The Lidl store in Consett stands on a site steeped in history. Once a bustling center of coal mining activity, the area was known as the Victory Pit, part of the Crookhall Colliery complex.
A Long History of Mining
Coal mining in the area began in the early 1830s, with a network of pits and drift mines dotting the landscape. The first pit on the Lidl site itself was the Latterday Saints Pit, sunk in 1847. This pit provided not only high-quality coal but also fire clay, a key ingredient in the bricks used by the Consett Iron Company. The Latterday Saints Pit, also known as the Saints Pit and Delves Colliery, remained operational until 1913.
The Victory Pit Takes Center Stage
In 1921, a new chapter began with the sinking of the Victory Pit shaft. This pit became the focal point of mining activity on the site until its closure in November 1963. The Victory Pit wasn't just a single mine; the site also housed "beehive coke ovens" for processing coal and served as a collection point for output from other nearby pits and mines.
A Memorial to Mining's Legacy
While the coal mining era has ended, its legacy lives on. The prominent archway that once stood on the site was carefully taken down and rebuilt by local builder Brian Anderson. Today, it serves as a permanent memorial to the generations of miners who toiled in the Consett area, a testament to their hard work and sacrifice.
The Site's Transformation
The land has undergone a significant transformation. The busy mining operations have given way to the Lidl store, catering to the needs of the local community. However, the memorial archway stands as a reminder of the important role coal mining played in Consett's past.
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