The Main Engine

The First Edition Ordnance Survey plan 1862 shows a building labelled The Main Engine at Waggon Hill. On the 1775 plan there is a coal shaft, surrounding spoil and adjoining building, probably a pumping engine are shown here. A track, with sidings beside the pit ran north to the spout on the Lambton riverbank and probably transported coal from the colliery. Pit may have closed by 1815 - the engine perhaps still functioned to drain the colliery. Perhaps represents Wharton Main Colliery hence the name, the Main Engine, on the 1862 OS plan.