Yes, I had seen these buildings on the Sanderson Survey, and they are apparently on the site of the current "Field Farm". It may well have been the location of the former Trowell Field pit, as Sanderson only seems to identify active locations, not old pits etc. which are often seen on later OS maps. I have also checked Sanderson at a number of other older mining locations, but there is no mention of the activity known to have existed at these sites, so it cannot be relied upon in this respect. So, if Trowell Field pit was not operating by the time of the survey (commencing in the 1830s), then it won't feature on the map.
There is also evidence in that Field Farm was indeed the location, in that the Low Main seam, indicated at a depth of 26ft in the Trowell Moor Colliery shaft outcrops (surfaces) to the South at the location of the Field Farm buildings. Prior to the age of trial pits, core-drilling and surveys, the obvious place to sink a pit was on an outcrop, and then proceed to deeper seams if possible.
Furthermore, the watercourse shown going through the spinney at the location seems to be related to past mining activity, and apparently provides drainage to pits in the Balloon Woods area to the North East, through the location in question, and into the River Erewash to the South-West. Sanderson shows the watercourse as being remarkably geometrically precise over this route, suggesting a drainage, or adapted function rather than a natural feature, although today it meanders far more. Any pumping engine at Trowell Field would have probably discharged into this watercourse.
For absolute certainty, the Coal Authority's records could be examined, and the British Geological Survey's 6" map SK43NE may show an old shaft (or shafts) at this location. I don't have this map, and they are very expensive, but it can probably be viewed by visiting the offices at Keyworth.
Alternatively, a local history society or Ilkeston Library might be able shed more light.
Rgds,
Joe.
( Mining in the East Midlands )
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