Introduction
In the 1840's it is estimated that there were over a thousand pits within a 5 mile radius of Wigan.
Different from using a vertical shaft with overhead gear, drift mines were much shallower and drifted or sloped down towards the coal seam.
In the built up town cente were many smaller drift mines.
King Coal
One such drift mine was located in a yard behind the Clarence Hotel in Wallgate. It was leased from Mr. Walmesley the land owner by coal proprietor John Bleasdale.