Description: This picture is part of a series in a photograph album compiled by The Hardwick Colliery Co. Ltd. which shows the modernisation of Williamthorpe Colliery between 1938-40. It was published in May 1941 with the following introduction by H Eustace Mitton M.Inst.C.E., F.S.I (Director and Consultant):- 'The scheme of modernisation included the following main features. Concentrating coal winding at one shaft on one shift per day by equipping No. 2 Shaft (Downcast) with 2 Deck Cages holding 8 tubs of one ton each capacity, in each cage, for an Output of 480 tons per hour; in substitution of winding two shifts per day at Nos. I and 2 shafts with single deck cages holding tubs of 8 cwts. capacity. The necessary underground arrangements were also carried out. Complete new Pit Top, Tipplers, Screening Plant for dry' picking 210 tons per hour from three seams; a 'TROMP' Coal Washing Plant-the first to be installed in the Country-with two wash boxes of 100 tons and 80 tons per hour respectively; making in total 14 grades and qualities of coal. The Smalls coal below 1/2 inch from the Soft Coal Seams and 1 inch from the Hard Coal Seams going by Aerial Ropeway to the Holmewood 'Hoyois' Washer. Replacing the derelict steam Winding Engines at No. I Pit with an Electric Winding Plant. Large Engineering Workshops and Stores. A separate Joiners' Shop, Saw Mill, Mortar Making and Stone Crushing' Plants, Boiler House and modern Boiler Furnaces. Aerial Loading Station and Storage Bunker. First Aid and Rescue Rooms. Complete electrification of all Plant, with the exception of' No. 2 Pit Main Winding Engines. Pit Head Baths and Canteen for 1,202 employees. Offices, Lamproom -and new roadway to the Colliery being also under construction.' (It is interesting to note that the colliery improvements continued into the start of World War 2.) The site of Williamthorpe Colliery is now an industrial park.