to take East June 20th. 1803 & Little Benton Colliery by the Score Memorandum to to Corve Vizt. the A & B Pits at 6d. take the Corving at the C Pitt – – – – – – – – a Do. Little Benton Colly. From the Engine Pitt Willington Colliery – – – – – – a 6d. William & Geo. – – – – a 6d. [For] the banksman & Brakeman to take more time Meeting at the A Pitt

PETITION, to Mr WATSON Re- PITMEN’S WAGES, 26 Sept 1803 Wat-3-4- p38

[Wat-3-4-p38] 38. [Wat-3-4-p38a] 38a. To 38 . Sepr. 26th. 1803. Mr. Watson Coal Viewer Honourable Gentlemen we the Coal workmen at Biggs Main wish to Inform you that we wish to have Colliery an advance of price which we hope you will grant the advance which is undermentioned [Below Text Transverse] 6d. per scor for the whole coal and 3d. pence per Sepr. 26th. 1803. scor for the Braking coal and 6d. advance for the Pitmen Petition – wale working 2d. advance for double, ramble, wet & under top coal 6d. advance for driving. – – – – And one Guinea advance for Binding Money. – – and no more at present from your Humble servts.

REPORT with DRAFT, Re-BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, About SECOND WORKING of WALLS & PILLARS Wat-3-4- p39, 40 , By John BUDDLE & John STRAKER, 23 Oct 1803

[Wat-3-4-p39] 39. Oct. 12th. 1803. 39 . Mr. Watson Letter to Mr. Bigg respecting the working the Pillars at Bigges main Colliery – – – –

[For Transcription scan page sides Transposed] [Fold>] [Wat-3-4-p39a] 39a. Sir, a complete second working this your levelling From [some]^ conversation pass’d at Turners on Tuesday last betwixt your Mr. Collingwood which has proved to the [this] ^ attention to have yielded and Mr. Potts respecting what authority we had the greatest possible quantity that could ^ be wished to commence ^ workg. the Walls or Pillars in East to have be expected. – having [nearly?] completed the Benton Colliery. I talk took the Liberty of workg. According to the instructions recommended Inclosing the Enclosed Report to Mr. Collingwood in the Inclosed Report should wish that you and your Partners concerned might ^ appoint some who has returned ^to me ^desiring that I professional Gentleman that will we might consult Communicate the same to you ^ which was call’d together that we might ^ devise some Plan so [certainty] by the particular request ^ if your <[state]> then Agent the late Mr. Barnes which he certainly as [state] to ^ obtain a ^ further quantity of Coal from <(which no man can dispute)> out of your Royalty which [ ] as I have said before agreed with us ^ that the more be [mode] made use of to obtain the greatest quantity of Coal and the will be state of great ^ advantage both to ^Lessor ^[Lesser] be is an advantage both to the Lesser of a Colliery [cross V in Pencil] hoping you will agree with me ^ as above stated and but ^ particularly to the Lessor. – After having the said wishing your acquiescence I remain Sir for Messrs. Bells, Br[ & Co this I beg leave to remark that there has ^ been made Your Obt. Humble Servt. Biggs Main Colly. office John Watson Oct. 12th. 1803.

[Wat-3-4-p40] 40. Bigge’s Main Colliery. Novr. 9th. 1803. – Messrs. Buddle & Straker. Gentn., You are requested by the Lessees of this Colliery to examine the workings made in the same, in the whole Mine, as also what progress has been made in the second working thereof, and after having examined such working of the Walls or Pillars, would you think it adviseable to reduce them further by working them a second ^ over, and if so, whether it will be injurious to the Colliery if a Creep should be brought on by reducing the Walls, and to what Extent.

In compliance with the above request, we have examined a part of the Works in the A Pit, which have been partially wrought in the Walls or Pillars, and fully approve of the method made use of by the Lessees to obtain the same, in which they have completely succeeded according to the most approved methods now practised in the Coal Trade, we have also fully availed ourselves of the use of the Colliery Plan, and having observed the Situation of the remaining Walls or Pillars, we recommend a second working of the same to be attempted and the place most eligible for that purpose; we are of Opinion is the South West extremity of the A Pit Workings; but previous to the commencement of which we recommended as a precautionary measure that the A Pit Shaft, should be secured in the manner, which we have pointed out on the Plan. After this Pillaring round the Shaft is completed we advise that the remaining Pillars should be wrought by holing the Stoppings Walls opposite the ends of the Excavations formed by the workings, which will form Roads or Passages of Communication thro’ the whole Extent of the tract in Question by which the Pillars may be wrought off, in any Way that the nature of existing Circumstances will admit; we further recommend that every eighth Wall should be left entire thro’ its whole Extent from Top to Bottom of the Sheth with a View to preserve the Ventilation in as perfect a State as possible. –

[Wat-3-4-p40a] 40a. Notwithstanding we have recommended the attempt of a second Working of the Pillars; we are fully aware that a Creep will speedly be the consequence, but we are of Opinion that no injury can arise from that circumstan[ce] as its Bounds are limited, and strongly secured by Barriers previously prepare[d] for that purpose; we are not however of Opinion that the consequences of any Creep which may take place in this part, ^ eventually be prejudicial to the welfare of the colliery. – __ S Signed – – Jno. Buddle Junr. Jno. Straker

[Wat-3-4-p40b] 40b. Copied & Exd. 40 . Report of a View made at Bigges Main Colliery Novr. 9th. 1803

2 LETTERS, Between, John WATSON & John STRAKER, Re- WORKING BARRIER at LITTLE BENTON Wat-3-4- p41, 42 COLLIERY, 15 & 19 July 1804

[Wat-3-4-p41] 41. [Wat-3-4-p41a] 41a. Dr. Sir, to meet you. I find by working the Walls in the manner I think you had better give me a line from you you and I fixed at Biggs Main Colliery the Roof continued giving us permission to take off the 30 Yards from the Barrier to keep up I wish to propose it to you that we shall be on the N West part of Little Benton Colliery which may permitted to work them in a different mode provided perhaps come to be Questioned at some future period – it meets approbation, which is, That we go in with best respects I remain I a[m] Dr. Sir at every other headways course and take off the whole of Yours &c. Willington the Coal from the ^ end of each ^ Wall instead of going in to July 15th. 1804 PS. What progress has been made at Gosforth, Our Water in the every headways course & taking the 5 ^ of which which[measure] Engine Pit has fallen a good deal but we do not find that &this will gives us the same proportion of Coal that we are now getting it does in the Old pit we were Opening out By pursuing this mode it will secure to us passages (in case a Creep does not come on in the course of Work’g the Walls the) to return back & on will enable us probably [Wat-3-4-p41a] to bring away the [remains] ^ of the loose wall or Stooks that 41a. July 15th. 1804 41 . may be left. Copy of a Letter from I shall be down the Pit tomorrow morning at Biggs Main Mr.[J] Watson to Mr. therefore if you have a desire to see the situation I shall be glad Straker –

[Wat-3-4-p42] 42. [Wat-3-4-p42a] 42a. Sir, Felling 19th. July 1804. July 19th. 1804 42 . You are fully authorised by me to reduce Mr. Strakers Letter to Mr. the Barrier on the North West part of Little Watson respecting Benton Colliery from its present thick- the Barrier on the N.West ness to 30 yards, taking care at the same- part of the B Pit Little time that the number of yards herein spec- Benton Colliery – ified shall be left entire – You are further Authorised by me to make [Below Text Transverse] the experiment of Working the Walls in the B Mr. John Watson Pit in the manner you proposed in your Letter of the 15th. Instant – For Chas. Wm. Bigge To Mr. Jno. Watson John Straker Bigges Main Colliery

ESTIMATE, Re- REMAINING COAL at BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, 20, 26 Jan, 19, 31 Dec 1804 Wat-3-4- p43-47

[Wat-3-4-p43] 43. Biggs Main Colliery Jany. 26th. 1804. There Remains unwrought under the two Mansion houses at Little Benton about 7 Acres also abt. 1 acre more in different situations surrounding the said houses which together ths makes 8 Acres; therefore allowing that ²/5 . of the whole will be allowed to be wrot. will produce 10320 Chas. In above 10320 Chas. is equal to nearly 470 Tens of 528 Bolls and supposing that Mr. Bigge is allowed 50s/- P. Ten ^will produce to from £1175 – 9000 24 ) 528 / 22 5 48[ ] 5 4[4]000 . 4[ ] 0 2250-0 10 P. Ten Proposal from Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Lessees of Biggs Main Colliery to Chas. Wm. Bigg Esqr. for work taking to working the Coal ^ under the two Mansion Houses at Little Benton ^ [ ? in above held] for working the Coal under Little Benton Estate by [these] Dated for 41 years Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. will give Chas. Wm. Bigg Esqr. P. Ten (each Ten containing 528 Bolls and each Boll 36 Galls. Winchester Measure) for all Coals that may be wrot. within Thirty one yards from either of the Mansion houses at Little Benton Out house or offices belonging the same [ ]now remaining under the same as reserved in a former Lease made ^ to them for working for 41 years Coal under Little Benton Estate for the

Jany. 20th. 1804 43 . [Fold>] [Wat-3-4-p43a] Proposal from Messrs. [Below Text Transverse] Bells, Brown & Co. to 77680 80 16 = 96 32 4 2 Chas. Wm. Bigg Esqr. for 240 240 240 80 10 5 taking the Coal remaining under the Mansion 776780 Houses at Bigges Main 2 1165 5 ) 155360 124 small Colliery . 6[½ ] 24 ) 31072 / 1294 5 6990 24 / 120 small 620 582 . 70 1176 6½ [Below Text Transverse] 7572 48 6½ 3720 Term of 41 years from 12th. May 1785 – 5 227 7020 310 / 37860 216 585 ) 4030 1893.0 112 7605 201-10 5 ) 38025 £ 1901-5 43a.

[Wat-3-4-p44] 44. [Wat-3-4-p44a] 44a. Bigges Main Colliery Janry. 20th. 1804. Lease from Thos. Chas. Bigge Esqr. to Willm. Gibson, Mattw. Bell There remains unwrought under the two Mansion Houses at and Willm. Brown. Little Benton about 7 Acres; also about 1 Acre more in different Term 27 years from 12th. May 1771 for Way leave over Grounds at Situations surrounding the said Houses, which together, makes 8 Willington. th th Acres; therefore allowing that ² /5 . of the whole will be allowed N.B. Term expires 12 . May 1805. to be wrought will, produce 10320 Chaldrons. Yearly Rent 100 £. for 400 Tens of 440 Bolls & 5s/-d. P. Ten for Surplus The above 10320 Chaldrons are equal to nearly 470 Tens of workings for Coals wrought from under the Grounds of Mr. Bigge. 528 Bolls and Supposing that Mr. Bigge is allowed 50s/-d. P. 2s/6d. P. Ten to be paid for Coals wrot. out from under the Lands & Ten for the same will produce to him 1175 £. – Grounds of Edwd. Collingwood & Others & Led over the Grounds of he the said Thos. Chas. Bigge hereby demised. 5s/-d. P. Ten to be paid provided the Coals wrot. from under the Lands [Wat-3-4-p44b] 44b. and Grounds of Edwd. Collingwood Esqr. & Others should be drawn Coal unwrought under the Ground of Mr. Bigge about 33 Acres to bank at any Pit or Pits in the hereby demised premises and Led [Below Text Upsidedown] over the said Grounds. 43 . 2 £. P. Acre for damage of Ground. Lease from Thos. Chas. Lessor allowed 30 Fothers of Best Coals P. Annum paying at the rate Bigge Esqr. to Wm. of 2s/-d. P. Fother and 1s/-d. P. Fother for inferior Kind. Gibson Mattw. Bell Length of Way for the above take 552 Yards & Wm. Brown – Do. of the New Way – – – – 158 Do. £ [June] 20th. 1804 [January ?] 1600 at 2/ 6 = 200..0..0 @ 3s/- – 240..0..0 Amount of shorts Decemr. 1803 – £1364..0..0 @ 4s/- – 320..0..0 @ 5 – – 400..0..0

[Wat-3-4-p45] 45. [Wat-3-4-p45a] 45a. Length the West Bord has to go up the No. West < a Nar:Bord> Way in the B Pit Biggs Main Colliery Decemr. 19th. 1804 28 Bd.^No. of Mothergate 48yd.up fm. Crosscut & will go further From 8th. pillar holing above the Dble. Heads. – – to Barrier – 2 yards 1st. Bord North of Mothergate will go to the dip Trouble 29 – – Do. – – – – – 8 Do. – to go – – – Do. – – 40 2d. – Do. – – – – – – will go to – – Do. – – 30 – – Do. – – – – – 6 Do. – to go – – – Do. – – 43 3 – – Do. – – – – – – will go to – – Do. – – yards 31 – – Do. – – – – – 5 Do. – to go – – – Do. – – 44 4 – – Do. – 7 – yards up will go further to Barrier – 13 Bords masd. from a holing No. at end of 5 – – Do. – [6] – Do. – – will go further to Do. – – 9 Crosscut which holing is the 5th. pillar holing 6 – – Do. – 5 – Do. – – will go Do. – – – – – – 2 above the low Dble. Heads. – – – 7 – – Do. – 5 – Do. – – and stopt at Barrier 32d. Bd. No.of Mothergate 10yd. up & will go further to Barrier 38½ 8 – – Do. – 72 – Do. – – and Do. – – – – 33d. – Do. – – – – – 0 Do. – & will go – Do. – – – – 37 9 – – Do. – 3 – Do. – – and Do. – – – – Bords masd. fm. pillar Below on 4th. pillar 10 – – Do. – 2 – Do. – – and Do. – – – – holing above low Dble. Heads. – – – 11 – – Do. – 4 – Do. – – and Do. – – – – 34 Bd. No.of Mothergate 11yd. up & will go further to Barrier 24yd. 12 – – Do. – 2 – Do. – – and Do. – – – – 35 – – Do. – – – – – 7 Do. – – – will go – Do. – – – – 15½ From holing to No. 34 yards below the 8th. holing as above Bords masd. from a holing below on 3d. pillar 13th. Bd. No. of Mothergate 31yd. up to go holing above holing above low Dble. Heads. – – – 14 Do. – of Do. – – – 25 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 6½ 36 Bd. No.of Mothergate 12yd. up & will go further to Barrier 24yd. 15 Do. – of Do.a Nar:Bord 21 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 3 16 Do. – of Do. – – – 15 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 0 Bord to be measured from the Bounder drift [Wat-3-4-p45b] 45b. 17 Bd. No. of Mothergate 13yd. up to go Further to Barrier 28 Decr. 19th. 1804 45 . 18 – – Do. – – – – – – 13 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 28 Length the West Bord 19 – – Do. – – – – – – 14 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 27 will have to go up the 20 – – Do. – – Nar:Bd. – 40 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 7 North west way in the 21 – – Do. – – – Do. – – 40 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 15 B Pit Bigges Main Colly. 22 – – Do. – – – – – – 16 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 40 23 – – Do. – – – – – – 18 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 39 24 – – Do. – – – – – – 17 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 37 25 – – Do. – – – – – – 14 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 39 26 – – Do. – – – – – – 12 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 44 27 – – Do. – – Nar:Bord – 34 Do. – to go – Do. – – – – 25

[Wat-3-4-p46] 46. Decemr. 31st. 1804 Whole Coal in Biggs Main Colliery a. R. P. Fig. 1st. – – – – 4 ..1 .. 0 No. & West from C. pit shaft 2d. – – – – 5 ..2 .. 0 3 – – – – – 2 ..2 .. 0 So. & West from Do. along the dip Tble. to So. 4 – – – – – 3 ..0 .. 0 5 – – – – – 6 ..0 .. 0 below the dip Tble. to So. & So. fm. B pit shaft 6 – – – – – 1 ..1 .. 0 No. from B pit shaft – 22 ..2 .. 0 Total Acres of Whole Coal –

The Winnings 12 yards, viz Wall 8 yards & Bord 4 yds. Wide, Pillar holed at 20 yards 2 yds. Wide – height of Seam 6 feet Chas. Produce P. Acre will be 141[8] Tens of 418 Bolls each Pillars Ac. R. Po. No. No. West, & West fm. B pit shaft 1st. – – – – – – 73 ..0 .. 0 lying above the Rise Troubles to West 2d. – – – – – – 8 ..0 .. 0 of 14 feet and supposed the whole that 3d. – – – – – – 4 ..2 .. 0 will be wrot. to the B Pit – – 4 – – – – – – – 4 ..1 .. 0 A. R. P. 5 as Fig 5 above 6 ..0 .. 0 95..3..0

6 – – – – – – – 47 ..1 .. 0 7 – – – – – – – 25 ..1 .. 0 8 – – – – – – – 16 ..1 .. 0 88..1..0 184..0..0 Total Acres of Pillars Chas. By the present mode of Working will ^ produce 454 Tens of 418 Bolls each P. Acre – P. Acre N.B. The barriers left against the adjoining Collieries (if permitted to be removed) contains 32 Acres & will provide by the

[Fold>] [Wat-3-4-p46a] 46a. First & second Working 59680 Tens P. Acre of 418 Bolls each Brot. Over – ansr. to Quest 4th. Present Wort of the other Stock such as The quality of Whole Coal Remaining in Biggs Main Colliery Engines, Machines, Waggon Ways & Waggons is only 22 Acres and reckoning that 1411 Chas. is got by the 1st. Working &c. at the expiration of the Colliery. Viz 4 years over the produce will be – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 31042 Chs. there will be 184 Acres of Walls or Pillars which we calculate Dedt. Debts due to Sundry Tradesmen &c. to obtain about ¼ th. of the whole or 454 Chas. P. Ann. which 83536 Pit value of Biggs Main Colliery £ will produce – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Total Produce – . 114578 Value of Willington Colliery £ ______The above quantity of 114578 Chas. Will last working Do. of Biggs Main Colliery ______(provided Creep is avoided) about 4 years supposing the annual Vend of Best Coals to be as under Viz. [The share] which Mr. Brown holds in the Concern be 1st. year - 30000 30000 one fourth consequently his Interest in the 25000 above s um is £. 2d. Do. – 20000 20000 3d. – – – 20000 16000 91000 4 – – – 16000 23578 Workmen’s Fire Coal Rusty Coals &c. 88000 - 4578 26578 Workmans Fire Coal, Coals for the Engines Machines &c. [Wat-3-4-p46b] 46b. 114578 Rusty Coals and what cannot be obtained at last – Decr. 31st. 1804 45 . And the Annual Prifits ^ upon the said vends I calculate Calculation of the Quantity to be [ ] as follows 1st. year – – – – – – – – – £ 15250..–.. – of Coal to Work in the High 2d. Do. – – – – – – – – – – Main Seam at Bigges main 3d. Do. – – – – – – – – – – Colliery – together with 4th. Do. – – – – – – – – – – the Value of the same

Which said Yearly Sum is Worth in ready Cash and allowing 20 £ P. Cent P. Annum upon the purchase / – – – – – – – – – – – – – Using Stock such as Horses, Hay Corn new Iron Timber Ropes &c. P. Valuation Book –

[Wat-3-4-p47] 47. Calculation of the Quantity of Whole Coal Under the Two Mansion houses belonging Chas. Willm. Bigge Esqr. at Little Benton Decr. 1804 – Ac. R. Po. 3 .. 3 .. 25 Under the Red or North House Westernmost house 3 .. 3 .. 25 Under the White – – – – or Easternmost house 7 .. 0 .. 10 Total

Which said 7 Acres will provide 60 Tens P. Acre of 5 accounting 528 Bolls to a Ten) The Total produce will then be 420 Tens & allowing Wm. Bigge a Tentale Rent upon the same at the Rate of £5 P. Ten the Total Value will be – – – – – £ 2100..0..0

Or the said 7 Acres will produce 9240 Chas. and allowing Mr. Bigge £ at the rate of4s/6d. P. Chas. the Total amount will be – – – – 2079..0..0

9240 9240 80 + 16 96 48 24 12 6 4.6 420 240 2[0]0 240 240 1[0]0 60 30 ) 55440 5 18 2100 4840 80 2772.0 9240 2 80 4.6 9680 160 36960 12 32 520 4620 30 ) 116160 ) 3 192 60 )41580 90 8 31680 2079.0 9680 1536 7 8 24 ) 221760 ) 9240 77440 216 12 528 . . 57 30 ) 929280 ) 30976 Bolls P. Ann. produce 48 90 2640 . 96 292 . 4576 ( 59 say 60 Ten P. Acre 96 270 228 210 180

[Wat-3-4-p47a] 47a. 47 . Calculation of a piece of Coal under the two Mansion Houses at Little Benton Decr. 1804 – –

VALUATIONS, of STOCK at BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, 31 Dec1804 Wat-3-4- p48-p50

[Wat-3-4-p48] 48. New materials at Biggs Main Colly. Valued as Stock 31 Decr. 1804 Part of a 10 ft. Dia. Boiler – – – 45 – – 3500 9/ 4 Props – – – – – – – – – – – – @ 9d. P. – – – – – – 131.. 5.. 6 50 – do. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – do. – – – – – – – 1..17.. 6 6 – 4 ft. New Mihall Bain 10.2.0 @ 14/- – – – – – – – – – – – 7.. 7.. 0 250 – Blue Pantiles 15/ 6 – 120 New 2 ft. Screen Barrs 56/- – – – – 3..11.. 6 80 7/4 Props @ 9d. 3 £ New 4 ft. Mihall Barrs 4.2.0 @ 14/- 63s/- – 6.. 3.. 0 4 Long Uppers 18/- – 2 New Boiler Plates 1.1.0 @ 32/- 2£ – – – 2..18.. 0 350 9 In Props @ 9d. P. £13..2..6 – 6 [N]Wood Deals @ 2s/2d. P. 13/- 13..15.. 6 1000 New wood Wedges 1 £ Slabs 18/- Sleepers 13/4 – – – – – – – 2..11.. 5 20 Sq. Balks 600 ft. @ 2/6 £75.0.0 – 70 Com Deals @ 2/6 P. £8.15.0 83..15.. 0 80 ft. Ash Wood @ 2/3 = £9.0.0 – 500 Red Pantiles @ 80/- P.Hd. 2 £ 11.. 0.. 0 100 Pit Planks @ 1/3 P. 65.0 – 200 Head trees @ 5d. 4.3.4 – – – – 10.. 8.. 4 Sundries 15. 1.1 – 49 Deals @ 1/6 = 3.13.6 – – – – – – – – – – 18..14.. 7 Do. – 16.11. 4 – 2 New Boiler Plates 1.2.0 @ 32/- 12.8.0 = – – – 18..19.. 4 Do. – 7.17.10 – 3 New Pit Ropes 17.0.0 @ 82- 69.15.0 = – – – – 77..11..10 Wheat & Oat Shacks £394.10.0 Main Chain Links 8.2.9 = – – – – – 402..12.. 9 Sunds. 23.8.10 Bend Leather 13.6.8 Sunds. 5.19.0 – – – – – – – – 42..14.. 6 Resting Coals – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – £67.10.0 – – – 67..10.. 0 835.. 6.. 2 Best Coals vended from Biggs Main Colly. in 1804 30,075 Valve £42964..2..3 Pay Bills 1804 – 27983..19..11½ 31.781..15.. 7

[Wat-3-4-p48a] 48a. 48 . New Materials at at Bigges Main Colly. Valued as Stock 31st. decr. 1804 –

[Wat-3-4-p49] 49. [Wat-3-4-p49a] 49a. Value of Stock at Biggs Main Colly. Valuation of Stock 49 31 Decr. 1804 at Bigges Main Hay – – – – – – – – – – – £5549.. 5..0 Colliery 31st. Decr. 1804 Oil – – – – – – – – – – – – 166..17..1 Byker hil Houses – – – – – – 1200.. 0..0 [Below Transverse] Staith House – – – – – – – – 155.. 0..0 27[5] 56 3.10 Oats & Brans – – – – – – – – 213..10..6 175 14 [5] Horses – – – – – – – – – – 1595..10..0 9-4 3-9 Colly. Materials – – – – – – – 6590..14..4 [7]9 4 WWay & Waggons Owners hands – – £ 177..12..11 1 – 14 lett to Rd. [Forster] – 1037.. 7.. 4 1220.. 0..3 - – 14 Trunk & Staith – – – – – – – 1220.. 0..0 - [8] 21144. 3.4 Fire Engine Materials – – – – – 4275..13..6 1037. 7.4 22,181..10..8 22,181.10.8

[Wat-3-4-p50] 50. [Wat-3-4-p50a] 50a. Valuation of Stock at Bigges Main Colly. 31 Decr. 1804 Colly. Materials – – – – – – £ 6590..14.. 4 Valuation of Stock 48 Fire Engine do. – – – – – – 4275..13.. 6 at Bigges Main Colly. Waggon Way (in the Owners hands) taken 31st. Decr. 1804 Do. let to Richd. Forster P. tentale £1037..7..4 Do. let to Wm. Eltringham P. do. – £ 90..6..7 Horses – – – – – – – – – – 1595..10.. 0 Hay – – – – – – – – – – – 5549.. 5.. 0 Oats & Brans – – – – – – – 213..10.. 6 Oil – – – – – – – – – – – 166..17.. 1 Trunk & Staith – – – – – – – 1220.. 0.. 0 [Wat-3-4-p50b] 50b Byker Hill Houses – – – – – 1200.. 0.. 0 . Staith House – – – – – – – 155.. 0.. 0 Mr. John Watson 21,144.. 3.. 4 Willington House W.Way lett by tentale (as above) 1,127..13..11 22,271..17.. 3

Due from Sundry Persons for Coals & Sundrs. – 3025..17.. 6 do. from the Fitting Office being the deposit – 1000 – 26,297..14.. 9 Due to Sundry Persons £4227..0..7½

1595..10..0 22271..17..3 5549.. 5..0 213..10..6 166..17..1 835..10..2 7525.. 2..7 8360.. 8..9 7525..2..7 14746..14..8 835..6..2 13910.. 8..6 8360..8..9

ESTIMATE, of REMAINING COAL in B & C PITS, BIGGES MAIN Wat-3-4- p51 COLLIERY, with QUERY ANSWERS, No Date

[Wat-3-4-p51] 51 [Wat-3-4-p51a] 51a. Produce of Seam by 1st. working 61 Tens Calculation of the Qty. 51 do. – from Pillars 25 of Coal to Work in the Total produce – – 86 B & C Pits Bigges Main Colliery. – – Ten 528 Bolls Tens Whole Coal in B Pit 6 acres – at 61 Tens = 366 Pillars – – – do. – 15 do. – – 25 do. – = 375 Total – – – – 741 Whole Coal in C Pit 1½ acres – 91 Tens = Pillars – – – – – 64 do. – – 1600 – – – 1691 2432 = 53’504 Chas. exclusive of what may be obtained from Jenkins Say 53’000 Chas. – Anss. Qy. 1st. The Colly. may probably work to Profit on an annual Vend of 30’000 Chas. for nearly 2 years Qy. 2nd. No Qy. 3d. No Qy. 4th. Former Quy. being answered in the neg- ative continuing to work the Engine Pit at the Engine Pit can be of no use – – Qy. 5th. In the present exhausted state of the Colly. we cannot point out any change of system in the mode of working that may be of advantage as the manner of working towards its final close must altogether be regulated by existing circumstances – – Qy. 6th. Yes – –

VALUATIONS, of COAL UNDER MANSION HOUSES in LITTLE Wat-3-4- p52 BENTON MAIN COLLIERY, No Date

[Wat-3-4-p52] 52. [Wat-3-4-p52a] 52a. Whole Coal under Mr. Bigges Houses / 52. Acres. – – Valuation of the Coal Which said seven Acres will produce 60 Tens remaining under the P. Acre (accounting 528 Bolls to a Ten) The £ Mansion Houses at Little Total produce will then be 420 Tens and 2100 Benton – – – – – – allowing Mr. Bigge a Tentale rent upon the same at the rate of £5 P. Ten the Total Value will be – – – – – – – – – – – – – Or the said seven Acres will produce 9240 £ Chas. and allowing Mr. Bigge at the rate of 4s/6d. 2079 P. Char. The Total amount will be – – – – – –

PROPOSAL & ESTIMATE For WORKING COAL Under MANSION Wat-3-4- p53-62 HOUSES at LITTLE BENTON COLLIERY, [See draft p43] 1805

[Wat-3-4-p53] 53. [Wat-3-4-p53a] 53a. Proposal from Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Lessees of Biggs Main 53. Colliery to Chas. Wm. Bigge Esqr. for working the Coal remaining Proposal from Messrs. under the two Mansion Houses at Little Benton containing about Bells, Brown & Co. to 7 acres or there abouts Chas. Wm. Bigge Esqr. Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. will give Chars. Wm. Bigge Esqr. for working the Coal P. Ten (each Ten containing 528 Bolls and each Boll 36 Gallons remaining under the Winchester Measure) for all Coals that may be wrought within Halls at Bigges Main the Thirty one yards from either of the Mansion houses at Little Colliery. Benton out House or Offices belonging the same ^ now remain- < formerly> ing under the same as ^reserved in a former Lease granted to < Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co.> them ^ for working the Coal under Little Benton Estate for the Term of 41 years from 12th. May 1785. each Ten containing 528 Bolls & each Boll 36 Gallons Winchester measure

[Wat-3-4-p54] 54. [Wat-3-4-p54a] 54a. Proposal from Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. Lessees of Biggs 54. Main Colliery to Chars. Willm. Bigge Esqr. for working the Coal Proposal from Messrs. remaining under the two Mansion Houses at Little Benton Bells, Brown & Co. to containing about 7 acres or there abouts. Chas. Wm. Bigge Esqr. Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. will give Chars. Willm. Bigge Esqr. for taking the Coal P. Ten for all Coals that may be wrought within the Thirty one remaining under yards from either of the Mansion Houses at Little Benton out Houses the two Mansion Houses or Offices belonging the same, (as now remaining under the same) formerly reserved in a Lease granted to Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. for working the Coal under Little Benton Estate each Ten to contain 528 Bolls & each Boll 36 Gallons Winchester measure.

[Wat-3-4-p55] 55. [Wat-3-4-p55a] 55a. 52 Acres of Whole Coal unwrought at 80 Tens P. acre each Ten 418 Bolls 55. say 18 Walls in 1 Acre which in the Present mode of working makes 9 Walls P. Calculation of a piece Acre and allowing us to get away 27 xx of 24 Peck Corves from ea. Wall is of Coal – about 35 Tens P. acre. xx 318 Acres of Pillars to work at 35 Tens P. Acre produces – 77539 of 24 peck Corves 52 do. – of Whole Mine – at 80 do. P. do. 28981 of do. 106520 It will require 15000 score to produce a Vend of xx 30000 Chas. of Merchantable Coals annually which 75000 may probably be obtained for the 1st. 5 years which will amount to – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Say 20000 Chas. upon a mean for the last 3 years 31520 106520 which will require – – – – – – – – – – – – –

ESTIMATES, of TAKING at BIGGES MAIN COALS to SHIPS, Jan1805 Wat-3-4- p56

[Wat-3-4-p56] 56. No. 3 Estimate of the Expence for laying a Chaldron of Coals on Board a Ship from Bigges Main Colliery for the Term of Four Years Upon 4 separate Vends Viz 1st. 30,000 Chaldrons 2d. 25,000 Chas. 3d. 20,000 Chas. and the fourth Year 16,000 Chaldrons.

Vend of Vend of Vend of Vend of Chas. Chas. Chas. Chas. 30,000 25,000 20,000 16,000 £ s d £ s d £ s d £ s d Hewing P. score with a 24 Peck Corf upon a mean – – – – – – – – – – – – 4 – – 4 – – 4 – – 4 – Putting upon a mean – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 8 – – 8 – – 8 10 – 8 10 Keeping Trap doors – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 1¼ – 1 1¾ – 1 1¼ – 1 1¾ Overmen deputies and Keekers wages drawing Props laying Barrow – – – – – 1 3 – 1 3 – 1 3 – 1 8 ways ridding Stones in the workings cutting Sumps pumping & leading Water Oil wick Candles Grease Fire Lamps Keepers and Lamp lighters – – – – – – – 1 6 – 1 10 1 4¼ – 1 9¾ Cranemen onsetters at Crane and shaft – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 6 – – 7¼ – – 5¼ – – 7 Driving headways holing walls wett double and narrow working – – – – – – driving & Boring the Bounder drifts adjoining the waste of Old Benton turning – – 5 – – 2½ – – 2½ – – 2½ Bords cutting Levells putting thro’ hitches and Troubles – – – – – – – – – Keeping Pit Shafts and Gins in repair – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 2 – – 2 – – 2 – – 2 Sawing Timber and sundry other Labouring works – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 3½ – 1 5 – 1 6 – 1 6 Building stoppings including Bricks & Lime & Shift work in the waste – – – – – – 5 – – 4 – – 4 – – 4 Pillaring up Bords in different places so as to make Barriers to – – prevent the Creep injuring the remaining part of the Pillars ridding – 2 4 – 2 4 – 2 4 – 2 4 across Bord Rooms & making the Barroways ready – – – – – – Planks deals Props Barroway stuff Brattices & other Timber – – – – – – – – – 2 1 1 10 – – 2 – – 2 6 Smith work (including Iron) shaping Sledge shoes Trams under- – – – – ground Waggons and Waggon way Plates Mauls Wedges Shovel Irons – 11 – – 11 – – 11 – – 11 – Hooks & Chains Trace Chains Corf Bows & nails for every purpose – – Wright work (including Timber) for Underground Waggons & Keeping – – 4 – – 4 – – 4 – – 4 in repair Sledges Trams shovels Bords Maul shafts and Hamsticks Drawing Coals by Machines – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 4 – 1 4 – 1 4 – 1 4 Sledging out Coals (including Man and Horse) – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 8½ – – 8½ – – 8½ – – 8½ Corving exclusive of Corf Bows – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 8 – – 8 – – 8 – – 8 Waling shovelling the Heap attending Screens shovels [snaps] & Barrows – – – 1 – 1 3 – 1 1 – 1 5½ Binding and removing Pitmen their Fire Coal &c. – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 3 – 1 3 – 1 3 – 1 3 Ropes – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10 – – 10 – – 10 – – 10 Viewers and Agents Salaries with office expences – – – – – – – – – – – – – 8¼ – – 10¼ – 1 – – 1 3 Surgery and subsistence to the sick & maimed Pitmen during their Illness – – – – 2½ – – 2½ – – 2½ – – 2½ Loss by finding Pitmens Bread Corn – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3½ – – 3½ – – 4 – – 4 A Moiety for drawing Gateshead Park Colliery Water – – – – – – – – – – – – 2½ – – 2½ – – 4 – – 4½ Pillaring up Wall Rooms after the juds are taken of the Wallends – – – – – – – – 4¼ – – 4¼ – – 4¼ – – 4¼ Cutting Thro’ Top Coal Greasing Waggon way & Banksmen waiting on Money – – 4 – – 4 – – 4 – – 4 Lamp Coals, cleaning out the rings in Shafts attending Air Tubes &c. – – – – – – 2 – – 2 – – 2 – – 2 Contingents unforeseen – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 4¾ – – 4 – – 7 – – 4¾ P. Score – – 1 12 6 1 13 6 1 14 – – 16 –

[Wat-3-4-p56a] 56a.

30,000 25,000 20,000 16,000 £ s d £ s d £ s d £ s d Which will be P. Chaldron – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 13 – – 13 4¾ – 13 7 – 14 4¾ Keeping Fire Engines – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 – – 1 2½ – 1 6 – 1 10½ Leading up[on an average – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 1½ – 1 1½ – 1 1½ – 1 1½ Waggon way and waggons – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 4¼ – – 4¼ – – 4¼ – – 4¼ Colliery rent – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 6 – 1 6 – 1 6 – 1 6 Way leave rent and Staith room with all Taxes and Cesses – – – – – – – – – – 3 – – 3¾ – – 4¼ – – 5 Damage of Ground – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0¾ – – 1 – – 1¼ – – 1½ Loss by small Coals – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 8 – – 9½ – 1 – – 1 3 Repairing Buildings including Materials – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1½ – – 1¾ – – 2 – – 2¼ Fittage &c. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 7¾ – – 7¾ – – 7¾ – – 7¾ Staith charges including Staithmen Offputters Turnsail Wailers Trimmers Shovels Barrow repairing and upholding Staith and – – 2½ – – 3 – – 3¾ – – 4½ Spouts – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Contingencies unforeseen – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ¼ – – 2¼ – – 1¼ – – 3[ ] P. Chaldron – – – 19 – 1 – – 1 – 9 1 2 [ ] [Below Text Transverse] 56. Jany. 1805 Estimate of the Expence of laying a Chaldron of Coals on Board of Ship from Bigges Main Colliery for the Term of 4 Years upon 4 separate Vends – – – – – – – – –

BORD LENGTHS in BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, 27 Mar1805 Wat-3-4- p57

[Wat-3-4-p57] 57. [Wat-3-4-p57a] 57a. Length the west Bord will have to go up the North west 57. way in the B Pit Biggs Main Colliery March 27th. 1805 – March 27th. 1805 The 11th. Bord north of the mothergate 14 yd. up will yds. Length the bords have to go further – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10 – go in the N.W. Way in the 12 – – – – – 8 yds. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 17 B Pit – – – – 13 – – – – – 4 do. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 21 14 – – – – – 3 do. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 22 15 – – – – – 4 do. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 22 16 – – – – – 3 do. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 21 17 – – – – – 4 do. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 20 18 – – – – – 5 do. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 18 19 – – – – – 2 do. will go to – – – do. – – – – – 20 20th. Bd. from holing below 4 yds. will go do. – – – – – 31 NB. The above lengths will leave a Barrier of whole Coal of 5 yards against the Trouble – The other Bords ^ of shore will go 25 yards from the present face or distance up when Lined. Lengths given from the bounder drift before All the other Bords North of there ^ when at the distance given before ^out of Bounder drift ^ will commence at said distance and go further 25 yards and then go to be stopt. –

LETTER & REPORT, of John STRAKER, Re- REDUCING BIGGES Wat-3-4- p58, p59 MAIN COLLIERY BARRIERS, 25 Mar, 5 Apr 1805

[Wat-3-4-p58] 58. [Wat-3-4-p58a] 58a. Dear Sir, 58. Yesterday being the Rent day of Mr. Strakers Letter & Report Messrs. Bigge Collingwood & others the Lessors respecting the reducing the of East & Little Benton Collieries I submitted Barriers at Bigges Main – to their consideration the enclosed Report the Contents of which they approved of [Below Text Transverse] you may therefore on behalf of the Lessees Mr. John Watson put the matter it contains into execution Willington whenever it suits your convenience – I am Dear Sir, Yours very Respectfully Felling Hall John Straker 5 April 1805

[Wat-3-4-p59] 59. [Wat-3-4-p59a] 59a. Bigges Main Colly. 25 March 1805 59. Having examined the Plan of the Workings of Bigges Main Colliery relative to the proposition of the Lessees for taking away the Barriers of Coal now reserved by the covenants of their Lease and having fully availed myself of the present state of the Colliery with respect to the quantities of Whole Coal & Pillars now remaining unwrought I am of opinion that the removal of the said Barriers of Coal would not by any means be prejudicial to the Colliery as the interior parts of it have in a great measure been exhausted in the Whole Mine together with a great proportion of the Pillars therefore I would recommend the Barriers to be wrought in every part of the said Colliery where they are accessible in order to prolong its duration as much as the nature and extent of the Mine will admit. It may be here worthy of remark that in case the said Barriers were entirely taken away no immediate danger could follow as the Colliery is defended on all sides by Barriers formerly left by the adjoining Collieries consequently whatever is now left unworked is just a loss of so much Mine and of course would be contrary to the Interest of the Lessors & their Lessees – John Straker To the Lessees of Bigges Main Colliery

[Wat-3-4-p60] 60. [Scan of this page missing]

[Wat-3-4-p60a] 60a [ Winning for the above Rents but not to occupy both ways at one and the same time.

640 30 )[52400] ) 3200 160 –

[Wat-3-4-p60b] 60b. May 12th. 1805 60. An Agreement made between Chas. Wm. Bigge Esqr. and Mattw.. Bell Richd. Bell and William Brown for working the Coal at Willington Colliery – – –

640 26 128[4] 326 ) 1600 [80]

[Wat-3-4-p61] 61. [Wat-3-4-p61a] 61a. Bigges Main Colly. Decr. 1st. 1805 61. Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. propose to give Chas. Agreement between William Bigge Esqr. the Sum of £2500 – for the liberty Chas. Wm. Bigge Esqr to work once over that piece of Coal which is Reserved & Messrs. Bells, Brown by the Lease and now remaining under the two & Co. for Working the Mansion Houses at Little Benton, - The Winnings Coal Under the two to be 12 yards, Namely, Width of Bord 4 yards Mansion houses of Little Benton and 8 yards to be left for the Walls ^; The length of Present Dec. 1. 1805 Pillars 20 Yards. – The above Sum to be paid at Mr. Bell Two Instalments; The first of which to be paid Mr. Robson March 1st. 1806 and Second Instalment January Mr. [Leavess] 1807 – We agree to accept of the above Terms For Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. John Watson For Chas. Wm. Bigge Esqr. John Straker.

[Wat-3-4-p62] 62. [Wat-3-4-p62a] 62a. Bigges Main Colliery Novr. 8th. 1805 Calculation of the quan- 62. The Quantity of whole Coal Reserved by the present Lease tity of Coal remaining and remaining under the two Mansion Houses at Little under the two Mansion Benton amounts to 6½ Acres and if allowed to be wrot. houses at Little Benton once over which is proposed at 12 yards to the Winning [Decemr. 1st. 1805 ?] namely, Width of Bord 4 yards and 8 yards left for the Wall and the Length of Pillar 20 yards it will produce 1165 Chaldrons P. Acre of Merchantable Coals, The Total produce which will be obtained will be 7572 Chaldrons which at 5s/- P. Chaldron the rent proposed to be given to Mr. Bigge amounts to – – – – – – – £1893.. –..–

PETITION, From PITMEN Re- WAGES, 1805 Wat-3-4- p63

[Wat-3-4-p63] 63. [Wat-3-4-p63a] 63a. Right honourable Company A Partition amongst the 63. men of the Colliery 5 S. per score 4 S. for the broken 1 S. 6d. for Pitmens Petition for the walls 2 S. for inby drivers 1 S. 6d. for rolly drivers 1 S. for 1805 – trappers 4 S. a day for men driving 8d. for wet 8d. a score for rammel 8d. for double 8d. for under the top 3d. per yd. for bad Mr. John Watson top 7 S. per week for smart money [If in] Young Men 10 Guineas householders 9½ Guineas for sled drivers 4 Gineas for Rolly- drivers 3 Guineas inby drivers and Rolly drivers 3 S. 6d. per week for smart money; every accident in the Masters employ, the trappers 2 S. 6d. a week and doctors found them. every Man insists of his own money being paid in the Office to himself. And the men has agreed upon John Storey for a Beansetter Throw all the Colliery.

LETTER, Mr DAVIDSON to John WATSON, Re- BELL & Co., 1 Mar 1806 Wat-3-4- p64

[Wat-3-4-p64] 64. [Wat-3-4-p64a] 64a. D Sir Bigge Esqr. & Bell & Co. Mr. Jno. Watson Your Lre. of 26th. I only read on Wednesday Viewer [that] day at night – I was out of Town all next To the Care of Mr. Wm. Watson day - & hearing Mr. Bigge was to be in N.Castle High Bridge Yesterday I delayed writing in hopes of seeing him – he not having called, I enclose a [Dr] [Below Text Tranverse] or Deed abt. the Coal, written in great haste Nov.1806 65. as you may [naturally] suppose, to which I Mr. Davidson Letter have prefixed the [pres oft] rect. which he shd. Give for the [first] Instalmt. (1250) on [a poroper rect.] stamp & which will in Equity [idwse] the Coal to Messrs. Bell & Co. – – – [purst. ] to their Agreemt. In haste Yrs. Truy. [ ] Davidson March Saturday afternoon 1st. March [1806]

VALUATIONS, of MOVEABLE STOCK at BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, 28 Mar1808 Wat-3-4- p65, p66

[Wat-3-4-p65] 65. [Wat-3-4-p65a] 65a. [Wat-3-4-p65b] 65b. The moveable Stock upon Main Colly. of that you will be best able to Judge B Main draw 64. for 1806 amounted to £19156..5..10 if any thing further is wanted be so good Moveable Stock at Bigges as below as let me know this afternoon as I will Main Colly. in 1806. – 1806 1807 be from home the greatest part of the £3725.. 0.. 0 Hay – – – – – – – – – – – – £2220.. 0.. 0 Week I am Sir Your Obedt. Servt. [Below Text Transverse] 312.. 0.. 0 Oats – – – – – – – – – – – 635.. 3.. 1½ Bigges Main Colly. Leo. Dixon Mr. John Watson 242..17..10½ Oil – – – – – – – – – – – – 95..14.. 8 28th. March 1808 Willington House 1160.. 0.. 0 Byker hill Houses – – – – – – 1150.. 0.. 0 148.. 0.. 0 Staith House – – – – – – – – 140.. 0.. 0 P.S. As Mr. Biggs Rent day is 1180.. 0.. 0 Trunk & Staith – – – – – – – – 1150.. 0.. 0 fast approaching should the Tentale not 1490..12.. 0 Horses – – – – – – – – – – 1280.. 3.. 0 be made up in one Way or other 7410..11.. 6½ Colly. Materials – – – – – – – The Resting Coals will be considerable 3336.. 4.. 0 Engine do. – – – – – – – – – should not the Quantity be fix’d 151.. 0.. 5 W.Way & Waggons in Owr Lands 140.. 0.. 0 do. let to Rd. Forster £1037..7..4 19,156.. 5..10 Sir / The above is all I can give you at this time as the Colly. & F. Engine Stock is not Yet finished but I dare say from the Main Engine being taken down will fall considerably short of last Year, but

[Wat-3-4-p66] 66. Calculating Coal made Decr. 27th. 1804 Chas. Total produce – – – – – – – – – – 849600 Deduct the quantity wrot. since – – 60000 789600 26 30,000 ) 789600 ) 26 30.000 ) 66000 ) 780000 189600

WAYLEAVE TERMS & LEADINGS, over EAST BENTON GROUNDS, 1803 to 1806 Wat-3-4- p67

[Wat-3-4-p67] 67. [Wat-3-4-p67a] 67a. Wayleave on Coals led from Longbenton 67. Colly. over Grounds at Eastbenton belonging Chas. Wm. Bigge Esqr. Terms of Way leave over Chas. Term 44 Years from 12th. of May 1786 Wm. Bigge Esqrs. Grounds at East Certain Rent for the last 22 years of the Term 72 £ P. Annm. Benton from Long Benton Colly. for the same quantity of Tens & 3/- P. Ten for Overleadings also the Leadings from the said with liberty to make up Shorts. Colly. in 1803, 4, 5 & 6. –

Coals led from Longbenton Colly. over Grounds at Eastbenton Vizt. [Below Text Transverse] Geo: Pit Wm. Pit Totall Mr. John Watson Mr. John Watson Waggons Waggs. Waggons Tens Bolls 1803 11896 18378 30214 ea. Waggon 24 Bolls & 440 Bolls a Ten is 1648 16 1804 13206 17250 30456 ea. Do. – – – – – – ditto – – – – – 1661 104 1805 13380 16249 29629 ea. Do. – – – – – – ditto – – – – – 1616 56 1806 12793 16903 29696 ea. Do. – – – – – – ditto – – – – – 1619 344 51215 68780 119995 6545 74

ESTIMATE, of HIGH MAIN SEAM COALS REMAINING at BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, 7 Nov 1807 Wat-3-4- p68

[Wat-3-4-p68] 68. [Wat-3-4-p68a] 68a. November 14th. 1807 4840 Quantity of Whole Coal and Pillars in the B and 2 C Pits Bigges Main Colliery – – – – A. R. P. 9680 Whole Coal East of B Pit Shaft – – – – – – – 2.. 1.. 0 8 Whole Coal under the Mansion House A. R. P. 0.. 3.. 0 24 ) 77440 ) 3226 Chas. in an acre of Seam – Pillars South & South west of do. – – – 8.. 0.. 0 72 6 do. – North of Shaft – – – – – – – 14.. 0.. 0 54 15 ) 19356 ) 1290 Chas. got 1st. working over – do. N.E. of do. (worked once over) – – 17.. 1.. 0 39.. 1.. 0 48 15 3226 Total Whole Coal and Pillars – – – – – – – 42.. 1.. 0 64 43 1936 Chas. left remaining 48 30 2 Whole Coal in the C Pit remaining as a Barrier 1.. 3.. 0 160 135 15 ) 3872 ) 258 Chas. got on the 2nd. working against the B Pits workings – – – – – – – – 144 135 30 A. R. P. 16 6 87 Pillars N. & N.W. of C Pit Shaft to work 35.. 3.. 0 75 do. N. & N.W. of do. that has been 28.. 3.. 0 64.. 2.. 0 122 worked over – – – – – – – – – 120 Total Whole Coal & Pillars in the C Pit – – – – 66.. 1.. 0 . . . . 1936 Chas. left remaining by the 1st. working Calculation of produce – – – – – – 258 do. got on the 2nd. working Height of the Seam 6 feet 1678 do. left remaining after the 1st. & 2nd. working which 1 Winnings in the same 12 yards, Viz. 4 to Bord and is presumed /16 part of the same will be got – 8 to Wall, Pillars holed at 20 yards – – – – 1 Then 80 + 16 = 96 = 24 = 6 ths. got first working in 16 ) 1678 ) 105 Chas. got on the 3d. attempt to work – 240 240 240 60 15 16 258 do. got on the 2nd. working as about the Whole Mine – – . 78 363 And 96 + 32 = 128 = 32 = 8 – 6 = 2 got the 2nd. 10¼ Acres 240 240 240 60 15 15 15 3630 working allowing 4 yards to be taken of each Wall End – 90 3720 Chas. got 2nd. & 3d. working in the 10¼ Acres 1936 3 4 ) 5808 1452 Chas. got in an acre N. of Shaft being ¾ of the 14 Acres remainder 5808 1452 20328 105 17¼ Acres 725 105 26 1811 ^ got in the 17¼ Acres of Pillars that has been worked

[Wat-3-4-p68b] 68b. [Wat-3-4-p68c] 68c. A. R. P. 1¾ Acres of Whole Coal in the C Pit will produce The Whole Coal East of the B Pit Shaft contains 2.. 1.. 0 by the first working over 1290 Chaldrons P. acre therefore and will produce 1290 Chas. P. Acre therefore the Total Chaldrons Chas. Total produce will be – – – – A.R. P. – – – – – – – 2902 the Total produce will be – – – – – – – – – – 2257 It appears that there is about 0..3..0 under There will be 37 ½ Acres of Pillars to work in the Red mansion House to work which will 967 the C Pit to the N. & N.W. which will produce be at that produce – – – – – – – – – 363 Chaldrons therefore the produce will be Total from Whole Mine in the B Pit – – – – – – – – 3869 Chaldrons A. R. P. Chas. 13612 There will be 10.. 1..0 of Pillars (including The Pillars that has been worked the Pillars of the whole Coal East of the Shaft) in the C Pit contains 28¾ Acres South and South west of Shaft which will 3730 and it is calculated that 1678 Chas. 3018 1 produce 363 Chaldrons therefore the Total is left remaining P. acre; /16 of the produce will be – – – – – – – – – – – same is 105 Chas. produces, the 28¼ Acres at that rate will be – – – – – 16630 ¾ th. of the Pillars North of Shaft will Total produce from the C Pit – – – – – – – 18,887 be got which will be 1452 Chas. P. Ann. 20328 The above quantity of 48,625 Chaldrons will last therefore the 14 Acres will produce working at a ^ Vend of 30,000 Chaldrons nearly There is 17¼ Acres of Pillars that has 1 year and 8 months. – – – – been worked once over and it is calculd. 1815 25869 [Below Text Transverse] 1 th that /16 of the same may be got; – is Nov. 14 . 1807 68. Total Chas. produced from the B Pit – – – – – – – 29738 Produce of the High Main Seam in the Whole Coal and Pillars Bigges Main Colliery

QUERIES, Re-COAL QUANTITY REMAINING & RECOMMENATIONS for BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, Wat-3-4- p69-p72 by Messrs. STOBART, BUDDLE & STRAKER, June 1807

[Wat-3-4-p69] 69. [Wat-3-4-p69a] 69a. Bigges main Colliery June 29th. 1807 that the Colliery may be carried on to Profit a few months To Messrs. Stobart, Buddle and Straker, longer than that time, but as this must depend altogether Gentlemen, upon fortuitous Circumstances, arising from subsequent Creeps, Your as professional men &c. we cannot state its duration at more than the above period. are requested by the Lessees of this Colliery to inspect the works Query 2nd. Is there in your opinion any other Seams than the High of this Colliery, and peruse the Plan thereof, in order to give your Main Coal Seam that can be wrought to Profit in this Colliery, answers to ^ Queries. if so, you will please to point out the same. Query 1st. You will be pleased to calculate what Quantity of Coal Answer Having perused the account of the Sinking and boring there may be yet to work in the whole Coal as well made in the A Pit, to the depth of 190 Fathoms, and compared as what Coal may be reasonably expected by working the it with the stratification explored in some of the neighbouring Walls in the present situation of the Colliery from the High Collieries, we are fully of opinion, that no other Seam exists Main Coal Seam so as to enable you to say how long the in the Colliery, except the High-main, which can be wrought Colliery may be fairly expected to continue to work to profit. to Profit. Answer On examining the whole mine and accessible Pillars of this Query 3d. You will examine the drifts drove thro’ the Creep in the A Colliery, and calculating the produce thereof, we are of opinion Pit belonging this Colliery, and also the state of the Coal therein that Coal may be obtained from the same, exclusive of Small, and report how far it would be adviseable to persevere in working to enable it, to be wrought to profit for eighteen months to come, the remaining part of the Walls, having already wrought away, at the annual vend of 30,000 Chaldrons; and it is even possible, as much of them, as was thought adviseable in a former time which you will observe by examining the Plan was completed to the fullest extent. Answer We have examined the Drifts driven through the Creep in 1. 2. the

[Wat-3-4-p69b] 69b. [Wat-3-4-p69c] 69c. the A Pit, and the state of the Coal therein, and give it as our point out the same. opinion, that no good can result from persevering in the attempt Answer In the present exhausted State of the Colliery we cannot point to work the Pillars as second time, the Creep having very much out any change of System in the mode of working, that may crushed the Coal, we therefore advise that all proceedings here, be of advantage. The manner of working towards its termi- should cease, as a continuance is extremely hazardous owing nation must be entirely regulated by existing Circumstances owing to the impossibility of effecting a sufficient ventilation; Query 6th. Has there been sufficient tryals made at the Colliery in but admitting that the workings could be carried on with order to ascertain the Low-main Coal or other Seams if not safety, the Coals produced would be small and unmerchan- you will point out what other tryals should be made and wher[e] table Answer We have no difficulty in answering this querie in Query 4th. Should you think that the remaining Coal in the A and the affirmative Engine Pit can be wrought to Profit, will you point out the [signed] Willm. Stobart best mode in your opinion to work the same, or, if you Jno. Buddle think it not adviseable to persevere in working the remaining John Straker part of the Coal, do you conceive it necessary to continue to work the Fire Engine at the old Engine Pit. Answer The answer to the last querie renders it unnecessary to answer this, further than what relates to ^ Engine, and as we do not think it adviseable to work ant more Coal out of the A, nor Engine Pits, we deem it unnecessary to continue to work the old Engine. Query 5th. Considering the present exhausted state of this Colliery if there is any thing that can be pointed out for the future welfare in working this Colliery, you will be pleased to point 3.

[Wat-3-4-p69d] 69d. June 29th. 1807 69. Queries with answers relative to Bigges main Colliery.

[Wat-3-4-p70] 70. To Messrs. Bigges Main Colliery June 1807 Gentlemen, You as professional men are requested by the Lessor and Lessees of this Colliery to inspect the works of this Colliery, and peruse the Plan thereof, in order to give your answers to the following Queries. Query 1st. What quantity of Coal may there be yet to work both in the whole Coal as well as what Coal may reasonably be expected by working the Walls in the present situation of the Colliery from the High Main Coal Seam so as to enable you to say how long this Colliery may be fairly expected to continue to work to profit. Query 2nd. Is there in your opinion any other Seams than the High Main Coal Seam that can be wrought to Profit in this Colliery, if so, you will please to point out the same. Query 3d. You will examine the drifts drove thro’ the Creep in the A Pit belonging this Colliery, and also the state of the Coal therein and report how far it would be adviseable to persevere in working the remaining part of the Walls, having already wrought away as much of them, as was thought adviseable in a former time which you will observe by the Plan was completed to the fullest extent. Query 4th. Should you think that the remaining Coal in the A and Engine Pit can be wrought to Profit, will you point out the best mode in your opinion to work the same, or if you think it not adviseable to attempt to work the remaining part of the Coal do you conceive it necessary to continue to work the Fire Engine at the Old Engine Pit. Query 5th. Considering the present exhausted state of this Colliery if there is

[Wat-3-4-p70a] 70a. any thing that can be pointed out for the future Welfare in working this Colliery you will be pleased to point out the same.

[Wat-3-4-p71] 71. Bigges Main Colliery June 29th. 1807 To Messrs. Stobart, Buddle and Straker, Gentlemen, You as professional Men are requested by the Lessees of this Colliery to inspect the works of this Colliery, and peruse the Plan thereof, in order to give your answers to the following Queries. Query 1st. You will be pleased to calculate what Quantity of Coal there may be yet to work, in the whole Coal as well as what Coal may be reasonably expected by working the Walls in the present situation of the Colliery from the High Main Coal Seam, so as to enable you to say how long the Col- liery may be fairly expected to continue to work to Profit. Answer On examining the whole Mine and accessible Pillars of this Colliery, and calculating the produce thereof, we are of opinion that Coal may be obtained from the same, exclusive of small, to enable it, to be wrought to profit for eighteen Months to come, at the annual vend of 30,000 Chaldrons; and it is even possible, that the Colliery may be carried on to Profit a few months longer than that time, but as this must depend altogether upon fortuitous Circumstances, arising from subsequent Creeps, &c. we cannot state its duration at more than the above period. Query 2nd. Is there in your opinion any other Seams than the High Main Coal Seam that can be wrought to Profit in this Colliery, if so, you will please to point out the same. – – – – – Answer Having perused the account of the Sinking and boring made in the A Pit, to the depth of 193 Fathoms, and Compared it with the stratify -cation explored in some of the neighbouring Collieries, we are fully of opinion, that no other Seam exists in the Colliery, except the High Main, which can be wrought to Profit. – – – – – Query 3d. You will examine the drifts drove thro’ the Creep in the A Pit belonging this Colliery, and also the state of the Coal therein and report

[Wat-3-4-p71a] 71a. how far it would be adviseable to persevere in working the remaining part of the Walls, having already wrought away, as much of them, as was thought adviseable in a former View which you will observe by examining the Plan was completed to the fullest extent. – – – – – Answer We have examined the Drifts driven through the Creep in the A Pit, and the state of the Coal therein, and give it as our opinion, that no good can result from persevering in the attempt to work the Pillars as second time, the Creep having very much crushed the Coal, we therefore advise that all proceedings here, should cease, as a continuance is extremely hazardous owing to the impossibility of effecting a sufficient ventilation; but admitting that the workings could be carried on with safety, the Coals produced would be small and unmerchantable. – – – – Query 4th. Should you think that the remaining Coal in the A and Engine Pit can be wrought to Profit, will you point out the best mode in your Opinion to work the same, or, if you think it not adviseable to persevere in work the remaining part of the Coal, do you conceive it necessary to continue to work the Fire Engine at the Old Engine Pit. Answer The answer to the last querie renders it unnecessary to answer this, further than what relates to the Engine, and as we do not think it adviseable to work any more Coal out of the A, nor Engine Pits, we deem it unnecessary to continue to work the old Engine. – – – – Query 5th. Considering the present exhausted state of this Colliery if there is any thing that can be pointed out for the future welfare in working this Colliery you will be pleased to point out the same. Answer In the present exhausted State of the Colliery we cannot point out any change of System in the mode of working, that may be of advantage. The manner of working towards its termination must be entirely regulated by existing Circumstances. – – – –

[Wat-3-4-p71b] 71b. Query 6th. Has there been sufficient tryals made at the Colliery in order to ascertain the Low Main Coal or other Seams if not you will point out what other tryals should be made and where. – – Answer We have no difficulty in answering this querie in the affirmative

[signed] Willm. Stobart Jno. Buddle John Straker

[Wat-3-4-p71c] 71c. 71.

[Wat-3-4-p72] 72. Bigges Main Colliery June 1807 To Messrs. Gentlemen, You as professional Men are requested by the Lessor & Lessees of this Colliery to inspect the works of this Colliery, and peruse the Plan thereof, in order to give your answers to the following Queries.

Query 1st. What quantity of Coal may there may be yet to worked both in the whole Coal as well as what Coal may be reasonably be expected by working the Walls in the present situation of the Colliery from the High Main Coal Seam, so as to enable you to say how long this Colliery may be fairly expected to continue to work to Profit. Query 2nd. Is there in your opinion any other Seams than the High Main Coal Seam that can be wrought to profit in this Colliery, if so, you will please to point out the same. Query 3d. You will examine the drifts drove thro’ the Creep in the A Pit belonging this Colliery, and also the state of the Coal therein and report how far it would be adviseable to pursue in attempting getting the remaining part of the Walls, having already wrought away, as much of them, as was thought adviseable in a former working which you will observe by the Plan was completed to the fullest extent. Query 4th. Should you think that the remaining Coal in the A and Engine Pit can be wrought to Profit, will you point out the best mode in your opinion to work the same, or if you think it not adviseable to attempt to work the remaining part of the Coal, do you conceive it necessary to continue to work the Fire Engine at the Old Engine Pit.

[Wat-3-4-p72a] 72a. Query 5th. Considering the present exhausted state of this Colliery if there is any thing that can be pointed out for the future welfare in working this Colliery you will be pleased to point out the same.

NOTE, Re- BINDING at BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, Oct 1807 Wat-3-4- p73

[Wat-3-4-p73] 73. [Wat-3-4-p73a] 73a. 73. Coal Workmen bound at Bigges Main Coal workmen Colliery Octr. 1807. – – – bound at Bigges None bound from the Wear Main Colly. Octr. 1807

LETTER, John BUDDLE to John WATSON,Re- BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY Wat-3-4- p74 QUERIES, 20 Mar 1808

[Wat-3-4-p74] 74. [Wat-3-4-p74b] 74b. Confidential Walls-end Colliery 20th. Mar: 1808 March 20th. 1808 74. Dear Sir – I forgot to name to you Mr. Buddles Letter – yesterday that I have had a letter from Mr. R. Johnson saying that his present unfortunate [Below Text Transverse] situation renders it necessary for him to give Mr. Jno. Watson security on his Shares of Heaton & B – main Willington [Seal] Collieries, and requests me to give him answers to the following queries. I have answered them for Heaton, & if you see no impropriety in so doing I shall thank you to favour me with your answers thereon for Bigges – main and are Dr. Sir Yours truly Jno. Buddle turn over

[Fold>] [Wat-3-4-p74a] 74a. 1st. What will the probable Profit of the Colly. 1400 1200 1200 be this year? 26 26 28.2 2. Do. Do. in any succeeding year or 8400 31200 9600 Years? 2800 2400 3. What will the stock be worth when 36400 ) 33600 the Colliery ceas[ed] to work? 1680-0 Pay Bill – 980 700-0 [leaves] P. Pay £700 26 Deduct 18200 Tradesmens Bills 4000 Rents &c – – – 2200 Property Tax – – 1000 7200 £11000 yearly profit supposed for Biggs Main in 1808 Stock at Xmas was valued at £19156..5..10 Deduct Old Engine £1668 Byker Hill houses – 1160 Hay – – – – – – 3725 6553 12603.. 5..10 [Payment] upon the Colly. – 2396..14.. 2 say Stock – – £15000.. 0.. 0 £15000 Stock – – But will sell when the colliery is done say £7000 – 0 -

LETTER, Mr THOMAS to John WATSON,Re- COLLIERY VENDS, Wat-3-4- p75 1797 to 1806, 16 Mar 1808

[Wat-3-4-p75] 75. [Wat-3-4-p75a] 75a. Dear Sir Mr. Thomas’ Letter 75. Underneath you have the particulars of Mar. 16. 1808 our Vend for ten years, but I give it you in Confidence and therefore I am Confident no improper use will be [Below Text Transverse] made of it – I think the Contract of 1789 our Mr. John Watson Basis was 19000 Chaldrons at Mr. [Loshire] I am Dear Sir Turkshead Yours sincerely W. Thomas March 16th. 1808 To London Oversea Glasshouse Total Chaldrons & Fire Coal 26933 1797 22306 – – – 4627 24457 1798 20382 – – – 4075 22231 1799 18283 – – – 3948 21375 1800 15389 48 5938 15808 1801 11769 – – – 4129 9587 1802 7237 – – – 2350 7663 1803 5962 – – – 1701 13161 1804 6142 2030 4989 12669 1805 3236 2017 7416 13446 1806 3461 1248 8737

PARTICULARS, of WORKMENS HOUSES at BIGGES MAIN, 1808, Wat-3-4- p76

[Wat-3-4-p76] 76. [Wat-3-4-p76a] 76a. Front Back Toofalls Garrits 12 South [xxx] and the N. side Room Rooms Also, the Stables contains Stalls for 24 Horses 5 Houses Contg. 10 8 2 1 at the Blue row. 1 – Do. – 2 – 1 2 Corvers House and 2 at hard adjoining ^ 8 Horses 16 – Do. – 16 2 15 16 at high Row. 14 – Do. – 12 – 5 12 at Stables. [Below Text Upside down] 24 – Do. – 23 – 6 23 at Low Row. 1808 76. 12 – Do. – 12 – 12 12 at New Row. Number of Houses at 25 – Do. – 15 – 14 14 at West Pit. Bigges Main 2 – Do. – 2 2 1 – at B Pit. 17 – Do. – 17 1 3 18 at C Pit. 2 – Do. – 2 – – 2 C Pit WWay (Willington) 1 – Do. – 1 – 1 1 Lancet. Gibson 119 112 13 60 101 Total – – –

PLAN, of [BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY] WORKINGS, No Date, Wat-3-4- p77

[Plan of Bigges Main workings] [Wat-3-4-p77] 77. [Wat-3-4-p77a] 77a.

77.

QUERIES, Re-STATE & RECOMMENATIONS for BIGGES MAIN Wat-3-4- p78-p79 COLLIERY, by Messrs. STOBART, FENWICK STRAKER & HILL, 29 Dec 1808

[Wat-3-4-p78] 78. Bigges Main Colliery December 29th. 1808 To Messrs. Stobart, Fenwick, Straker, & Hill. Gentlemen, You are requested by Messrs. Bells, Brown & Co. to examine minutely into the present state and Situation of this Colliery, in order to enable You to answer the following Questions as fully as their Magnitude demands. – Questn. 1st. Are you of Opinion that the whole of the Coal has been wrought that could possibly be expected to be obtained from the High Main Coal Seam, and what would you advise to be done in the present exhausted state of the Colliery? Ansr. We are fully of Opinion that all safe and Judicious means have been adopted to obtain the greatest Quantity of Coal, and we do not see that more can be obtained without great difficulty, risk, and Expence, in the present exhausted and deranged state of the Colliery; consequently we recommend the Lessees to give up all thoughts of prosecuting the Workin[g]

[Wat-3-4-p78a] 78a. thereof further, as the trivial Quantity of Mine remaining can by no means Guarantee them; We therefore repeat our advice of an immediate abandonment. Questn. 2nd. You will observe that a General Creep has been upon the Colliery (the natural consequences from working the Walls) which prevented removing a few Walls West of the C Pit Shaft; Are you of Opinion that it would be an adviseable step to attempt to work them; Or do you think by working them, the Coals produced therefrom would indemnify the Company against the Expence that would naturally be attended in preparing them to work – Ansr. We conceive the answer to the first Question will be sufficiently explicit to answer the Second. Questn. 3d. Conceiving that the High Main Coal Seam is entirely exhausted or wrought out, that can be wrought to Profit. – Are you of Opinion that there may be any other Seams of Coal in this Colliery that can be wrought to Profit; and in order to enable you to answer this Question as fully as possible you will be pleased to examine

[Wat-3-4-p78b] 78b. [Wat-3-4-p78c] 78c. and enquire into what steps has been already 78. taken to ascertain the same, and to report the Report on Biggs results thereof; and also if you are not perfectly Main Colly. by Messrs. satisfied that sufficient Trials has been made Stobart, Fenwick, towards the discovery of other Seams, you will Straker, & Hill. recommend such further Means to be taken as you may think right to be pursued, and to point out where those Trials ought to be made. Ansr. We have examined the Boring Accounts, and from our perusal of it we have no hesitation in saying that there are no Seams explored that would Warrant the Expence of Sinking to, at the present period; therefore any further Trial we conceive would be inexpedient and unnecessary. – Willm. Stobart [Signed] Tho. Fenwick John Straker Geo: Hill

[Wat-3-4-p79] 79. [Wat-3-4-p79a] 79a. Sir; Bigges Main Office 79. In consequence of the View made at Mr. Strakers Letter to this Colliery this day, and the result thereof. Mr. Watson respecting the I have to inform you (on the behalf of the Lessers) taken of the Brattice out of that you that you may remove the Air the Pits and making the Brattices in the Shafts preparatory to a Notice land Ploughable – you will receive for filling them up and making the Land Ploughable I am for the Lessors of Bigges Main Colliery Decr. 29th. John Straker 1808 To Mr. John Watson

COAL VENDS, Re-BIGGES MAIN COLLIERY, 31 Dec1805 to Wat-3-4- p80, p81 3 June 1807 & Monthly 1803 to 1808.

[Wat-3-4-p80] 80. [Wat-3-4-p80a] 80a. Coals vended from Biggs Main Colly. – – Chas. 80. from 31 Decr. 1805 to & with 4th. June 1806 13,298 Vends of Coals at Chas. Bigges Main in ditto Resting – – – – – – Pitts – 3700 1806 & 1807 – – Staith – – 85 3785 Vended from 31 Decr. 1806 to & with 3d. June 1807 – 8354 [Below text Upside Down] Resting 3 June 1807 Pitts – – – 7683 Mr. Watson Sth. – – – 34 7717 Vended from Willington Colly. from 31 Decr. – – – – Requested Vend whi[ch][ leading] 1805 to & with 4th. June 1806 – – – – – – – 12134 in the Trade – resting – – – Pits – – 2295 Vend 1805 – 1806 – Staith – – 25[ ] Vended from 31 Decr. 1806 to & with 3d. June 1807 – 5467 [ 1 ] resting 3 June – – Pits – 11903 125000 1333

[Wat-3-4-p81] 81. [Wat-3-4-p81a] 81a. Bigges Main Vend as under 81. – – – Vizt. – – – Vends of Coals from 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 Bigges Main Colliery January 1598 1905 638 586 1393 858 in the Years 1803, 1804, February 2652 2226 3124 3460 1486 2529 1805, 1806, 1807 & 1808. March 3370 2245 3652 2053 1617 2343 April 3625 2704 2612 2458 2843 2775 May 2096 2937 2399 4588 1009 2176 June 3719 2943 2127 3632 1603 587 July 3617 2802 3068 3272 2777 2002 August 4182 3082 4330 3209 3109 1831 September 3947 2540 2854 3375 2888 1376 October 2681 1012 1670 3434 3992 1213 November 3659 2453 2789 2090 2715 970 December 3825 3226 2744 1205 1393 108 Totals. 38,971 30,075 32,007 33,362 26,825 18,768

QUERIES, by Mr JOHNSON of John WATSON REGARDING BIGGES Wat-3-4- p82 MAIN COLLIERY, No Date,

[Wat-3-4-p82] 82. [Wat-3-4-p82a] 82a. Mr. Johnson requests Mr. Jno. Watson will oblige by answering the 82. following questions relative to Bigges Main Colly., as soon as possible Mr. Johnson’s Queries 1st. What was the whole quantity of Coal held under Lease by the Com- to Jno. Watson pany (including Barriers)? 2nd. How much whole is left unwrought, specifying what is Barrier? 3rd. How much Coal in the Pillars is yet unwrought? 4th. Supposing it to be determined to continue to work the Colliery in all the Pits that can be used with safety, will one Engine, placed in any given situation suffice to draw the water? 5th. What quantity of the whole Coal and pillars can be drained by the present Engine at the C pit? 6th. What quantity of water was drawn weekly or daily by the Engines formerly on the A & B pits, & that at present on the C? 7th. What quantity of water do you conceive to be in the Colly.? 8th. If the whole of the High Main Seam is wrought off, is it probable that the surface would be affected by a Creep or Falls? – –