Numbers 1 and 2 headstocks at the former Hatfield Main Colliery

Two sets of colliery headstocks, 1922 with later alterations.

LAYOUT The two shafts are centred approximately 75m apart, the headstocks being arranged parallel to each other, wound from the north west.

NUMBER 1 HEADSTOCKS (west, upcast shaft – primary coal drawing shaft) This is constructed of steel lattice beams with steel plates strengthening the junctions between the beams, all set on a concrete raft foundation. The lower 6-7m of the main legs above the shaft are encased in concrete, retaining scaring of a removed upper landing. The feet of the backstays are also encased in concrete, this thought to have been part of the original design. The headstocks stands to 105 feet (c.32m) high to the pit-wheel axles, the two pit wheels being of 20 feet (c.6m) diameter.

NUMBER 2 HEADSTOCKS (east, downcast shaft – primary man-riding shaft) This is of Kahn system, steel reinforced concrete construction, the tower above the shaft being concrete sided. Built around the base of the headstocks, partially encasing the backstay legs, is the two storey concrete framed and brick panelled heapstead which is lined internally with shuttered concrete for airtightness. The heapstead was rebuilt in the 1970s, although the concrete framing appears newer than that of the backstays, 1922 photographs indicate that the arrangement of the framing is little altered. The main entrance to the heapstead is to the west via twin airlocks with steel doors approached by two 24 inch gauge lines for mine tubs. The headstocks rise to nearly 107 feet (c.37m) to the pit-wheel axles, the two pit wheels being of 20 feet (c.6m) diameter.

EXCLUSIONS As stated above, structures beyond the blue line on the attached map do not form part of the listed building; these exclusions comprise (but are not limited to) the heapsteads, the fan house, the powerhouse and the winding engine houses.