Old Togston Colliery went up for auction in Newcastle on 5 December 1843. The Journal of 2 December carried the details:
"....current going colliery known by the name of the Old Togston Colliery, with all the seam and seams of coal (which has been pronounced first rate coal for steam purposes) contained in the Royalty under a surafce of one hundred and fifteen acres, and comprising one seam 4 1/2 feet, at present working at a depth of twenty two fathoms from the surface; and one of 5 1/2 feet thickness, or thereabouts, lying at a further depth of eleven fathoms, of very superior quality, and which has already been proved. Several other seams lie below the above named seams, but have not hitherto been fully proved.
Immediately below the present working seam is a four feet thick seam of pure fire clay, of the finest quality, and free from iron. The colliery engine is nearly new, and of sixteen horse power, and the whole of the pumps, gears &c. are in the best possible working order and condition. A convenient staith for shipment has been recently erected.
There are twelve colliery houses for workmen, each containing a large room and attic"
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