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Wigan Coal & Iron by Donald Anderson has all you need. Unfortunately, Smith's bookshop has reduced dramatically and i'm unsure as to whether they continue with a local history section.

All you need to know is in this very book. Thank god for Donald Anderson many do say.

St Helens and Leigh claim their respective pits as their own (Clock Face & Parsonage), but seem to forget the fact WC&I sunk these! Also they did Manton down in Worksop. The Earl at the time was a keen visitor to all of his mines, boosting moral and also gaining the vote to keep his seat. He also defended the rights of miners and had much pity for their low earnings. He never went against them in strikes. One particular story is well documented. Miners surrounded Haigh Hall during a strike in the 1800's incase of attack from the Bolton Miners, the Earl being grateful by allowing them as much as they could drink. Some of the stories you read as to what would happen to miners who didn't strike are pretty vile to say the least!

See my website and scroll through the Earl of Crawford section, this may well offer more information other than the book itself.

p.s. The picture put on by Art of Kirkless is amazing, a classic picture if there ever was one of the former empire. Some buildings still stand, but only in minority. The Kirkless Offices are still there with original doorway, staircase and decor once you have a wander about.