Backworth Colliery
An NCB Austerity hauling a train of either empties, or more probably coal, back up from Weetslade Washery to Backworth (Eccles) Colliery. Weetslade Colliery closed in 1966 but the washery was kept open to handle the Eccles output until its closure in 1980. The Backworth washery collapsed in 1970 and this operation meant that a new one was not necessary. I believe the Weetslade/Burradon line left Backworth Colliery at the south end of the yard and turned through 180deg to run parallel with the existing BR freight line before striking off west to Weetslade, by which time the line was to the north of Backworth village. It would appear that this line is on the course of the Seaton Burn Wagonway dating back to the 1820s. I am grateful to Malcolm Chattwood, then a mining engineering student, for information on this location and its workings.
Location: Backworth Colliery (former)
Original line: Seatonburn Waggonway
Photographer: Mark Bartlett
Contact photographer: Mark Bartlett
Date: 1975
Image number: 25881
Other photographs of Backworth Colliery on RailScot
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