From this photograph of Whitfield colliery taken in 1930 five pit heads can be clearly seen from left to right: Winstanley pit (1913); Engine pit (1863); Middle pit (1863); Institute pit (1874); Platt pit (1883); and Hesketh pit (1914).

The double deck bridge (upper for pit tubs and lower for pedestrians) originally spanned the often blocked sidings between the Winstanley pit and the dirt tips. The landmark 225ft chimney stand proud behind the bridge.

This colliery started in 1863 by Hugh Henshall Willamson and closed in 1976.

The Winstanley pit preserved for posterity in the form of the Chatterley-Whitfield Mining Museum was the first of its kind, in that visitors went underground. After opening in 1977, the underground section was closed in 1986. Another underground section was opened by Prince Anne in October 1987, and the Museum finally closed on 9th August 1993.
Colliery Map