1925 Lydney & Crumpmeadow Collieries Co. Ltd

The Bowson Gale was granted in 1843 to Cornelius Walding of Ruardean Hill. It marked one of the earliest attempts to reach the Coleford High Delf seam by shaft sinking. Work began in the 1860s, and by 1867, £40,000 had been spent on two shafts. Water was removed using machines that lifted it in wooden containers. After three years, sinkers reached a depth of 240 yards, where they encountered a significant flow of underground water. Over the next two years, the original company went into liquidation, reformed with new capital, and installed improved pumping equipment to clear the workings.

By 1871, however, with total losses of £80,000, the project was abandoned. The site was later taken over in 1883 by the Great Western and Forest of Dean Deep Coal Company. A further revival occurred in 1904 when the pit was amalgamated with East Dean Deep Gales. The mine continued to suffer from water ingress and, being unprofitable, closed in 1925. In 1932, the Cannop Coal Company acquired the gale and accessed the Coleford High Delf from another shaft. The head frame was subsequently relocated to the Northern United Main Shaft.