Active mine

Located about 400 yards further up Wimberry Slade from Cannop Drift Mine (q.v.) and features two entrances. The mine works the Yorkley seam, which is approximately 2½ feet thick at this location. It is being refurbished underground at a slow but steady pace, with a working face planned for future coal extraction. The mine is currently worked on a Tuesday evening and Saturday morning as part of its training function.

Free Mine established sometime between 1918 and 1920 following an oversight in the 1838 Dean Forest Mines Act, which failed to define the Yorkley coal seam in this specific area. The omission was discovered by members of the Hine family, who then secured a new gale under their name and began working the site. The mine is currently owned by Mr. John (Mole) Hine, who intends to operate it as a training mine for prospective Free Miners undertaking their “year and a day” qualification period.