Gin pit

The development of Middlecale Colliery began in 1835 when local farmer Thomas Brocklehurst obtained a lease from the Legh family of Lyme Hall. The main shaft was alongside the Macclesfield Canal and a number of peripheral sinkings were developed including this shaft close to the western edge of the colliery. The remains of the shaft are on the left and associated gin circle is in the centre, as is the route of the tramroad back to the canal which lies on the other side of the hedge behind the house. The spoil tip of the main winding shaft is marked by tops of the clump of trees on the right side of the horizon. The colliery was abandoned in 1878 having exhausted the two seams available.