Easington Cage

[Carter64]

This is the cage from Easington Colliery, which closed in 1993. It stands as a memorial, next to the capped-off site of the South Shaft. When the pit was open, up to 90 men on the three levels were winched into the mine, taking less than 1 minute to descend almost 1500 feet, in darkness. It was considered bad etiquette to turn on your cap-lamp!
In use, the bottom level also had gates fitted, the same as the two upper levels.
This would be the very cage that I was crammed into, twice a day
I was struck by the incongruity of a bright sunny day, which this never saw while the pit was operational.


Easington Cage by Michael B O'Brien, on Flickr

 

[On the Huh]

Well executed picture, but for me coming from a non-mining area, very interesting. Had no idea they were that big. Must have been scary getting into it apart from having to graft undergound all day long.

 

[Carter64]

It's what you were bred for in Easington!
1980...........
School careers: 'Here's an application form for the pit'
Me: 'But I'm expected to get 6 or 7 good O levels!'
School careers: 'here's an application form for a pit electrician'

(I kid you not)

 

[ziggy©]

Looks like a computer rack.

 

[Yellowbelly]

I lived in Whitburn for several years and count many ex-miners as my friends. I haven't been back for over thirty years, but your shot has reminded me that I really must make an appointment with my memories.