I have just been notified about this book that has just been launched -
available from www. moorebooks.co.uk post free
The Neston Collieries 1759-1855: An Industrial Revolution in Rural Cheshire
Author Anthony Annakin-Smith, Sb, 25cm x 19cm , 412pp . £19.99
Publishers synopsis The extraordinary story of the two early collieries
at Neston, in west Cheshire, has been largely overlooked by historians.
Yet, for a time the main coal mine, Ness Colliery, was more successful than
most of its contemporaries in nearby south-west Lancashire and North Wales.
It was the first large industrial site in west Cheshire and introduced the
area’s earliest steam engine.
Remarkable events included devastating acts of sabotage committed by Ness
Colliery’s owners on the neighbouring works, and the introduction of
underground canals to haul coals deep under the Dee Estuary where most of
the mining occurred. Figures as diverse as the engineer George Stephenson
and Nelson’s future mistress Emma, Lady Hamilton are part of the mines’
story.
The book explores the appalling conditions in which the men and child
miners worked – including 100-hour weeks and the constant danger which led
to many fatal accidents. Other topics covered include the living conditions
and health of the miners and their families, the operation of the land and
sea trades which saw Neston’s coal shipped as far as the Americas, and the
network of links to Chester, Wales, Lancashire and beyond which were vital
to the mines’ operation. Events are placed in the context of the profound
changes which were affecting Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
Extensive research means that this is one of the most comprehensive
accounts of rural British collieries in this period. It will particularly
appeal to those with an interest in Britain’s industrial or social history,
or in the story of Chester, Cheshire and adjoining counties in England and
Wales. In addition, many family historians will find particular appeal in
the detailed investigation into the lives of individual miners and their
families.
-- Mike
https://www.moorebooks.co.uk/ tel 01952 405105
Snailbeach and Tankerville Mines see http://shropshiremines.org.uk/
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