Disused Shaft, Former Killingworth Colliery

Image: © Geoff Holland Taken: 1 Dec 2020

This stone marks the site of the shaft of the Killingworth High Pit (part of what was known collectively as Killingworth Colliery where George Stephenson worked as an engine wright). In 1814 George Stephenson built his first locomotive 'Blücher' with the help and encouragement of his manager, Nicholas Wood, in the colliery workshop behind his house "Dial Cottage" on Great Lime Road. And, as they say, "the rest is history". For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit www.northtynesidewalks.co.uk. This poem, inspired by George Stephenson and the Blücher, first appeared in the 2014 published book, 'North Tyneside Steam': KILLINGWORTH 1814/ GEORGE STEPHENSON Canny lad, Geordie the engine-wright, Northumberland in his bones, head full of bright ideas. Cylinders, boilers, smoke stacks & steam to haul the coal at Killingworth where miners worked the seam. Dust & dirt, sweat & toil in the Colliery workshop off the Great Lime Road. The Blücher, a General's name, hauled thirty tons at marching pace down to the staithes & the bonny Tyne. Here he cut his teeth. The poem was written by Geoff Holland

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