Coalfield Collection

Map Showing The Coalfields Of Great Britain In The 19th Century. From The National Encyclopaedia, Published C. 1890
Map Showing The Coalfields Of Great Britain In The 19th Century. From The National Encyclopaedia, Published C.1890

Map of industrial Britain in 1881, 1906. From Cassells Illustrated History of England, Vol. VII. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1906]

Miner at coal face -3
Coal miner working underground at the coalface of Acres Nook private coal mine, near, Kidsgrove, Staffordshire England. The mine closed in 1991. First published The Sunday Correspondent Date: 1990

Map, South Wales coalfield. 1939

Miner at coal face -2
Coal miner working underground at the coalface of Acres Nook private coal mine, near, Kidsgrove, Staffordshire England. The mine closed in 1991. First published The Sunday Correspondent Date: 1990

Miner at coal face -1
Coal miner working underground at the coalface of Acres Nook private coal mine, near, Kidsgrove, Staffordshire England. The mine closed in 1991. First published The Sunday Correspondent Date: 1990

Les "Roufions"(colour litho)
2779330 Les " Roufions" (colour litho) by Jonas, Lucien Hector (1880-1947); Private Collection; (add.info.: Les " Roufions". Striking miners in Northern France)

Map of part of the great Flat-top coal-field of Va. & W. Va. showing location of Pocahontas & Bluestone collieries
4072490 Map of part of the great Flat-top coal-field of Va. & W. Va. showing location of Pocahontas & Bluestone collieries, May 1886 (engraving) by Hotchkiss, Jedediah (1828-99); Private Collection

Group of miners in a lift cage in coal mine (photo)
5999802 Group of miners in a lift cage in coal mine (photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Group of miners in a lift cage in coal mine)

Visit to a Durham Pit, 1936 (1937). The Duke and Duchess of York visiting a Durham colliery on 29 July 1936, wearing regulation overalls and scarves

A royal miner, c1930s (1936). The Prince of Wales prepares to descend Cumner pit, Cardiff. From Edward The Eighth - Our King, by A.V. Groom. [Allied Newspapers Limited, London, 1936]

The Prince of Wales visiting a miners cottage in the Northeast of England, 1929 (1936). The Prince during a tour of the mining districts of Durham and Northumberland

Work girls at the Wigan Collieries, late 19th century. From Cassells Illustrated History of England, Vol IX

Steam Engine 65894 was built at Darlington in 1923 as LNER 2392 and was allocated to Bank Top shed, Darlington, then to Ferryhill to cover Durham coalfield workings until re-allocated in 1930 to

Slag Heap
A vast slag heap at the Grove Colliery, in the Cannock Chase coalfield, 6th July 1946. Original Publication : Picture Post - 4111 - The Hungry Pit Of Norton Canes - pub

Breakaway from coal strike 1926
After more than a week on general strike, there was a strong movement that began with the coal-miners of the Midlands to break-away from the strike abd return to work

Sinking a mineshaft by Trigers method (1841) devised for use in the difficult conditions of the Basse-Loire coalfield, France. Cast iron cylinders sunk to riverbed

Coal miners or pitmen in the Northumberland and Durham Coalfield, England, enjoying a game of quoits. Engraving from The Graphic (London, 18 February 1871)

A coal miner cleaning up after work with the help of his wife. Before the days of piped water and pit-head baths, after a day hewing coal underground the miner had only a tub on the living room floor

Pithead scene showing men and boys coming up from an underground shift. Note the female and child pithead workers. South Durham Coalfield, England

South Durham Coalfield, England. Miners or pitmen sitting round a brazier waiting to go underground for the night shift. The man in the centre foregound is holding a Davy safety lamp

Explorers descending a mine shaft after an accident, Northumberland and Durham coalfield, England. From Good Words (London, 1871)

A pit pony being lowered down a mine shaft in the Creuzot coalfield, France. From Underground Life: or, Mines and Miners by Louis Simonin (London, 1869). Wood engraving

Searching for coal by boring, Pas de Calais Coalfield, France. Changing the rods on a boring machine machine powered by a steam engine

Mine working in the South Staffordshire Coalfield, England. In this thick seam pillars of coal have been left to support the roof

George Stephenson - the early years
George Stephenson (1781-1848), English mechanical engineer and builder of the famous "Rocket" steam locomotive. He was born in a colliery village in the coalfields of Newcastle

Fossilised millipede (Class Diplopoda)
This fossil is preserved in a siltstone nodule of Carboniferous age from the Yorkshire Coalfield. Length 63mm (unstraightened), length of nodule 76mm

Science classroom, South Wales coalfield
A Science classroom in a school connected to a South Wales coalfield. A schoolteacher supervises a group of well behaved boys who are taking part in various chemical experiments

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The coalfield, a pivotal aspect of industrial Britain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is depicted through a series of captivating images. The maps from 1881 and 1906 showcase the extensive reach of this industry across the country. In particular, the South Wales coalfield stands out as a prominent hub for mining activities. Delving deeper into the heart of these coalfields, we witness miners toiling away at the coal face. These powerful images capture their unwavering determination and resilience amidst challenging conditions. From Miner at Coal Face -3 to Miner at Coal Face -1, their faces tell stories of hardship and perseverance. In Les "Roufions, " a vibrant lithograph brings forth an artistic representation of miners engaged in their laborious work. This colorful depiction adds depth to our understanding of their daily lives. Venturing across continents, an engraving showcases part of Virginia and West Virginia's Great Flat-top coal-field in May 1886. Pocahontas & Bluestone collieries emerge as significant landmarks within this vast expanse. A group photograph captures miners crowded together inside a lift cage deep within a mine shaft—a testament to both camaraderie and shared experiences underground. Moving beyond imagery alone, we encounter moments that shaped history. A color lithograph portrays striking miners from Pas-de-Calais in France—individuals united by common grievances against oppressive working conditions. Closer to home, we witness important visits that shed light on societal dynamics surrounding mining communities. The Visit to Durham Pit in 1936 offers insight into public interest towards workers' welfare during that era while A Royal Miner image from c1930s highlights recognition bestowed upon those who dedicated themselves to this demanding profession. Lastly, The Prince of Wales' visit to a miner's cottage in Northeast England during his tour in 1929 serves as an enduring symbol bridging royalty with everyday life—an acknowledgement of the vital role played by miners in shaping the nation.