Plas Power Colliery

The Old Broughton Coal Company began sinking Plas Power Colliery in 1875 and the pit began producing in 1877. In 1881, the company became the Broughton and Plas Power Coal Company, and this later owned Gatewen, Bersham and Smelt Collieries. Plas Power was always regarded as a modern pit, its owners being pioneers in the use of electricity underground. The central generating station at the pit also supplied electricity to Gatewen and Vron Collieries. At its peak, the mine employed 1,099 men. Closure came in 1938 but a surprising amount still remains on site, including the shells of both winding enginehouses. The shafts were situated at the rear of the enginehouses as seen here.