Farmers Folly

1841  James Roberts of Joyford, Thomas Stephens of Shortstanding, Moses Stephens of Crossways near Coleford and Joseph Roberts of Shortstanding in equal parts.
Coal in Coleford High Delf.

F3 286
1842  F. Lewis.  Output 882 tons.

GRO D637II/6/E7
25 November 1862  Messrs. Mallings & Co.?

17 December 1862  Mr. James Harper the tenant of the Farmers Folly Colliery.

8 December 1866  Mining Journal Farmers Folly and Windmill Pit colliery offered a fortnight since for sale in London, is again in the markets by private treaty.  It is estimated that there remains in connection with these gales 142 acres of unworked coal of the Coleford High Delf vein.  At the present time it is profitably worked but more capital is required tp properly develop its yield.  Should the Ross & Monmouth Rly. obtain its Act in the next Parliament it will pass close by.
[Some connection with the Ebbw Vale Co. Ltd?  Bromley Hill Iron & Coal Co.?]

BT31 2212/10423
THE HIGH MEADOW COAL CO. LTD.
To carry on the business of a colliery company.
Capital £10,000 in 500 £20 shares.
Subscribers:
James Railton    Newport    Timber Merchant    50
James Thompson    Newport    Coal Merchant    50
John Robert Ord    Darlington    Merchant   50
Henry Maddison Darlington Merchant 50
John Ord Jolly York  50
Rachel Walton York Spinster 50

Incorporated 11 March 1876

Agreement made 25 September 1875 between James Railton, James Thompson and John Robert Ord & Henry Maddison.  Whereas Railton and Thompson are registered owners of the colliery (High Meadow) and lease the Farmers Folly gale of about 140 acres and the Hilliers Land gale as purchased by them of 40 acres and a further eextend of about 29 acres called Gages gale adjoining Hilliers Land, original purchase price £3,000 of which £500 already paid.
Railton and Thompson agre to sell for £1,000 the collieries, money to be invested in shares.

30 March 1877 John Robert Ord chairman, issue of 500 new shares.

10 March 1881  Nominal capital £20,000 in 1,000 £20 shares, 523 taken.

10 September 1884  To be wound up voluntarily.

1881  Edward Holmes, Oaken Gates, Salop, licensed victular registered owner, William Powell registered mortgagee (Dolgelly telegraph engineer), James Thompson (Newport coal merchant) and James Railton (Newport timber merchant) registered lessees for 21 years expiring 25 December 1887.
Agreement for working barrier with Arles Level.

8 June 1900 Dean Forest Guardian Farmers Folly Colliery for sale.  Auction 27 June at the White Hart Coleford.  At present being worked by Thomas Gwilliam and held under lease to expire August 1901.  Coal average 4' 6".  Output year ending December 1899 was 5,750 tons.  Coal won by shafts close to main road and is put on rail at Bicknor Siding, a distance of about two and a half miles.
Sold to Thomas Gwilliam for £500.

1908 Potts Mining Register  Thomas Gwilliam, 13 employed below and 6 above ground.

23 December 1921  Conveyance Messrs. T & A Gwilliam to J.H. Gwilliam.  (Thomas & Alfred to Joseph Henry)

1954  Farmers Folly Colliery Co. Ltd.  Managers T & T.A. Gwilliam.

(see also Dean Forest Mercury  28 December 1900)