It was built by the Bolsover Colliery Company, transferred to the National Coal Board in 1947, then operated by RJB Mining from 1994.

The headstocks, built by Head Wrightson Colliery Engineering were the tallest in Europe at the time.

The winding engines, manufactured by Markham and Company, were Koepe friction winders which enabled deeper coal seams to be exploited.

[2] Drum winders had traditionally been used in British mines, but were designed to operate at a specific depth and had to be replaced if deeper shafts had to be sunk.

[6] In 2014, Welbeck Estates – then-owners of the headstocks – submitted a planning application mooting demolition, whilst local pressure group – Clipstone Colliery Regeneration Trust – was raising a petition to garner support.