The Ansley Pithead Memorial Installation (2017)

Honouring the Heritage of North Warwickshire’s Mining Communities

Overview

In 2017, JS Landscape Contractors Limited (JS Services) had the privilege of being commissioned to install the Pithead Memorial at Ansley, North Warwickshire. This meaningful project commemorates the generations of miners who worked across the Warwickshire coalfields — particularly those from Daw Mill and the original Ansley Hall Colliery, from which the pithead structure was sourced.

This was more than a construction project. It was a chance to help preserve an essential chapter of local history and honour the lives, hardships, and community spirit of miners across the country.

Historical Background

A Region Built on Coal

North Warwickshire has deep roots in the mining industry, with coal production shaping its landscape, economy, and community identity for over a century. Ansley Hall Colliery was one of the region’s most significant coal mines, employing hundreds of miners and fuelling industry throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Generations of families in the Daw Mill and Ansley area lived and worked around the mining life — facing long hours, difficult conditions, and the ever-present risks associated with underground work. The pithead stood as a symbol of this life: the place where miners began and ended their shifts, where families waited for loved ones, and where local history was made every day.

Why the Memorial Matters

After the closure of the colliery in the mid-20th century, much of the mining infrastructure disappeared — but the memories did not.
The Pithead Memorial was created to ensure that:

• The sacrifices of miners are never forgotten

• The heritage of Daw Mill and Ansley is preserved

• Future generations understand the importance of coal mining to their community

• Families have a place to reflect, remember, and honour their ancestors

By 2017, the pithead structure had become a powerful historical artefact — and JS Services was entrusted to restore and reinstall it as a permanent tribute.

Our Role in the Project

1. Restoration & Preparation

Our team ensured that every component was structurally sound and historically preserved.

2. Groundworks & Foundation Construction

We completed all groundwork on-site, including:

• Excavation

• Concrete foundations

• Reinforced base installation

• Structural support alignment

This ensured the pithead could stand safely and withstand weather conditions for decades to come.

3. Installation of the Pithead Structure

Using heavy lifting equipment and skilled coordination, we installed the pithead into position. Precision was vital — the structure needed to be both safe and visually true to its original setting.

4. Landscaping & Finishing

To complete the memorial area, JS Services added:​

• Surrounding hard landscaping

• Decorative stone

• A respectful, welcoming environment suitable for public visits

The final space is not just a memorial — it is a place of reflection.

The Meaning Behind the Work

For JS Services, this project was one of the most significant we have undertaken. As a local company with deep roots in North Warwickshire, we understand how important mining heritage is to families across the region.

Installing the Ansley Pithead Memorial was an honour — a chance to give something meaningful back to the community and play a small part in preserving its remarkable history.

Community Impact

The completed memorial now serves as:

• A permanent tribute to the miners of Ansley, Daw Mill, and surrounding villages

• An educational landmark for schools and local history groups

• A symbol of pride for residents

• A place of remembrance for families with mining heritage

It stands as a reminder of the bravery, resilience, and hard work that shaped North Warwickshire.

A Project We Will Always Be Proud Of

At JS Services, we build patios, driveways, extensions, and landscapes — but projects like the Ansley Pithead Memorial remind us that we also build legacy.

We are honoured to have played a part in commemorating the miners who gave so much to their communities and the nation.