The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham
Peter Ford Mason
To be published 20th August 2012, £12.99 Paperback Original
978-0-7524-8094-7
A detailed investigation into the pioneers of coal mining in one of the industry’s British heartlands
In the North East of England, shaft sinking for the extraction of minerals has taken place for centuries. Using various methods of pit sinking developed from the use of a shallow bell pits to the excavation of deep shafts, those who dug the initial shafts, the sinkers themselves, were regarded as the ‘mining elite’. The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham is a tribute to these men who worked tirelessly, and under extreme conditions, to help make this essential industry possible.
Looking at the enormous upheaval and technological developments over the years as well as the lives of the miners and their families, this evocative story delves into the mining society as a whole; a unique glimpse into the lives of those most affect by the industry. With chapters on transportation and accommodation, colliery disasters, celebrations & holiday’s and miner’s habits, The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham is the ultimate guide to the regions heritage and this iconic industry.
Details the essential role sinkers played in the development of canals, railways and coaling mining during the industrial revolution.
Includes 60 black and white photographs depicting all aspects of a coal miners life. Many of these images are previously unpublished.
Peter Ford Mason is a retired civil engineer living in the Wirral, but is originally from County Durham. He is descended from three generations of miners; his great-grandfather was a master pot sinker who died sinking a shaft in 1885.
Fom August 20th books can be purchased from The History Press website at www.thehistorypress.co.uk , Amazon and all good local bookshops.