Although initially on a small scale, mining activities have been recorded in the Whitehaven area since medieval times, but it wasn't until the 17th century that operations really began on a commercial basis. At this time large tracts of land in the Cumberland area passed into the ownership of Sir Christopher Lowther, and for the next 300 years he and his descendants dominated this lucrative industry. In 1888 the Lowther family released their colliery rights to The Whitehaven Colliery Company, and subsequently ownership changed several more times, until all operations were nationalised in 1947.

The Haig shafts (believed to have been named after General Sir Douglas Haig) were sunk between 1914 - 1918 by local firm, James Johnson & Company. The shafts were numbered 4 and 5 as the mining company already had shafts 1, 2 and 3 at nearby Wellington. Both shafts were sunk to a depth of 1200 feet (364m), the narrower number 4 shaft being used to facilitate the movement of men and materials, while the larger number 5 shaft was used to facilitate the extraction of mined coal. A third existing shaft, originally sunk in 1737 and known as Thwaite, was later enlarged in 1939 as part of a ventilation improvement project.

Like all deep mines, conditions here were both tough and dangerous, and Haig Pit Colliery suffered many disasters. Major explosions occurred in 1922, 1923, 1927 and 1931 causing the combined loss of some 74 men, with several smaller incidents over the years adding to this figure.

Winding in both shafts was powered by two Bever-Dorling steam engines, which were installed in 1920, and these engines now exist as the only examples in the UK, with only one other example known to survive world-wide. Currently forming the centrepiece of the main museum building, number 4 steam engine has been fully restored to working order, while number 5 still awaits restoration. Both engines ran continuously for the best part of 66 years, until the site was finally closed on 31st March 1986. At this time the shafts were capped and many external buildings were removed, including the Lamp Room, The Baths, and The Coal Wash.

Subsequently, the site was landscaped to form the Haig Enterprise Park, consisting of small units that would hopefully allow some laid off workers to start-up their own small businesses. The engine-winding house lay derelict, but in 1987 it was granted Grade II Listed building status that almost certainly saved it from ultimate demolition. The Haig Pit Restoration Group eventually purchased it for £1 in 1993, and in 1998 the site was scheduled under section 1of the Ancient Monuments Act.

Much work has been achieved by the museum staff and volunteers, including the stabilisation of the engine-winding house, the restoration of number 4 engine, as well as much rolling stock and heavy plant, and the erection of the engine-shed. As a living museum, Haig Pit Colliery is the subject of future plans to improve and develop the site. These are to include the restoration of number 5 engine, the addition of visitor facilities within the central area of the engine-winding house, the laying of a heritage railway to utilise the museums growing stock of locomotives, and an underground experience simulating the mining environment.

Such an important and ambitious project will only be possible if given the support of visitors and the local community. Entry is free, and we wish all concerned every success for the future.