[7] Several such monastic lands moved from traditional tenant farming to entrepreneurial mineral exploitation at this time, spurring the early industrial revolution, particularly around the Gorge.
[8] Land at this time was rarely sold, the aristocratic estates were intent on preserving themselves intact, and so mining rights would usually be in terms of a long-term lease.
[9] An experienced viewer, known for their good judgement, was recognised as a skilled profession and in the North East they often became an independent contractor or consultant who would advise a number of mines on particular issues, such as sinking a new shaft, or making a new investment.
[11] Even at the time, the distinction between managers, or 'agents', for the day-to-day operation of collieries, and consultant viewers, who advised on the development of new aspects, was never a clear one.
[10] The viewer would be responsible for deciding major expenditures, such as the purchase of a pumping engine or construction of a tramroad or railway.
These new technical innovations were described in advisory guide books such as John Curr's The Coal Viewer and Engine Builder's Practical Companion (1797).
Although not necessarily owning the mine or being the engineer engaged to direct it technically, the viewer would be held responsible for any accident.
As well as being an assistant to them, their main role was to act as a locum if the viewer is away from the colliery, and to ensure that the responsible person was always present.