Work commenced at Thorne Colliery in 1909 and worked until 1956 although production was often beset by flooding (Taylor 2002, 108). Despite ceasing production in the 1950s the mine remained technically open for nearly 50 years longer with a number of proposals mooted for reopening the mine which has significant unexploited resources. The most recent attempt to restore the colliery was in the early 1980s with the demolition of many older buildings and the construction of two modern winding gears. The mine continued on a 'care and maintenance' basis pending a rise in coal prices until 2002 when it was proposed by then owners UK Coal to seal the shafts and formerly abandon the mine (http://www.minersadvice.co.uk/thorne.htm -accessed 26June 2006). Present situation unknown. Within the area of 'Moorland Allotments' as defined by Miller (1997) to the west of Thorne Moor and created by intake of moorland fringe in late 18th- early 19th century.