Northern Perspectives: Leasingthorne Colliery Reservoir Tower

Once there was a thriving colliery here. On the flat land just beyond the pile of bricks there was headgear, railways, coke ovens, brickworks, spoil heaps and a gasometer, plus there were lines of terraces providing accommodation for the 1,500 men and boys who worked on the site.

The Leasingthorne Colliery Reservoir Tower, by Northern Perspectives (Image: Northern Perspectives)

Now all that survives of Leasingthorne colliery, which was between Coundon and Kirk Merrington which can be seen at the top of the picture, is this pile of bricks – the remains of the reservoir tower.

As Memories 741 told last summer, Leasingthorne was brought into life in 1836 by the Chilton branch of the Clarence Railway. Its heyday was the 1930s and its closure in October 1967 was followed by rapid clearance of the colliery and demolition of the low, single storey terraces.

READ MORE: WHY YOU DON’T WANT TO LINGER AND DIE AT LEASINGTHORNE

Now all that remains of this classic Durham mining community is a single terrace and a former pub – the Eden Arms Hotel – that has become a private home now the thirsty miners have been moved on.

The Eden Arms Hotel at Leasingthorne is now a private house

Dave Wilkin, the Durham-based cameraman behind Northern Perspectives

READ MORE: MEET THE MAN AND HIS DRONE BEHIND NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES

And the reservoir tower, which was once on the edge of the pit yard. Its monumental status is captured in this wonderful photograph by Northern Perspectives, our regular contributor who uses the latest drone technology to shed new light on our beautiful and historic landscape. To see more of his amazing work, including his aerial videos, search “Northern Perspectives” on Facebook.

SEE ALSO: THE NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES VIEW OF A WONDERFUL VIADUCT ON A LINE FROM DARLINGTON