In early mines, when families would often all work together, each member of the family would play a part. They all helped to mine as much coal as possible, so that the family could make a living. To find out more about the roles of the family, view the pdf below provided by The National Coal Mining Museum for England.
The 1842 Royal Commission
The 1833 Factory Act had stopped the employment of children under nine working in textile mills. Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper, later the Earl of Shaftesbury, campaigned for similar protection for children in coal mines. His efforts brought about the setting up of a Royal Commission to enquire into the working conditions in coal mines, in particular its effect on women and children.
On the 4th July 1838 at Huskar pit in Silkstone Common near Barnsley, twenty six children lost their lives in one tragic accident. This increased public concern and made it become more urgent to set up the Commission. For further information, follow the pdf. provided by the National Coal Mining Museum for England below.
Working Conditions
The early 1800s saw great changes in people’s working lives, people moved away from earning their living in farming and towards industrial work. This period is commonly known as the Industrial Revolution. It was usual for children from poor families to start work very young.
Many industries grew quickly as owners of businesses and factories pushed their work force to improve their profits so that the business could continue to expand. This added to dangers in the workplace, but some industries were already very risky. This was especially true in the case of coal mining. For further information open the pdf. provided below provided by the National Coal Mining Museum.