Description: Shireoaks Colliery Co. obtained the lease to sink Whitwell Colliery on Belph Moor in February, 1890 and His Grace, the sixth Duke of Portland lifted the first sod on Saturday, 24th May 1890. Coal production started on a regular basis on 15th April, 1894. On Tuesday, 3rd June, 1986 the announcement was made that coal production would cease at the end of June, after 96 years of colliery working. (Behind this was 'Little Sheffield' when the railway was built).