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Working in the Mines. Aims:. Examine the conditions that miners worked in. Identify the different types of jobs that miners did. Early mines were bell-shaped pits owned or used by a few men. As demand increased for coal mines developed into a maze of tunnels and routes deep underground.
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Aims: • Examine the conditions that miners worked in. • Identify the different types of jobs that miners did.
Early mines were bell-shaped pits owned or used by a few men. • As demand increased for coal mines developed into a maze of tunnels and routes deep underground. • However working in mines was a very dangerous job. The pit was then abandoned when the shaft was in danger of collapsing and a new one dug nearby When the coal was reached the shaft was widened to get as much coal as possible.
Mine Workers • With many people desperate for work mine owners offered low wages in order to maximise profits. • Whole families including women and children worked down the mines facing dangerous conditions.
Hewers • Older boys and men would cut the coal away from the coal face. • There was no washing facilities at the pits. The miners would walk miles to get home. • Coal dust filled their lungs causing a lung disease known as the ‘Black Spit’.
Trappers • Children as young as 4 or 5 worked in the mines as TRAPPERS. • They opened and shut the traps on the air doors of the mines to let wagons and people get to another part of the mine. • They would sit in the dark for hours on end.
Sarah Gooder was a little girlOf eight, just rising nineWith a choice between the workhouseOr toiling down the mine.She did not, unlike some children,Pull tubs on all foursBut spent a happy childhoodAs a trapper on the doors.She went blithely down each morningAt the hour of half past threeAt five-thirty in the eveningShe skipped home to her tea.She said "The darkness scares meIt is a fearsome thingBut sometimes I'm allowed a lightAnd often then I sing!""And then I sing!" Dear Christ above!Poor little soul starved miteTo find her heart rejoicingIn simple candle's light.
Bearers • The coal was put in carts which were dragged or pushed to the bottom of the pit shaft • Others carried loads of coal on their backs in big baskets. This would then be carried to the surface up long and unsafe ladders. • Both women and children carried out this type of work
Today's Tasks • Copy the table from question 4 into your jotters and use pages 33 and 34 of your textbook to fill it in. It will give you information on the different jobs carried out in the mines. • Name the law passed in 1842 and outline the changes which took place. You will find the answer on page 35 of your textbook. 3. Complete question 9 from page 12 of your work guide.
