A Local History of Coal Mining

A Local History of Coal Mining. . Coal mining in West Cumbria began in the 13th century when the monks from St Bees Abbey supervised the opening of coal mines at Arrowthwaite near Kells., 1604 , The Lord of the Manor of Workington, Henry Curwen, started exploiting coal reserves at the end of the 16th century, mainly taking coal to the German copper miners 20 miles way at Keswick. He started sinking pits at the start of the 17th century to take advantage of the Irish coal trade and to supply local salt-pans and lime-kilns., 1729 , In 1729 the Lowthers started sinking Saltom Pit in Whitehaven on the sea shore. The sinking of this new mine to work the coal under the sea bed was quoted as being the most remarkable colliery enterprise of its day. It was the first coal mine in the world to have all its workings under the sea. This inspired undersea mining in Workington., 1735 , Coal mining was growing rapidly. The Curwen family opened five pits, which included Union Pit, Moorbanks Pit, Hunday Pit, School House Pit and St Helen's Pit at Siddick. Many more pits were opened and coal became Workington's principal export., 1776 , By 1776, 97 trade shipping vessels belonged to the Port of Workington with the majority being engaged in the coal trade with Ireland. By 1790, the number of vessels belonging to the Port had increased to 160., 1802 , Workington expands rapidly as more workers arrive to work in the mining industry. A significant part of the increase in population was due to the expansion of the iron and steel industries from 1850 onwards. This was only possible due to the coal industry. Exploration for new pits continued., 1837 , Coal was raised up the shaft using a horse gin operated by ponies (a pulley system). This was later replaced by a steam-driven beam engine. Coal would be transported to the harbour via a waggonway which passed over the Whitehaven Junction Railway that opened in 1846., 1842 , An investigation was launched Into the working conditions for children in mines and factories Britain. The Coal Mines Regulation Act followed in 1842. From 1st March 1843 it became illegal for women or any child under the age of ten to work underground in Britain., 1847 , The huge amounts of coal transported to local harbours for shipment led to the expansion of rail travel from the 1840s. Railways were constructed for the transport of coal and ore with the track connecting at Whitehaven and then on to Carlisle. The track from Workington to Cockermouth was completed in 1847., 1856 , The opening of the Workington Haematite Iron Company in 1856 heralded the expansion of the iron and steel industry and a major growth in local population., 1865 , Lonsdale Dock was opened in 1865 but it was too small for the immense shipping traffic. It was under-utilised for export as coal due to the expansion of the iron industry. A much larger dock was eventually opened in 1927 named the 'Prince of Wales Dock' which is still in use., 1872 , By 1870, Over 1,000 lives were still being lost in mining accidents each year. In 1872 the Coal Mines Regulation Act introduced the requirement for pit managers to have certification of their training. The Mines Regulation Act, passed in 1881, empowered the Home Secretary to hold inquiries into the causes of mining accidents., 1875 , Mining accidents were occurring each year. A tragedy occurred in 1875 when the sea breached the Jane Pit Mine causing the sea to rush into Union Pit and other pits causing the tragic deaths of many miners., 1912 , Almost one million coal miners went on strike to secure a minimum wage. With no coal production, people were digging their own coal near the pits. After 37 days, the government ended the strike by passing the Coal Mines Act, establishing a minimum wage for the first time., 1919 , Workington Iron and Steel Co. was established by the amalgamation of all the local iron and steel producers. It was taken over by United Steel Co of Sheffield in 1919 which, in turn, became part of British Steel in 1967 following nationalisation of the steel industry.