Ollerton was chosen for as a site for a new colliery by the Butterley Company in 1920 after borehole experiments showed there was enough coal. The sinking of the pit started in 1923 after securing leases for working the coal seams in the area. The pit was completed in 1926, during the 1926 General Strike, a nine day strike which aimed to prevent wage reductions across various transport and heavy industry sectors. The pit remained one of the largest in the area until its closure in 1994.
Miners' Welfare Institutes were a common site in pit villages. They were places where miners could socialise and attend special events. They were also places of education and often held night classes for miners who wished to expand their knowledge. This plan shows the Institute and the various sporting activities available in the ground,