Pit remains are local landmarks
Published at 15:48, Wednesday, 05 May 2010
TOWERING above the harbour, Wellington pit in appearance was by far the most spectacular of Whitehaven’s pits. It was built to resemble a castle, with a keep, turrets and high crenellated walls. Its twin shafts were sunk between 1840 and 1845.
The architect of the surface buildings was Sydney Smirke, who designed the reading room at the British Museum (and also Whitehaven’s Mansion House, 19-20 Irish Street).
The design of the Candlestick chimney is reputed to be based on a candlestick in Whitehaven Castle, home of coal barons the Lowthers.
All that remains today are the Candlestick, the Wellington Lodge which is now used by the Coastguard and some of the high retaining walls. The area has recently undergone a multi-million pound regeneration.
The workings of the mine extended out under the Solway, in a straight line, for about four miles.
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
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