Ancien carreau de la fosse n° 1 de la compagnie des mines de Vicoigne-Noeux-Drocourt

English translation

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History

Aubé de Bracquemont, founder of the Noeux Mines, accepted the position of director of the Bruilles and Vicoigne mines. These not being productive, he decided to carry out surveys to the west, between Lens and Béthune. In 1851 the sinking of the first shaft at Noeux began. An extension of the concession was granted in 1853. Noeux pit 1 presented several innovative aspects and its arrangements were imitated by competing companies: the shaft diameter was 4m instead of 3; the site had powerful machines to evacuate water, sinking machines of 15 to 20 horsepower, an extraction machine without gearing and cages. The villa settlement at n°1 was built in parallel to house Polish workers. In 1887, shaft n°1bis, of more modern design, was opened. From 1914 onwards, shaft n°1 was used only for ventilation. Following the damage caused by the First World War, pit 1 was rebuilt identically. In 1936, shaft 1 was closed. In 1946, a large number of activities from the Béthune group were concentrated at Noeux. Shaft 1bis, after having served as air return for the work of Noeux pit 2 from 1950 onwards and then for that of Bully-les-Mines from 1961 onwards, was backfilled and capped in 1961.