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Map showing the lower coal measures associated with the Halifax Soft and Hard beds. |
Halifax stands on the very edge of the Yorkshire Coalfield straddling the boundary between the Millstone Grit and the Coal Measures which follows the course of the Hebble Brook. Coal was mined in the district for many centuries and by mid 19th century was a well developed local industry although imports of cheap coal by canal had caused some problems. It is clear that when the railway arrived many of the mines found it difficult to compete. The industry changed focus after 1860 and clay mining took over leading to the development of pipeworks and brickworks in the area.
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The term Halifax Coalfield has been used here to identify the narrow strip of land running north from Ainley Top to Queensbury where mines worked the "Halifax" beds of coal at the base of the Coal Measures. These are generally the lowest coals and therefore geologically oldest beds worked in the Yorkshire Coalfield. There are two main seams of coal that were exploited the Halifax Hard Bed and the Halifax Soft Bed which were on average 24" and 18" respectively. There are also several seams of workable fireclay associated with the 36 yard band and 48 yard band coal. The seams dip at around 2" in the yard to the Southeast, which means that although the seams outcrop high on the hillside at Boothtown and Siddle they are some distance below the surface in Shibden Dale. |
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Section through Southowram showing the dip of the seams |