Very informative Norman. I shudder at the thought of those narrow seams. I assume that you had to get used to them quickly!

A couple of questions First the Wallsend pit disaster of 1835 was an explosion in the Bensham seam. Did the seams from Wallsend extend over to Hebburn at that time.

My GGGG/F Ralph Waggitt or Waggot Age 75 plus 3 other relatives killed that day

2nd how many levels of mine workings are there under Hebburn and how far did they extend. I think you put up a map some years ago.

Did seams extend to other areas like South Shields etc. no doubt some came close to each other.