This section looks at the background and the development history of the colliery during the 19th century from its sinking to the decision to renew the South headstocks and upgrade its coaling facilities.

1860s

• Redevelopment of Stanton ironworks.
• Existing drift mine inadequate to meet coal demands.
• New colliery sunk at Teversal - begins operation ?1868. 

1870s

• Further expansion of Stanton ironworks.
• Coal demand again outstripping supply.
• Pleasley lease negotiations and signing ?Sept 1872.
• Surface infrastructure installation and shaft sinking.
• No.1 shaft TH seam reached Feb 1877
• Pit-bottom construction and roadway development. 
• Exploration drivage commences.
• No.2 shaft TH seam reached Feb 1879
• Small scale production for local sale.
• Midland Railway opens branch line from Teversal

1880s

• Dip and rise main drivage completed
• Midland railway operating mineral traffic.
• Experimental underground electric lighting.
• Accident rate rises as production increases.
• Downcast shaft reaches full capacity.
• Upcast shaft converted to coal winding.
• Great Northern Railway begins extension from Skegby

1890s

• Coal haulage by horse limiting production.
• underground electric haulages installed.
• Great Northern railway operating mineral traffic.
• Lease acquired for working West of the colliery.
• Lease acquired for working South of the river.
• Decision to upgrade South pit coal winding capacity.