Hello
I am researching my family history and my Great Grandfather Walter Cook worked at Bestwood from about the late 1880s until at least 1901
He is recorded in the censuses as a 'colliery mechanic' and 'safety lamp manager'. He was later an electrical engineer but not in mining as far as I can tell
Family 'stories' are that he invented a 'safety brake' of some kind - my Aunt insisted it was for railway use but seems to me if there is any truth in this story it would have been more likely to do with the winding engine?
Does anyone have any clues where I could try and find out more information about him please? e.g. employment records or this brake or what the above roles would have consisted of?
He at one time lived at 47 Main Street Bestwood but I can't see any trace of that on current maps
Thanks
Robert