Seaton Colliery (HIgh Pit), sinking began 1845, coal first produced in 1852, Seaham Colliery (Low Pit) sinking began 1849 a few years later the two collieries were amalgamated (1864)
In the first weeks of working at Seaton Colliery there were 3 explosions as 40 years after the invention of the safety lamp, candles were still being used in the pit. In the explosion of 6th of June 1852, 6 men & boys were killed the youngest, Charles Halliday, was officially stated as being 10 years old but was actually aged between 8 years and 2 months and 9 years and 2 months.
Children playing in the snow just south of Seaham Colliery, where Eastlea now stands. Ball alley towards right of photograph. Date, probably around 1900,
Seaham Colliery High Pit, probably early 1900's. Sinking began in 1844, first coal 1852. Owned originally by North Hetton and Grange Colliery Company, later bought by Lord Londonderry.
Mr. E. Harrald, ( master shifter ), Mr. S. Hedley ( assistant under viewer ), Mr. R. Barlow ( overman ). Explorers with Heuss's Patent Breathing Apparatus at Seaham Colliery after the explosion on Sept 8th 1880 when 164 men and boys lost their lives.
