TR 296393. Disused coal pits. Pits are situated at the base of cliffs where the Dover-Folkestone line emerges from its tunnel under Shakespeare Cliff. Coal was discovered here in 1882 during test-boring by the South Eastern Railway for a proposed channel tunnel. From 1896 onwards three shafts were sunk to a depth of c.1600ft `488m'. Severe trouble was experienced from the ingress of water and the only coal dispatched from these pits was a train of twelve 10-ton trucks in 1912. The site was abandoned for coal in 1914, though some ironstone continued to be mined. The pit was finally closed in 1915 and the shafts sealed. All buildings on the site have been demolished, though the tunnel leading down to the abandoned channel tunnel workings remains, but locked off. (1) Additional Bibliorgaphy (2-8)

<1> The Ind Arch of SE Eng 1978 35-37 (AJ Haselfoot) (OS Card Reference). SKE50367.

<2> Not applicable, SMR Kent uncatalogued index entry, H Pearman The Shakepear Colliery Disaster (KURG Research Report 1995 p.8) (Miscellaneous Material). SKE6440.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1893-7, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 2nd edition : 1893-1898, 1899/1:2500 (Map). SWX11832.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1905-10, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 3rd edition: 1901-1912, 1908/1:2500 (Map). SWX11833.

<5> Ordnance Survey, 1928-1947, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 4th edition 1928-1947, 1938/1:2500 (Map). Ske12644.

<6> Ordnance Survey, 2009, OS MasterMap, 2009/MasterMap (Cartographic materials). SWX15710.

<7> Southern Water Services, 1993, Dover & Folkestone Wastewater Treatment scheme Environmental Statement (Unpublished document). SKE6815.

<8> Southern Water Services, 1993, Dover & Folkestone Wastewater Treatment scheme Environmental Statement (Unpublished document). SKe6815.