The Work of James Brindley at Wet Earth Colliery

In this video we study the work of James Brindley at Wet Earth colliery. Otherwise known as Clifton Colliery. Situated in Clifton Country park. Wet earth colliery was beset with water ingress problems. The coal mine was always flooding mainly caused by the river Irwell. James Brindley came up with a solution that was engineering genius. It involved a weir on a river and a set of underground tunnels in salford / manchester. This powered a water wheel and solved the coal mining problems. This involved land owner John Heathcote and Matthew Fletcher. Who gave his name to Fletchers canal. Fletchers canal would eventually join the Manchester Bury Bolton Canal and be useful for the transportation of coal from the colliery. The Irwell valley has a long tradition of Coal mining and this was just one of many collieries including the famous Agecroft colliery

[johnathanrowley]

This is better than what's on TV, the drawings and the details are just like how Fred dibnah used to do his programmes.

[lnjams]

Thats mad, I was walking my dog there yesterday and thought, wonder why there's a weir there. Thanks for that quality video

[Steve_Wardley_GJEF]

The use of a cameraman makes for an interesting production, thanks to Danny for that. Another great video Martin, looking forward to the next instalment.

[doubleboost]

This is quality work. very well filmed and edited

[andyhill]

Brilliant start to what promises to be a great series, Martin. Well done for getting so much detail from so long ago.

[englishcat]

Love it Martin.
You know when a guy is good when he makes something you never thought of interesting.
You deserve a well paid presenters job bro

[TheWacoKid]

Anything to do with coal mining always gets 100% of my attention, This has exceeded that. Thanks Martin

[johnwilliams]

Excellent Martin more local history, and names like Fletcher, local mine owners where I come from.
Keep up the good work, all info for us.
John

[grimsmith]

Brilliant research, have to take my lid off to you, should be a history professor! Just get in that river!

[petersmith]

Thanks for excellent, practical, down to earth history and showing what we would otherwise never know and see. Cheers

[MrDamonHamilton]

These videos need to be on national tele x

[Matt-Bristow]

Another fantastic episode... this needs to be brought and broadcast on TV

[Nathan.Manchester]

I love it when you do videos on my end of Manchester - I love the fact that I always learn something new from your videos - a well deserved like from me 👍

[StonedustandStardust]

I worked in an old mill building that had a weir behind it. I used to walk back there and was fascinated by the old works. Now I know exactly what is was all about. Thanks!

[timstephenson]

Martin another fascination episode, very informative and interesting.

[ltdees]

Unbelievably fascinating! How wonderful it would be to go back in time 270 years and witness this engineering marvel!...Thank you Martin!

[retrorambles]

Another great video

Well made and very informative

Personally think you could do with an arts council grant to help make more

Looking forward to this mini series

[rydermike]

Really excellent Martin, your work just gets better and better. James Brindley, what an engineer! Thank you Martin and Danny.

[RetroRatz]

Loved it! Despite the weather, your enthusiasm never fails! An inspiration to the rest of our channels ❤️🎥📷
Look forward to part two!!

[markthomas]

An absolute pleasure to watch Martin, you are a natural presenter! You can get 62, 000 people (and counting) enthused about some old brickwork and long forgotten tunnels. That is no small feat. Well done sir, can't wait for the next one!