Chirton/Billy Mill/Preston
Known variously as Chirton, Billy Mill and Preston, this was really two collieries: the first was sunk in 1755 and closed in the 1890s. An 'Auty of Tynemouth' photo. Auty had his studio in Front Street, Tynemouth and is said to have produced the first 'picture postcards'.
The second Preston Colliery, about half a mile away, lasted between 1860s &1929 although the pit heap, at the top of the photo, remained until it was removed the 1950s. Photo by permission of Discover North Tyneside
Chirton Colliery pithead c1900. Photo by Newcastle Libraries