Annesley Colliery
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Annesley Colliery was sunk between 1865 and 1867 by the Worswick family from Leicestershire. This seam was the basis for the mines operations for the next 50 years or so in the Leen Valley.
In 1924 the colliery was bought by the New Hucknall Colliery Company. Who invested much needed capital into the mine. But on January 1st 1947, Annesley became part of the National Coal Board, (East Midlands Division Area No 4). And in 1967 became part of the South Nottinghamshire area of the National Coal Board (N.C.B.)
By 1981 coal turning up at the Annesley Colliery shafts ceased. With all the coal being diverted underground to the surface at Bentinck Colliery.
In 1985 Annesley became part of the Annesley, Bentinck, Newstead Complex. And as part of the newly formed Nottinghamshire area of British Coal.
In 1988 the Colliery officially became the Annesley / Bentinck Mine. When Linby ceased production in 1988 it left Annesley the last pit in the Leen Valley. Having produced coal for over 120 years. In 1999 though Midlands Mining PLC announced that Annesley was to be shut for good by the end of the year.
The last shift ever worked at Annesley Colliery was completed Friday 28th January 2000.
Since its closure much of the colliery has been demolished. Leaving only the main headstock and the Bath house which dates back to the 1930s.
Aside from the demolition the site has been badly vandalized and is in a bad state of disrepair. Locals residents however appealed against planning permission to demolish the site for new housing. And are currently waiting to see if the Headstock and Bath house can be saved.
Originally there were two Headstocks but the other was knocked down a few years ago leaving only the main one now standing.
Although little now remains of the colliery its still worth seeing. Strangley the Bath house is probably the most interesting feature. Still with some of the miners belongings still in situ in the locker rooms. Boots, coats, hard hats and the odd bit of paper work. Can still be found.
As of October 2009 the Bath House has been completely demolished and demolition work started on the last remaining headstock. Another sad chapter in Britains mining history that will be lost forever.
