Description:Holsten House in Pinnox Street was the home of Walter Sylvester who invented and patented the "Sylvester", a hand operated device, to help miners remove pit props in mines. It was also known as a "Dog and Chain."
In the 19th century a common type of fatal mine accident was a roof collapse, often caused by miners removing supporting pit props with sledghammers. The "Sylvester" was a ratchet and lever device that allowed miners to remove props at a safer distance using a long chain. Although a popular piece of equipment, it was dangerous if used improperly and was banned for use in the UK by the National Coal Board in the 1970s. The device made moving heavy objects easier and so was also used way from mining to shift rocks, lift derailed railway wagons, hoist car engines etc. His house, demolished in the 1960s, was close to the junction with Scotia Road.