Senghenydd Disaster: Mine inspector's notebook 17 May 2013 A young mother and baby wait for news The final death toll from the Senghenydd mine disaster on 14 October 1913 was 439 men. Some of the bodies were never recovered. It was the worst mining disaster in the history of the British coalfields. Below you can view pages from the notebooks made by the Inspector of Mines immediately following the explosion as he walked around the devistated workings. Senghenydd Mine Disaster: Inspector of Mines notebooks Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 3/4] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2] Notes made by the Inspector of Mines as he travelled around the devastated underground workings following the Senghenydd mine explosion on 14th October 1913 that killed 439 men. Courtesy of the National Coal Mining Museum for England [Notebook 1/2]
Colliery checks and tokens Ceri Thompson, 30 January 2013 Lamp check number 523 used at Groesfaen Colliery A red plastic disc used by Mines Rescue during incidents. Lamp checks (or 'tokens' or 'tallies') are one of the most popular coal mining objects collected by both museums and the general public. They basically informed colliery management of who was in work but became vital when rescue services needed to know how many men were actually underground during an incident such as a fire or explosion. Colliery check systems apparently became common during the late nineteenth century and became mandatory in 1913 after an amendment to the 1911 Coal Mines Act. Early check systems usually employed a single check for each underground worker, which was usually taken home at the end of the shift. At the start of the shift the check was handed to the lamp man and exchanged for a safety lamp stamped with the same number as on the check. At the end of the shift the miner handed his lamp in and retrieved his check either from the lamp man or from a 'tally board'. Check systems varied between coal fields and altered over time, by the late 1970s a three check system (safety check system) became common. In this system each underground worker was issued with three checks, often of different shapes and sizes, one to be handed in to the lamp room, one to be handed to the banksman before the man descended the shaft and one was kept on the person during the shift. Colliery checks were stamped with a number and, usually, the colliery or company name. After nationalisation checks were stamped 'National Coal Board' and often the individual division as well. They were usually of brass but zinc, aluminium, Bakelite and plastic versions can also be found. They come in a variety of shapes including square, round, oval, hexagonal and octagonal. By the late 1990s the lamp check was being replaced by a plastic swipe card. A similar system was used by Mines Rescue during incidents. This was similar to the three check system but pre dated it. In this system a red plastic disc was handed into the lamp room, a yellow plastic disc to the banksman and a copper disc was worn around the neck during the time the rescue man was underground. Other types of checks were also issued in the mining industry such as those used for shotfiring, canteens, pithead baths and bus and train passes. The mining trade unions also issued checks in various forms to show when a member had paid his contributions. Mining institutes and public houses in mining areas also issued beer checks on various occasions. Lampchecks and tokens Lamp Check, Ammanford Colliery Lamp Check, Risca Collieries Time Check Beer Token Lamp Check, Fernhill Colliery Lamp Check, Albion Colliery Canteen Check, Lewis Merthyr Colliery Canteen Check, Crosshands Colliery Lamp Check, Cambrian Colliery Lamp Check, Llanhilleth Colliery Lamp Check, Wyllie Colliery Lamp Check, Blaenant Colliery Lamp Check, Morlais Colliery Lamp Check, Nantgarw Colliery Lamp Check, Lewis Merthyr Colliery Safety Check, Blaenavon Colliery Lamp Check, Cwmcarn Colliery Pithead Baths Check, Gresford Colliery Lamp Check, Glyncorrwg Colliey Shot Firing Tally Lamp Check, Oakdale Colliery Lamp Check, Lady Windsor Colliery Safety Check, Cwmtillery Colliery Lamp Check, Six Bells Colliery Lamp Check, Britannia Colliery Safety Check, St John's Colliery Lamp Check, Bargoed Colliery Beer Token Lamp Check, Mardy Colliery Lamp Check, Roseheyworth Colliery Mines Rescue Check, red disc Mines Rescue Check, copper disc Mines Rescue Check, yellow disc Envelope for Mines Rescue checks
The Vale of Glamorgan - a hive of industry 31 July 2012 In the nineteenth century new docks were built at Porthcawl to help handle the worldwide demand for coal. This view of Ewenny Pottery dates from the early twentieth century. A limestone quarry near Aberthaw in the 1950s. Barry docks, c.1910, with ships moored to buoys waiting to load coal. The Vale of Glamorgan - a hive of industry Although the Vale of Glamorgan has been predominantly agricultural, there are a number of historically important industries in the area, some of which are still operational today. Some of those industries grew from the characteristic limestone geology of the area, while others are due to the area's lengthy coastline or relatively flat topography. Pottery There has been a pottery at Ewenny since the early fifteenth century. Successive generations of the Jenkins family have run it since 1610, and it remains a flourishing business today. Quarrying Limestone was widely quarried in this area. It was used for the building industry, and it was burnt to produce fertiliser and cement. It was also shipped across the Bristol Channel to Somerset and north Devon. Mining The valleys just north of the Vale Glamorgan held vast reserves of high-grade steam coal. Not even the huge, thriving docks at Cardiff could handle the worldwide demand for this premium fuel. In the nineteenth century new facilities were built at Porthcawl, Penarth and Barry - where just over 11 million tons were exported at its peak in 1913. Barry docks are still used today.
‘Miners’ lives at 5½p each’: The Government Enquiry into the 1913 Senghenydd mine disaster 6 July 2012 A young mother and baby wait for news
Coal Miners' Union Badges 2 July 2012 Badges are an important way of showing a person's allegiance to a particular cause or interest. They can also commemorate a particular event. There are many examples of badges connected to the coal industry. These badges were usually produced during industrial disputes or following mining disasters and were often sold to raise funds. The greatest number of badges were produced during and after the 1984-85 miners' strike. They came in various shapes and colours but usually gave the name of the National Union of Mineworkers (N.U.M.) Lodge or area, as well as a particular symbol. This could be an icon of the mining industry such as a lamp, headgear, crossed pick and shovel; or an example of working class symbolism such as clasped hands, broken chains and the scales of justice. In addition, badges produced in Wales often include a red dragon or a leek. The Industry Department of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales has collected several hundred examples of these badges. Some are on display at Big Pit National Coal Museum and examples can be seen on our Images of Industry collections database. If you would like further information, you may be interested to read 'Enamel Badges of the National Union of Mineworkers' by Brian Witts (2008). Click on the thumbnail below for a selection of Badges from our Images of Industry collections database. Coal Miners' Badges Fattorini The Scottish Area National Union of Mineworkers (1984-1985) Fattorini National Union of Mineworkers North Western Area (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Cumberland Miners' Union (1972) Fattorini National Union of Mineworkers (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Yorks Area (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Cumberland Miners' Union (1982) Manufacturer unknown Power Group N.U.M. (1984-1985) Fattorini N.U.M. S.C.E.B.T.A. (1984-1985) Parry, F.C. M.F.G.B. N.U.M. (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Cokemens Area (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Durham Enginemen (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. South Wales Area Hon. Member (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Derbys (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown North Western Area N.U.M. (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown National Union of Mineworkers C.O.S.A. (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Northumberland Miners' Union (1963) Manufacturer unknown National N.U.M. (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Yorks Area (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown National N.U.M. (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. South Wales Area (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. North Wales (1984-1985) Fattorini Durham Colliery Mechanics (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown N.U.M. Midland Area (1984-1985) Manufacturer unknown National Union of Mineworkers Lancashire Area (1984-1985) Fattorini N.U.M. Northumberland Miners' Union (1984-1985)
