SOME DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS AND INTERESTING PLACES

PEMBERTON MAIN
MONKWEARMOUTH
WEARMOUTH COLLIERY

Fig.1
Pemberton Main / Monkwearmouth / Wearmouth Colliery 
1826 –1995

The coal trade was becoming more and more important to the port and town of Sunderland and greater exploitation was being considered in areas nearer to this important outlet.

Just to the north west of this unique iron bridge plans were being made and drillings taking place to facilitate the sinking of Pemberton Main colliery that started in 1826.

Many doubted the wisdom of this undertaking but the owners said that rather than give up the venture “they would sink to hell and mine cinders”

This colliery became unique as the first shaft to be sunk through the permian water bearing limestone and renowned as the deepest mine shaft in the world for a long period of time.

German sinkers (the building & naming of Schimel Street, Frank Street etc in Southwick bear testament to their work) were brought in to use the new method of drilling a series of holes into the limestone, pumping in brine and freezing the surrounding area.

This to facilitate the sinking of each separate section after which ”tubbing” would hold the water back section after section.

Pemberton Main colliery changed to Monkwearmouth colliery, then finally to Wearmouth colliery.

Fig.2 Robinson Library © SINE Project  Sunderland Drops or Staithes	Fig.3 Schimel Street, Southwick, Sunderland, Dec 2004 This street, Frank Street etc. named in honour of the German shaft sinkers

TYPES OF SURVEY INSTRUMENTS
USED AT COALMINES SUCH AS PEMBERTON MAIN COLLIERY IN THE 19th AND MID 20th CENTURY

Fig.4 Mining Dial

Mining Dial used to obtain magnetic bearings underground whilst taking similar readings on the surface to orient underground workings with important surface features. Used also for second order surveys over relatively small areas underground.

Fig.5 Circular Protractor

Circular protractor used for plotting workings on Mine Plans.

Fig.6 Dumpy Level

Used for obtaining difference in levels in roadways.

Fig.7 Transit Theodolite

The open vane transit Theodolite used to obtain accurate horizontal and vertical angles