It is now over half a century since the last coalmining disaster to affect the lives and families of people living and working on what became known as the Great

It is now over half a century since the last coalmining disaster to affect the lives and families of people living and working on what became known as the Great

“A meticulous mixture of social and family history . . . Whether or not you have mining connections, this is an interesting socio-economic read.” —Your Fa

Part One includes an overview of early disasters, multiple fatalities, from 1710. Part Two, 1806-1841 concerns disasters, under the theme of 'Pit Children'.Part

Women have long been recognised as the backbone of coalmining communities, supporting their men. Less well known is the role which they played as the industry d