Coal mining began in the district around 1728; by the end of the 18th century six shafts were operating around Blue Lodge Farm (a.k.a.

[2] Furthermore, Shilbottle Colliery was the only pit in the area where workers were given a week's holiday with pay, and a pension scheme.

[4] Shilbottle welfare hall which dated back to the 1960s and served the community in a variety of ways burned down in September 2008.

Before the fire a fundraising event took place to raise money for a new hall for the community as the original structure was beginning to erode due to heavy use over the years and was costing too much to maintain.

Shilbottle Parish vice-chairman Peter Brown said: "Whether it was water got in or whether the bad weather forced the mice back in and they chewed through the wires we just do not know.

Peter Brown, who chairs the Shilbottle Community Hall fundraising committee, said: "We're delighted with the design of the building.