Mining history

Smithywood Colliery (colloquially known as Thorpe Pit) operated between 1886 – 1974 and extracted coal and ironstone from its two shafts. Following on from the collieries closure in 1974, the site was re-profiled to roughly the current site layout and the associated colliery buildings demolished by the National Coal Board.

Mining plan of Smithywood Colliery from 1949. Thorpe Pit can be seen coloured in red, situated south of Wentworth Road.

The site was then utilised as a pumping station to control mine water levels in adjacent collieries. During the 1990’s the majority of the colliery was sold to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) where it is maintained as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS), however the land around the mine shafts was retained by the Coal Authority. The site has remained unchanged until the present day, however the project will involve temporary widening of the site access and changes to the bridleway; public access will be maintained throughout.

Smithywood Coal Preparation Plant Buildings, Coke Oven Quencher – September 1975

Headgear and Winding Engine House Post Closure – November 1975

Smithywood Colliery/Thorpe Pit Spoil Heap Plan