I took delivery this morning of a new volume 'Yorkshire Collieries 1947-1994' by Eddie Downes [Think Pit Publications ISBN: 978-0-9955709-0-0] which I bought unsighted purely on a recommendation on Facebook
My first reaction was shock ......... this is an absolutely massive tome running to 675 pages [Softback A4 quality print] followed by a rather pleasant sense of satisfaction as a quick scan read proved that this was money very well spent!
This is traces in some considerable detail the full history of the 123 Yorkshire collieries nationalised in 1947 and the further 13 pits developed by the NCB. It is the product of 9 years of detailed research in the full range of archive sources by Eddie Downes (who has worked in coal industry for 23 years before moving into contracting specialising in pumping clay, cement, slurry etc. underground)
I expect this will become the standard reference for the modern Yorkshire Coalfield.
Very highly recommended and I expect it will join a select band of books by the fireplace for late evening browsing or research.
Not sure if the like of Mike Moore will be stocking but I got mine direct from Eddie £25 + £7 p&p [contact him directly at
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