Village History
The ‘Gin Pit’ History
Gin Pit as it was! This ariel photograph shows the village as it was, as little as fifty years ago, seemingly dwarfed by the looming bulk of Nook Collieries. One road, only, lead into the village (as it does today); this was then over a bridge under which locomotives hauled coal wagons past the village and northwards by the original ‘Gin pit’ from which the village takes its name.
The village was built for the industry, with names like Peace Street, Lord Street and Maden Street named after directors of the then Astley and Tyldesley Collieries Company
The long structure in the photograph at the bottom of Peace Street, which divides the village (but certainly not the community) in half, is an air raid shelter. On more than one occasion, tables have stretched down the centre of Peace Street, to mark major events with a street party.
At nook colliery there were four shafts; the deepest of which, the arley mine, was very deep and also very hot: so hot that amongst the tubs that were taken down were water tubs – to replenish the miner’s drinking cans (nice cold water it was not, though, as those who worked down ‘No 4′ will remember; by the time it reached those who most needed it, it was already lukewarm !)
Gin Pit Village History
Gin Pit is an historic village and many residents have come and gone over the years. Many children were brought up hear and then moved away. If you or any of you relatives have lived or worked in the village (or in the immediate locality) we would love to here from you. Any stories or anecdotes would be greatly appreciated.
Peace Street, With the Gin Pit Head in the background.
If you have any stories of village life in the past or anything else you think we, and visitors to the web site, would be interested in please get in touch. You could e-mail myself of Harry at:
Or write to us care of 3 Meanley Road, Gin Pit Village, Astley, Manchester. M29 7DW
