19
Work & Industry in Tredegar
during the 19th century
A Key Stage 2
Educational Resource Pack
Part 2—Getting the Raw Materials
20
Where did iron ore come from?
Iron ore or ironstone is a type of rock that contains iron, which when
heated to a very high temperature in a furnace, turns into metallic iron.
It was made hundreds of millions of years ago deep within the Earth.
21
Digging for iron ore was carried out over large areas or expanses of
land called ‘patches’. Ironstone or iron ore was found in large lumps
surrounded by other stone that contained very little iron.
22
Who dug the iron ore?
The lumps of ironstone were dug out by
hand from the surface using tools that
can be seen in the picture on the right.
Many women worked on the patches
especially after they were banned from
working underground in 1842.
When the Tredegar Ironworks was
established, ore was raised for the
works by cleaning away the surface
of the earth to the depth at which the
ore lay, which was termed a ‘patch’.
David Morris, 1868
23
Right: 2 patch girls photographed in
1865 with tools used in their work.
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
24
Mining for coal
and iron ore by
surface digging
and sinking
shallow pits
underground.
From:
Children’s
Employment
Enquiry, 1841
25
View towards Tredegar from the patches about 60 years ago
26
View towards Tredegar from the patches about 60 years ago
27
28
In the drawing of the Elled Patch near Beaufort on the previous page,
describe what the people are doing.
What equipment or tools are being used?
How many machines are being used in the picture?
What else was used to move heavy loads?
How are heavy loads being moved about?
‘The present appearance of Tredegar and the locality conveys no idea
of its appearance in the past; the beauty, variety, and picturesque
sceneries which the district possessed being entirely destroyed by
large heaps of mine, coal and iron refuse; the hills on both sides wear a
rugged appearance, being ‘patched,’ or excavated, for ironstone and
coal’ Evan Powell, 1884
29
During the 19th century, iron ore or ironstone was called ‘mine’. Ann
Morris picked through and sorted ironstone that had been dug out from
underground. In addition to receiving food, some clothes and having a
place to stay, Richard Evan paid her one shilling or 12 old pence a
month. This was enough to buy only 450 grams of butter! Sunday was
the only day of the week when Ann did not work; instead, she attended
Sunday school where she would have tried to learn to read, mainly from
the Bible. A few months before Ann was interviewed, she was living with
her family at Long Row, Tredegar according to the census for 1841.
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
30
Richard Evan lived nearby. It wasn’t unusual for children to leave home
to work for someone else, especially when there were younger children
in the same family. Ann’s father, John Morris, worked as a collier as did
her brothers, Watkin and David aged 15 and 8 years old! Ann’s age on
the census is given as 10 but only a couple of months later she told the
employment inspector that she was 12. Why did she do this?
This is the
1841 census
entry for
Ann Morris’
family at
Long Row,
Tredegar.
31
Ann Carpenter, aged 18—a patch girl
drawn in 1869.
32
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
33
During the 19th century, there was no pension for older people as
today. A widow such as Margaret may not have had any choice than to
work in order to support herself. There was no such thing as retirement
for most working people!
If Margaret could not work and was unable to stay with family, as a last
resort, she may have had to stay in the workhouse. Workhouses were
very harsh places and discipline was very strict indeed. They were
designed to be so, to deter poor people from entering unless they were
desperate. Inmates of workhouses were also expected to work.
34
What was ‘scouring’ for iron ore?
Iron ore was also collected by a method called ‘scouring’. This involved
creating a pond by damming the water across a stream. Once enough
water had been
stored, the dam was
opened allowing a
torrent of water to
rush down the valley.
The water moved
with such force that
it washed away all
the lighter rocks and
soil but left the heavy
and dense lumps of
iron ore behind to be
collected.
35
Left: Remains of an old scouring pond; Right: A lump of iron ore.
Scouring was a very destructive method of obtaining iron ore that
caused pollution in rivers and killed fish. The ‘scourings’ were also
called ‘races’. At Tredegar there are a places known as Scwrfa and
Rassau. Scwrfa means ‘scouring place’ in Welsh and Rassau means
‘races’ in Welsh—both place-names are evidence that iron ore was once
collected by ‘scouring’ the land with water.
36
Above is the 1861 census for no.1 and no.2 Plumbers Row, Tredegar.
At no.1, look for Ann and Mary Morgan (both aged 18) whose job was
unloading iron ore (called iron mine) from drams. Eldest sister Elisabeth
also did the same work.
At no.2, Margaret, Catherine, Mary and Rebecca Lewis gathered iron
ore (iron mine). These women and girls, also known as ‘patch girls’,
worked outside during all weathers, all year!
37
Left: A group of 3 women
dressed in their working
clothes, photographed by
William Clayton of Tredegar
about 1865.
The 2 women on the right
and left in the photo look
very similar and may be
Anne & Mary Morgan who
lived at No.1 Plumber’s Row
on the 1861 census.
Both women would have
been about 22 years of age
around 1865.
38
Where did coal come from?
Coal is the fossilised remains of plants which once grew hundreds of
millions of years ago. After being buried and heated deep in the Earth
for millions of years, it was changed into a rock which we know as coal.
39
At Tredegar, coal was also found close to the surface in narrow bands
or layers of rock called seams. These were dug out by hand from above
on the ‘patches’ or mined by digging tunnels or ‘levels’ into the hillsides,
following the direction of the coal seams.
40
Why was coal so important during the 19th
century and what was it used for?
Coal was the main source of power in the Industrial Revolution—a time
when Britain was moving from a country which relied on farming and
agriculture to one where most people worked in industry—in mines and
factories—producing goods that were sent around the world. In the
19th century, Britain was called the ‘workshop of the world’.
41
In South Wales, at the start of the Industrial Revolution, most coal
mined was used for making iron.
42
Previous to 1817 all the coal raised at Tredegar was consumed by the furnaces, but the output at the various levels had increased so much that the supply was greater than the demand for home consumption. A contract was made to deliver the ‘best coal’ at Pillgwenlly, Newport, and to convey the first coal carriages were specially constructed, and taken into the shop level to be loaded; twelve carriages were loaded and brought to the surface; some of the lumps of coal weighed several tons. On the appointed day two teams of splendid grey horses, each team consisting of 4 beautiful animals, fully equipped and decorated, started with 6 carriages for each team; the huge masses of coal were decorated with flags of various colours, and arrived safely at their destination, to the satisfaction of the proprietors, and to the astonishment of the large and interested crowd … Evan Powell, 1884
43
Samuel Homfray, Esq., junior, who at that time was a young man about 19 years of age, accompanied the first train of coal conveyed to Newport, and was enraptured with joy at its safe arrival. The collier who dug the coal was George Williams, and the hauliers, who drove the teams were John Davies (Jack y Bugail) and David Williams. In commemoration of the event beautiful photographs of the horses were taken, and carefully preserved by Samuel Homfray, Esq., during the time he resided at Bedwellty House. Evan Powell, 1884
44
As the design of steam engines improved, becoming smaller and more
powerful, their use increased. Steam engines powered machinery in
new factories as well as locomotives for new railways. This created a
huge demand for coal as a fuel to make steam.
45
46
Start and end of coal’s journey!
Above: A miner loads a dram of
coal underground.
Right: Shovelling coal into the
firebox on a steam locomotive to
fuel its boiler.
47
From the 1850s, the coal industry in South Wales grew in importance.
The Royal Navy chose to use coal mined in South Wales to power its
ships. Soon every navy and shipping company wanted to do the same!
48
Men feeding coal into the massive boilers on a steam-powered ship!
49
Tredegar can boast of contributing a little to the great (Crystal Palace)
Exhibition of 1851; models of engines and machineries of various
description were sent to be exhibited among that wonderful collection
of curiosities; but, probably, the greatest interest was evinced in the
getting of a large lump of coal, which was intended to be sent to the
Exhibition. When the project was under consideration, it was intended
to get a lump of coal to weigh about 20 tons, but it became obvious that
such a massive lump would require more space to be brought to the
surface than the Yard level afforded. Evan Powell, 1884
Right: In 1851, 6 million people visited
the Great Exhibition held in London.
Sadly, John Jones’ giant block of coal
never arrived there.
50
At length a lump weighing about 15 tons was got, and loaded safely
upon low carriages that were made for the purpose of conveying the
‘big lump’ but, unfortunately, it broke, and the idea of sending it to the
Exhibition was abandoned. The remainder of the lump, which weighs
about 10 tons, is carefully preserved in the Bedwellty House park.
The hewer of the coal was Mr. John Jones, generally known as ‘John
Jones, Collier Mawr.’ Evan Powell, 1884
Right: Old postcard view
of the 15-ton block of
coal at Bedwellty Park. It
can still be seen today.
51
The export market for steam coal grew rapidly after 1880 and by 1913,
coal mines in South Wales produced a third of the coal exported around
the world. By this time, 1/4 million men and boys toiled underground in
dangerous conditions to satisfy the world’s hunger for steam coal.
52
Who dug the coal?
Going back in time to the early 19th century, some
coal was dug out by hand directly from the surface,
as was ironstone, from the ‘patches’ on the hills
surrounding Tredegar.
Colliers also mined coal in underground workings,
which were usually horizontal tunnels or ‘levels’
driven into the hillsides, following the direction of
the layers or seams of coal.
Before 1842 many children and women worked
underground as well as men.
Right: A young collier photographed in 1865 by
William Clayton of Tredegar. He is carrying a
collier’s safety lamp.
What other safety equipment is he wearing or using?
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54
55
56
57
58
Horses were used
underground to
haul drams
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60
Young colliers at the end of the working day waiting for their train home
61
Right: A dram being
filled with coal.
62
A collier’s helper or his
“butty” used a large
scoop to fill a wagon or
‘dram’ with coal. Usually
this job was done by a
boy.
The large metal scoop
was called a ‘curling
box’ (in the photo below).
63
Look for coal mining objects in the museum
What materials are these tools made from? ___________________________
Miners carried their tools together hooked on a bar. How was this done?
Ask someone in the museum to explain how these tools were used
Draw a tool used underground by
miners to cut coal, in the box below.
Draw a tool used by miners to cut
wooden pit props, in the box below.
Name of tool: Name of tool:
64
Look for coal mining objects in the museum
What materials are these tools made from? ___________________________
Ask someone in the museum to explain how these tools were used by
colliers during the 19th century.
Draw a tool used by miners to hang a
lamp on a timber pit prop underground.
Draw a tool used by miners to break
large blocks of coal out of the seam
Name of tool: Name of tool:
65
Look for coal mining objects in the museum
What materials are these objects made from? _________________________
Why was this material chosen? _______________________________________
Why didn’t miners just go home for food? _____________________________
Draw a container used underground by
miners to keep tea or water to drink.
Draw a container used underground by
miners to keep their food.
Name of object: Name of object:
66
67
Look for coal mining objects in the museum
What materials are these objects made from? _________________________
Why did watches need to be protected?_______________________________
How was tobacco used if smoking was banned?_______________________
Draw an object used underground by
miners to keep pocket watches safe.
Draw a container used underground by
miners to keep tobacco in.
Name of object: Name of object:
68
Look for coal mining objects in the museum
What materials are these objects made from? _________________________
Ask someone in the museum to explain how explosives were used.
Where did the tool used for tightening bolts come from? _______________
Draw an object used to drill boreholes for
blasting out coal and rock underground.
Draw an object used for tightening bolts
underground by miners.
Name of object: Name of object:
69
Draw an object used by miners to test
for gases underground.
What materials is it made from?
_____________________________________
Ask someone in the museum to explain
how and when this object would have
been used.
Ask them to talk about what was nor-
mally used by miners for lighting whilst
they worked during the 19th century.
What were the dangers in using this
method of lighting underground?
What would be used to provide lighting
underground in modern times? Name of object:
Look for coal mining objects in the museum
70
Look carefully at the photo on the
right. Below is a list of things that
these colliers would have taken to
work in a coal mine. Explain what
each one would have been used for.
1. Mandrel
2. Lamp
5. Yorks
6. Muffler
3. Tommy box
4. Jack
71
Can we find out more about work at mines
and collieries during the 19th century?
During the 19th century, there were a number of investigations carried
out by government inspectors into working conditions in the mines,
collieries and ironworks of Britain.
In 1841, inspectors visited South Wales and collected evidence from
witnesses that they interviewed. This evidence was presented to
Parliament in 1842.
The evidence provides us with valuable information about working
conditions at this time because it was given by people who could speak
about their own experiences.
The report persuaded the Government to pass a law making it illegal for
children and women to work underground in Britain. Unfortunately, the
law was widely ignored for many years to come.
72
Let’s look at evidence collected in 1841 by a Government inspector who
interviewed a number of young people that worked in the ironworks and
mines at Tredegar and nearby. In old money, there were 12 pence
(written d) in one shilling (written s). In 1841, one shilling would buy 450
grams of sugar.
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74
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
75
Both boys worked underground in an ironstone mine. How many hours
did they work in a day (according to John Prosser) and in a week?
What can you tell about conditions and safety equipment at work?
Why do both boys say that they like their work and prefer it to school?
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
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Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
77
After 1842, it
was illegal for
women to work
underground
in mines and
collieries.
The law was
widely ignored
for many years
however.
The young
women on the
right were
drawn whilst
working at the
levels in 1865!
78
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
79
An underground level— ‘Yard Level’ - at Tredegar
80
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
81
Elizabeth earned 6d
or 6 old pence for a
12 hour working day.
This was enough
money to buy 28
grams of tea. Find
out the cost of 125
grams of tea today.
Children’s
Employment
Enquiry, 1841
82
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
83
Children’s Employment
Enquiry, 1841
84
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
85
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
86
Would you prefer working underground instead of going to school?
Why did parents allow their children to work underground?
87
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
88
How long was a working day at mines and
collieries during the 19th century?
89
The working hours of miners and colliers were generally from 3 or 4 in
the morning to 8 or 9 in the evening; on Saturdays, work was generally
commenced at 12 midnight for the purposes of “being out early on
Saturday morning.” Evan Powell 1884
How long was a working day underground according to Evan Powell?
How many days a week did people usually work?
Calculate how many hours were worked each week?
90
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
91
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
92
Why might managers of the coal mines say that the children and young
people worked far fewer hours than was the case?
Did children work fewer or more or the same hours as grown-ups?
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
93
At what age did children start work at mines
and collieries in the 19th century?
94
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841
95
What reasons were given to inspectors to explain why children worked
underground during the 19th century?
Who, if anyone, is blamed for allowing children to work underground?
How might work affect children’s schooling or learning?
Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841