Lignite workings. (1)

Coal was first recorded during cutting for the A2 in 1922. Lignite was found during the work. In 1947 the Cobham (Kent) Mining Company was founded. Two drifts were sunk into the hill. The site was deemed too small for nationalisation by the National Coal Board. The mine suffered a number of problems as it developed. The ground was unstable, requiring extensive propping, it flooded and required continuous pumping and methane was encountered in 1949, leading to the need for forced ventilation. The company was wound up in 1953. (2)

<1> Oxford Archaeological Unit, 1997, Historic Landscape surveys at Longham Wood, Honeyhills Wood, Cobham Park and Ashenbank Wood (Unpublished document). SKE13712.

<2> Kent Underground Research Group, 2005, Caves and Tunnels in South East England - Part 17 (Unpublished document). SKE25124.