It was permanently closed in 2002 after geological problems were found to make accessing remaining coal reserves unprofitable, and most of the site was later converted for housing.

The colliery was developed from 1860, but coaling operations did not begin until 1869,[1][2] with full production underway by 1872, when over 600 tonnes (660 tons) was being brought to the surface per week.

[4][5] In 1885, the underground viewer, general manager and the owner of the mine (Alderman Rhodes, the Mayor of Pontefract) were prosecuted for not ensuring that the pit was adequately ventilated.

[15] In March 1979, Radio One DJs Simon Bates and John Peel, broadcast a programme live from the colliery, with the first song requested being, appropriately enough, Shaft.

[24] In 2014, Alkane developed a methane plant at the site which burns the gas drawn from underground to turn it into energy.