Easington Colliery had 1,400 people on its books when it shut in May 1993. Its near neighbour Blackhall Colliery, which once employed just under 2,500 people, closed 40 years ago this year.
Today, we look at the industry which shaped so many lives. We have archive photos from Easington, Blackhall and another near neighbour Horden which shut in 1987.
Can you spot someone you know? Did you work in the pits yourself? Take a look at our photos and then get in touch with your memories.
Can you spot someone you know? Did you work in the pits yourself? Take a look at our photos and then get in touch with your memories.
![The Blackhall Lodge banner at the Durham Miners Gala in July 1982. Did you march with the Lodge in Durham?](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjY4YjFiOWI2LWY2ZGQtNDZhZi1hNzY5LWU5YTgxMTM1NGZlNTpjMTcyOWViOS03OTdhLTQ5ZGUtOTMxNC1lMTQ4MzcxOTVmZGU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
9. At the Big Meeting
The Blackhall Lodge banner at the Durham Miners Gala in July 1982. Did you march with the Lodge in Durham? Photo: Sunderland Echo
![Blackhall Pit on a cold day in February 1947.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmFlNTBmOWVmLWYxMDktNGY5OS1iNmQ4LWIzZjFiMWRiMzBkMDpmNGNkMTA1OC0yMGJiLTQyODUtOTVmYy03OTA5YzgyMTdmMDA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
10. Pictured in the snow
Blackhall Pit on a cold day in February 1947. Photo: Sunderland Echo
![Did you work at one of the collieries in the area? Tell us more by emailing chris.cordner@jpimedia.co.uk](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmEwMTM3MDdhLWY5YzUtNDhjZC1iZDgxLTk0OTVkZmYyMzNjNjplMzIzMGVkNy0zNzFmLTQ5ODctYjMwNy03MmIxZWNhNWRiYTE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
11. Memories of a bygone era
Did you work at one of the collieries in the area? Tell us more by emailing [email protected] Photo: hm