Martin has hit the nail on the head with his comments. Most corves carried
around 6 cwt in the Great Northern Coalfield. In the thinner coals especialy
around Lancashire and West Yorkshire 3 cwt would be nearer the mark. 300 cwt
is around 15 tons Have you ever seen mine cars this big? dragged for a mile?
One has to ask the question, regarding women working in mines 'Why not?' It
is only because we look back in history and see something that has been
banned that we look up on it as apauling. To illustrate, in todays climate
would you question a woman becoming a Doctor? You see my point !
It is now quite legal in this country to employ women underground. Angela
Elliot became the first woman miner since its outlaw in the 1840's when she
worked along with her Partner, Frank Shephered who owned Barhaugh colliery,
Alston during the early 1990's. If you ever visit Hartside Cafe why not ask
her about it.
Clargill Colliery in Alston has Kathleen as one of the owning partners,
though I don't think she works underground she certainly had a dirty face
the last time I crossed the road to the pit.
Quite a few women have also tried their hand at the job, filling for their
husbands for the day, it puts an end to the "And what have you done today?!"
acusation when you fall asleep in the chair after work.
Clive Seal.
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