South Staffs Coalfields · AditNow Community

Mine exploration, photographs and mining history for mine explorers, industrial archaeologists, researchers and historians

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Pedrocut
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

I have developed an interest in the social history of coal mining prior to nationalisation, especially in the S Staffs area. I have read a number of historical accounts from local historians, and they leave a lot to be desired. Some of the glorification of the coalowners is an insult to past workers of the industry, and some accounts of mining accidents are just not correct. I hope to post some examples in the near future.

All the best, Peter

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rufenig
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Good luck, look forward to seeing what you have found.

The most factual reports of mining disasters are probably the accident reports from the Mines Inspectors.
The definative collectionof reports is here (if you have not seen it)
http://www.cmhrc.co.uk/site/disasters/index.html
Then local newspaper often cover the inquest.

The worst is a bloke in the pub who's grandfather was there.
A lot of politics get's mixed into local memory.

Pedrocut
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

Hi

The CMHRC site is very good, but you are correct to say that the local newspaper archives covering the the inquests are very useful. Sometimes the headlines and reports around the time of the accidents are taken, but a few weeks later the inquest findings can reveal a lot more.

There is an excellent thesis that can be downloaded, when registered, entitled...The British Mines Inspectorate from 1851 to 1913...

http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?did=1&uin=uk.bl.ethos.332418

All the best, Peter

Pedrocut
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago