They intended that the two mines would work together, with the Steetley shaft used as the intake or downcast for fresh air, and Whitwell providing the return or uptake.

From the lower level, a heading was driven towards Steetley, and the ventilation system was established when the two mines were linked in 1894.

[citation needed] By 1950, Steetley had one of the most productive coalfaces in the area and was providing employment more than 500 people: over 40% of the total workforce in Worksop.

In 1940, the number underground had decreased to 440, but those working on the surface had increased to 80, and Steetley now had its own manager, in J A Barrass.

[4] Together with Shireoaks, Steetley Colliery became part of the North East Division Number One Area of the NCB.

Reorganisation resulted in Shireoaks becoming part of the South Yorkshire Group in April 1990, but this was short-lived, as it closed in May.

[1] By the time the Steetley colliery was sunk, the area was also occupied by several large farms and a limestone quarry that had operated on and off for centuries.