Report - Draycott Cross Colliery, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent – January 2020

[MotionlessMike]

Draycott Cross Colliery was a privately owned drift mine which operated from 1983 through to early 1991. The adits were mined in the southern portal of the former Draycott Cross Railway Tunnel. The tunnel and line were constructed from 1888 through to 1894 and were originally part of the railway line running from Totmonslow to Cheadle. The tunnel was abandoned in the 1930’s as it was prone to collapse, despite the addition of steel hoops to support the roof and a diversion was built to the East making the tunnel redundant.


Visited with @Gsxrwayne

Once inside the tunnel we had a poke about in a couple of the adits on the West and East side, unfortunately both were flooded after a short distance. The escape shaft looked tempting, but in the end we thought better of it. The air was good throughout our visit.



Looking down the tunnel

I think the white material is 'bagging' and was used for dust extraction

Nice to see several mine carts dotted around

Remains of part of the conveyor system

In one of the adits

And another, this one we didn't venture into because of flooding

Further down the main tunnel is this barricade - slightly overexposed where the sign is

Beyond this, the tunnel is piled with sand for a short distance and the remains of some kind of pulley-driven earth scooper are present.

The end of the tunnel and collapse, the buckled steel hoops are slightly unnerving!

Thanks for looking!
​

 

[Calamity Jane]

Nice update on the place. You`ve covered it well. Always like to see the old carts. Those curved supports are looking more & more dodgy. Nice set

 

[Gsxrwayne]

Pics turned out mint mate even if you was flued up and grumpy haha. Cheers for this one it was a good one

 

[MotionlessMike]

Nice update on the place. You`ve covered it well. Always like to see the old carts. Those curved supports are looking more & more dodgy. Nice set

Thanks CJ it's certainly one I never tire of seeing.

Pics turned out mint mate even if you was flued up and grumpy haha. Cheers for this one it was a good one

Cheers mate, thanks for being Mr PPE and for putting up with all the swearing and moaning haha

 

[Bikin Glynn]

Decent set of pics there I like that!

 

[raisinwing]

Quality shots there pal, you've covered it really well!

 

[gingerspeedfreak]

Nice pics, I especially like the flooded adit pic. The optical illusion makes you think the water should be flowing towards you! Those buckled supports certainly speak of some movement and force from above the arch.

 

[HughieD]

Great to see this bit of the colliery. Top notch stuff mate.

 

[Yorrick]

That's really well lit, decent shots too.

I think the white material is 'bagging' and was used for dust extraction

I think it's more likely to have been for getting fresh air in. We use something very similar for AC in event spaces.

 

[MotionlessMike]

That's really well lit, decent shots too.

I think it's more likely to have been for getting fresh air in. We use something very similar for AC in event spaces.

Ah that makes sense. And thanks mate!

 

[Camera Shy]

Forgotten all about this place, still never been so I'll have to put that right. Nice report and pics.

 

[caiman]

Beyond this, the tunnel is piled with sand for a short distance and the remains of some kind of pulley-driven earth scooper are present.

It's actually a Slusher. Used to be quite common in metal mines. Also known as a Scraper, principally in South Africa where lots of them are still in use.

 

[jezzyboo]

very good pics them buckled arches look a bit precarious well done

 

[Zoemilly]

Love it! such an amazing place! Shame I’m terrified of confined spaces or I’d love to give this a go as it’s only up the road from me. Well done on getting in, you’ve covered it beautifully

 

[Kendog]

Draycott Cross Colliery was a privately owned drift mine which operated from 1983 through to early 1991. The adits were mined in the southern portal of the former Draycott Cross Railway Tunnel. The tunnel and line were constructed from 1888 through to 1894 and were originally part of the railway line running from Totmonslow to Cheadle. The tunnel was abandoned in the 1930’s as it was prone to collapse, despite the addition of steel hoops to support the roof and a diversion was built to the East making the tunnel redundant.


Visited with @Gsxrwayne

Once inside the tunnel we had a poke about in a couple of the adits on the West and East side, unfortunately both were flooded after a short distance. The escape shaft looked tempting, but in the end we thought better of it. The air was good throughout our visit.



Looking down the tunnel

I think the white material is 'bagging' and was used for dust extraction

Nice to see several mine carts dotted around

Remains of part of the conveyor system

In one of the adits

And another, this one we didn't venture into because of flooding

Further down the main tunnel is this barricade - slightly overexposed where the sign is

Beyond this, the tunnel is piled with sand for a short distance and the remains of some kind of pulley-driven earth scooper are present.

The end of the tunnel and collapse, the buckled steel hoops are slightly unnerving!

Thanks for looking!
​