The history of Woolley Colliery and Woolley Grange

Woolley Grange, situated near the border of Wakefield and Barnsley, has a rich history rooted in the region's industrial past. Before its development into a residential community, the area was home to Woolley Colliery, a significant coal mining operation. The colliery began operations in the mid-19th century, with records indicating mining activities as early as 1301, possibly initiated by monks.

In 1987, following the nationalisation of the coal industry, Woolley Colliery ceased operations. Subsequently, the site underwent reclamation and redevelopment, leading to the establishment of Woolley Grange as a residential estate. The community is known for its strong community spirit, hosting events such as Halloween decorations and other seasonal activities.

Today, Woolley Grange stands as a testament to the area's industrial heritage, seamlessly blending historical significance with modern residential living.

The building of Woolley Grange began around 2003, but before that it has a long history of mining dating back to around 1301.

• 1301

  First records of mining in the area, thought to be by monks.

• 1799

  Barnsley Canal opens in Darton, new collieries open in the area, Woolley is too far to benefit from improved links.

• 1st January 1850

  Darton railway station opens.

• March 1854

  Work begins under the supervision of the 'Woolley Coal Company'. Shallow draft mines were worked along Woolley Edge and a shaft mine at Woolley Warren house.

• 1861

  20% cut in pay announced, miners strike. Colliery refuses to re-employ the striking miners, instead bringing in 90 new men from Derbyshire to take their place.

• 1863

  Colliery is listed for sale at £40,000.

• 1867

  Colliery purchased by 'The Woolley Coal Co. LTD'.

• Late 1860s

  2 stone rows of terraced houses are built to house the miners, forming Woolley Colliery Village.

• 1869

  Main site moves and shafts are sunk in Wheatley Wood (Locally named 'Beamshaw Pit').

• 1873

  Colliery sold again, details of new ownership unknown.

• 1894

  Final ownership change to Fountain and Burnley, already the owners of North Gawber Colliery.

• 1896

  758 employed at the colliery.

• 1901

  The census records residents at 25 households in Top Row and 29 in Low Row, with a total of 227 people.

• 1910 - 1912

  2 shafts sunk at a new site, to the west of Woolley Colliery village, which was to remain the permanent home to the colliery until mining ceased in 1986.

• 1913

  100 new houses built as the rows extended eastwood. Bluebell Road created.

• 1923

  The colliery employs 1989 people. Records indicate the colliery is now doing well, despite its troubles under previous ownerships.

• 1930s

  Life for the pit village residents continues to improve. A Miners Institute is created, joining other local amenities such as Bill Nash's 'chip oil' and a small general store.

• 1932

  Woolley Colliery becomes the first pit in the country to become fully electrified.

• 1933

  The colliery now employs 3080 people and its annual output is recorded as 700,000 tons.

• 1939

  Pit head baths opened.

• 1940

  Annual output has almost doubled to a staggering 1,300,000 tons.

• 1942

  3rd shaft sunk.

• 1947

  Nationalisation of the coal industry.

• 1950s

  Part of the original housing demolished.

• 1959

  Ventilation shaft sunk, the 4th and final shaft the colliery would sink.

• 1970s

  Old houses demolished.

• 1982

  £40 million investment announced by the NCB. The West Side Coal preparation plant built.

• 1983

  Fire destroys 'press house' section of the newly built West Side complex, causing £8 million of damage.

• 6th March 1984

  The miners' strike begins.

• 3rd October 1984

  First miner returns to Woolley Colliery. Trouble breaks out between police and striking miners.

• 3rd March 1985

  Strike finishes, miners parade (known as loyalty parades) from the Rose & Crown, through Darton and up to the colliery, holding their colliery banner high.

• 1985

  Men from North Gawber Colliery are transferred to Woolley.

• December 1987

  A £5000 redundancy bonus was offered if the strikers stopped resisting the closure of the colliery.

• 22nd December 1987

  Woolley Colliery closes.

• 21st February 1993

  Washery demolished.

• 12th July 1993

  Coal preparation plant demolished.