The Villages History - Page 2

As with other towns and villages major changes came with the industrial revolution, a time for change, for better or for worst. Men left the area to fight in the First World War some never to return.

During the early part of the 20th century fuel was essential for the growing number of factories that emerged where mass production and lower prices were the aim. Most housing also used coal as their source for heating. It was in this era that "Coal" was needed more than ever before and this would change not only village landscape but bring in much needed employment.

Harworth and Coal

In 1907 a Professor of Mining at Leeds University explored the aspect of coal in the area and some three years later started to obtain leases from landowners.

Sinking the original shafts at Harworth started in 1914 prior to World War 1 by the Northern Union Mining Co a German firm. Owing to the situation at that time sinking work stopped, and in 1917 the rights were sold to Barber Walker Coal Co.

Having obtained the rights, Barber Walker of Eastwood purchased around 350 acres of land that was to be used for the building of houses for the miners who were going to work at the colliery. This was the birth of BIRCOTES.

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