May 31. - In consequence of information to the excise officers in Newcastle, an illicit distillery was discovered in the waste of an old coal mine in a field near Fenham Hall, adjoining the Town Moor. The mine appeared to be one of the most ancient in that part of the country, and was surrounded by furze and underwood. At the bottom of the shaft, which was gained by a gradual descent of several yards, was a small aperture, which could only be entered by crawling; this led to a large apartment in the mine wherein were found two stills, with about 200 gallons of wash, and a complete distilling apparatus, valued in all at about £50. It appeared to have been abruptly abandoned for fear of detection. A long chimney, built with brick, conveyed the smoke into the old workings, whence the neighbouring pits had a draught. The coal of the mine supplied the fuel necessary for the work; water was also found upon the spot. As soon as the discovery was known, hundreds of persons visited the place, many of whom were induced to explore the "Smuggler's Hole," as it was now called, and some who ventured into it had to stay much longer than they calculated on.

From: T Fordyce, J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1867

Camerons Brewery Ltd was founded in 1865 by John William Cameron in Hartlepool. 

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