Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The pit no. 7, known as Bonnel or Maisnil, was opened in May 1887 by the Compagnie des mines de Nœux in Barlin (Pas-de-Calais). The main well, dug at 107 metres above sea level, reached the coalfield 130 metres deep and became productive by 1888. A second well (No. 7 bis) was added in 1891 at 30 metres east, while a third (No. 7 ter) was installed in the neighbouring town of Ruitz. Four burrows (No. 38, 38A, 38B, 238) were built, including a mining horse connecting the pits. Workers' towns, schools and a clinic (Lyautey City) were built to house and care for minors and their families.

In 1946, the nationalization of coalfields integrated the pit into the Bethune Group. Modernized between 1950 and 1951 (new screening, milling, mechanical earthing), she adopted in 1954 a Sullivan arm shearer. Despite its productivity, extraction ceased in 1967, the field being taken over by pit No. 6 in Bruay. Well No. 7 bis (818 m) was filled in 1968, while well No. 7 (861 m) was stored for ventilation in 1979. His straddling was destroyed in 1981, leaving only the baths and workshops as remains.

In the 21st century, Charbonnages de France materialized wellheads. The cities, renovated, and the terrils, transformed into walking spaces, were classified: the bath-douchs and workshops were inscribed in the Historical Monuments on 24 March 2010, then the pit and its pavilion city integrated the UNESCO World Heritage on 30 June 2012 (site 91). Today, the former dowel baths house La Fossette, a cultural place dedicated to urban arts, hosting concerts such as the Festi Fossette (3rd edition in July 2024).

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