Hi Bette This gives an idea of places, but its more recent than your death. Bearing in mind that miners often worked in pits in neighbouring villages to where they lived, I would consider all nearby mines. Take a look at Durham Mining museum for nearby pits to eg. Im thinking it will say Spennymoor by the way. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedgefield_(borough) Take a look at Durham Mining museum for nearby pits to eg Spennymoor pit- or Merrington colliery as it ws called. http://www.dmm.org.uk/collnear/m033.htm Carol