At the beginning of March 2019, Workington Town Council submitted their plans for stage two of the Jane Pit Memorial Project to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Stage one of the project, funded by Lottery player’s money, was completed in 2018, and involved detailed structural surveys, investigation works and a community archaeological dig.
If successful, the funding for stage two will allow consolidation works to take place to stabilise and refresh the buildings for the future. The plan also includes adding paths, trees, shrubs and seating to create a communal feel to the site and encourage the community to take care of it. Interpretation panels will also be installed detailing historical information on the site, the miners who worked there and artefacts found during the dig.
An extensive action plan was also submitted outlining Workington Town Council’s proposals for a variety of community based activities, including a second archaeological dig, archiving workshops, photography sessions, a landscape drawing workshop and more.
Cllr Joan Wright, Chair of the Council’s Culture Committee commented, ‘it is so important to preserve these historic buildings. Jane Pit is one of the best surviving examples of the ornate castellated style of colliery architecture and is a rare example of a coal mine which visibly demonstrates the evolution of horse-powered winding to steam power. We have our fingers crossed for a positive outcome in June’.
A display of the documents submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for stage two of the project can be seen at the Helena Thompson Museum from Sunday 17th March 2019. There is also an opportunity for you to give feedback on what else you would like to see at the site and suggestions can also be e-mailed to [email protected].
