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Coal mining operations have been extensively carried out in Byres Green village for years, the royalties now being worked by Messrs Bolckow, Vaughan & Co. at their pit which was sunk in 1841. Here are two seams, the Busty having a section of 4ft with a band of grey and dark metal varying from inches to feet. The Brockwell seam is 3ft 4in thick. the two seams yield an average output when in full production of 640 tons per day and give employment to 600 men and boys. The coal is chiefly converted into coke for which there are 353 ovens. The Beaumont and Harvey and Low Main seams are also met here.
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The village of Byers Green. - In its early days this must have been a charming hamlet surrounded as it is by beautiful scenery. A great change was made when the coal industry, which is the mainstay of the inhabitants, was commenced. Pit houses were erected and the necessary shop, chapel and school and other buildings were added. It is three miles north east of Bishop Auckland and stands on high ground above the River Wear, which is crossed by an iron bridge called Victoria Jubilee Bridge, erected chiefly through the efforts of Mr Hoopell. This crosses the river about a mile and a quarter north by west from the village and replaces the former crossing place which was a rather dangerous ford. This bridge opens communications with Willington and the west of Durham county. The North Eastern Railway Co. has a station three quarters of a mile south of the village on the Auckland and Ferryhill line. Previous to 1885 the line terminated at Todhills but in that year the line was extended through to Bishop Auckland and the Todhills branch stopped. Gaslight is obtained from Spennymoor and is used to supply houses and public buildings though the streets are yet to be lit.
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