After Sir James, there was a succession of Lowthers who inherited the coal interests but did not emulate his close interest.
The Lowthers' direct involvement in coal diminished, and in 1888 the mines were leased to the Whitehaven Colliery Company.
By 1893 nearly all the coal was being extracted from under the sea, and William pit extended 4 miles out under the Solway.
In 1900 the output of the collieries was 536,000 tons.
However they became less economic; the company failed in 1933, and the pits were sold to Priestman collieries.
They in turn failed in 1935, and the pits were closed for 18 months.
Work resumed with help from a Nuffield foundation, and the Cumberland Coal Company was formed, re-opening the pits in 1937.
In 1947 the pits came under the nationalised body, the National Coal Board.
After Sir James, there was a succession of Lowthers who inherited the coal interests but did not emulate his close interest. The Lowthers' direct involvement in coal diminished, and in 1888 the mines were leased to the Whitehaven Colliery Company. By 1893 nearly all the coal was being extracted from under the sea, and William pit extended 4 miles out under the Solway. In 1900 the output of the collieries was 536,000 tons. However they became less economic; the company failed in 1933, and the pits were sold to Priestman collieries. They in turn failed in 1935, and the pits were closed for 18 months. Work resumed with help from a Nuffield foundation, and the Cumberland Coal Company was formed, re-opening the pits in 1937. In 1947 the pits came under the nationalised body, the National Coal Board.
Whitehaven