Blog 4 – 20th Century – Health and Welfare “…the public was appalled by the contrast revealed during the sessions of the Sankey Commission between the wretched living conditions of the mining families on the one hand and the exorbitant wartime profits and royalties earned by the owners and landlords
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Throughout the 19th century coal miners and their families, including those in Nottinghamshire, faced hunger in the bad times and poverty and hardship when the economy boomed. In addition, major mining disasters claimed thousands of lives. Miners and their families also had to face intimidation and bitter opposition to
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“To most of the owners of 1840, their men were hired hands, little better than sub-human. The intolerable conditions in which so many men and boys worked did not impinge upon the consciences of the owners because they knew little, and usually cared less. The owners had to do with
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Our blogs this month, feature excerpts from a presentation by one of our Directors, Ann Donlan. Ann charts the relationship between the appalling poverty found in 19th and 20th century coalmining communities and the dangerous nature of a coalminer’s working life and the industrial and political campaigns waged to improve
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The Brian Morley Exhibition at the Nottinghamshire Mining Museum has now closed its doors. Eric Eaton, Chair of the Museum said, “We should like to thank all the many visitors who took this final opportunity to view the Brian Morley Mining Artist Exhibition, at the Nottinghamshire Mining Museum.” Brian’s drawings
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Before 1906, rescue work was left to volunteers from the colliery at which the disaster occurred, led by mining engineers from neighbouring collieries. A Royal Commission appointed in that year recommended that Central Rescue Stations manned by full time brigades should be provided in every coalfield by the owners, and that each
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The first British mines rescue station opened at Tankersley in 1902. It was commissioned by the West Yorkshire Coal Mine Owners Association. Its building is grade II listed. In the United Kingdom a series of disasters in the 19th century brought about Royal Commissions which developed the idea of improving mine safety. In the United Kingdom a series
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“The Notts NUM Miners’ Galas were days to look forward to, plan for, get excited about and never forget.” The preparations involved the pit welfares and village committees of mining communities throughout Nottinghamshire. They also involved local businesses who put on displays and were a big contributor to the local
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“It was the most important event of the local calendar in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s” The Annual Notts Miners Gala began with a ’procession’ – a march and a demonstration starting on Chesterfield Road and continuing down Westgate, through the town centre, and up Nottingham Road and Berry Hill Lane
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NOTTS MINERS’ SOCIAL CENTRE TO BE ‘BEST IN BRITAIN’ In this 1954 ‘Coal News’, W L Miron, speaking as the Chairman of CISWO announced ambitious plans for the Berry Hill site. He said, “On this site next year will be a Miners Eisteddfod’; the programme will include Brass Band
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