 |
|
|
Method of winding, employed at the Old Ventilator Pit.
Risca Old Ventilator pit, Waunfawr, nr. Risca.
The Blackvein Colliery was situated near to another colliery called "The Old Ventilator pit" (sometimes referred to as Waunfawr colliery), the old Ventilator was a whimsey pit sunk in 1799 as part of the two pits and two levels of the Waunfawr colliery, which was the site of the later old, old Black Vein colliery sited c200 yards to the south of the old Black Vein. it was sunk to the black vein seam, being the first pit in the area to reach the Steam coal measures. It was called the Ventilator because the air circulation was carried out by the use of an engine, which was house in a 40-foot high tower. This tower was separated internally throughout its height. The sides of the tower had louver panels, which would open on the one side when the stroke of the engine called for fresh air, then close while on the other side of the tower the louvers would open to expel the foul air on the engines next stroke.
The shafts were only shallow and the coal was wound up by the use of a "Gin Wheel" or "Whimsey" whereby a horse was attached to a large drum, which was set horizontally, the horse would walk round and round winding the load bearing rope around the drum. The rope passed over vertical pulleys placed over the pit entrance.
Two separate explosions occurred here in 1842, killing 2 and 3 men respectively.
It later became the upcast shaft for the Blackvein colliery.
At this period of time the use of women and child labour in mines was widespread, in some cases children as young as seven or eight and even younger being employed.
This became a matter of such concern that the Government commissioned Inspectors to observe and report on their findings.
This resulted in an act of Parliament in 1842, banning Women
from working underground, as were boys under the age of ten.
This colliery ceased production in the 1870's.
For more on John Russell please see the Risca Blackvein Page.