Lees, Jones, Booth & Co. owned Broadoak, at Ashton-under-Lyne, in 1846, but it was clearly an established colliery. Broadoak colliery had two pits (Moss and Nook Pits) which were 415 metres apart. It was linked to the Oldham, Ashton and Guide Bridge Junction Railway by a 980 metre long branch line. Bournes & Robinson were given as owners in 1855, but by 1859 Leeses & Booth had taken over, working until at least 1865. The Fairbottom Colliery Co. came next, from 1869 to 1875, and then the Broad Oak Colliery Co. from 1880 to 1901.
The average number employed underground, in the Saltpetre and Great Mines, at the Moss Pit was 21 between 1895 and 1901. There were seven on the surface. At the 216 metres deep Nook Pit, which worked the Royley Mine, the average number employed underground was 117, with 24 on the surface.
In February 1846 an area of coal, said to be about 45 metres in extent, next to an underground boiler and engine house caught fire. The men were said to be having great difficulties getting near because of the heat. Steam from water put on the fire soon weakened the roof and led to a large collapse of ground. As Broadoak continued working, the fire was clearly put out, but we do not know how.
Source:
- NMRS Records, Gazetteer of British Collieries
