Kirkby Colliery

Overview

Kirkby Colliery, or Summit Colliery as it was more usually known locally, was the main source of employment in the town of Kirkby-in-Ashfield. When the National Coal Board closed it (suddenly and controversially) in July 1968 the local community was devastated. The ensuing hardships and the way in which people rallied round one another in mutual support, left a lasting impression on Colette's young mind and, alongside her grandfather's philosophy, would go on to inform her own social and political outlook in the years to come, not least her mistrust of the leadership of the Labour Party.

Facts and Figures

Previously or Alternative Name(s)

Summit Colliery

An early horse-drawn tramway between Pinxton and Mansfield reached its highest point close to East Kirkby and from this the locale had become known as Summit.

RUINED STRUCTURE
1968

Founding Date

1890

Alternative Names

Summit Colliery

Type

Mine

Parent Location

Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Location ID

022