Florence colliery, Longton (1874-1990). The three shafts at Florence Colliery were sunk from 1874 to 1916. The colliery was taking its name from the 3^rd Duke of Sutherland’s eldest daughter. From 1950 to 1964 there was a £7 million modernisation scheme. The photograph was taken in October 1990 showing the modernised Florence colliery just before the merger with Hem Heath was complete.