Ruardean Hill

F3 152
26 March 1840  Application for gale made by Mr. Hope.

September 1855  Reapplying.

29 October 1855  for a pit to Benjamin Hope of Ruardean Hill, situate on the north side of Ruardean Hill, opposite the Steam Mill, about 25 yards south-west of William Dobbs' patch, to get coal from the Coleford High Delf.

30 November 1872  Having bought Ruardean Hill Colliery I and my partner James Griffiths - began to open up a level - found yellow ochre under Coleford High Delf.  E. Dykins, Bilson.  Application for license to work ochre.

12 December 1872  James A. Brain applying for license to work yellow ochre in Pluckpenny Level and Ruardean Hill
Section: Roof of Coleford High Delf Seam Clod Black rubbish, variable in thickness 1' 6" Workable coal varies 3' 6" Fireclay 3' 6" Ochre inferior     2" Ochre fair     6" Ochre inferior     2"
Inclination to west 1 in 12

Could grant the license as long as galees of Penswell or Drybrook Iron Mines could not claim it as iron ore.

30 November 1872  Having taken a lease of the colliery from Mr. William Holmes of Stroud we wish to rent half an acre of ground on which to erect our machinery, Smithy etc.  Mr. James Griffiths of Nailbridge has undertaken a contract to do this
Henry Hall, S. R. Welch and F. Warwick.
Wishing to erect an engine

2 January 1882  Not worked for five years.

16 May 1882  Surrendered.
7 November 1918  Mr. J.H. Morgan, Barn Hill Lodge, applying for a re-grant.

16 January 1919  Granted as Ruardean Hill No.2.

17 January 1919  Conveyance to the Forest Syndicate.

17 January 1923  Ruardean Hill No2, Pluckpenny on Ruardean, Speedwell Newbridge No.2 will be surrendered.

21 July 1924  Mr. W.D. Jenkins, Coalway Lane End applying for a re-grant.

18 October 1924  Meeting at Speech House

6 January 1925  Granted Ruardean Hill No.3 to committee of Free Miners

14 January 1925  Galee John Wintle & others.

7 January 1925  Conveyance John Wintle & others to Wigpool Coal & Iron Co.

8 April 1927  Capt. Pringle asking for a reduction in rent.
Pringle drove a level 320 yards into gale - considerable expense with water.  90% of gale goafed.
At great expense we erected an endless rope incline supported throughout by a timber structure work and find it practically no value to us.  Will probably dismantle in near future and concentrate our developments from the Old Pluckpenny Speedwell Levels

7 January 1932  Surrendered.