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

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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

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View towards Tredegar from the patches about 60 years ago

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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

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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.

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Ann Carpenter, aged 18—a patch girl

drawn in 1869.

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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.

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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’.

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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

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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

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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!

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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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57

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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:

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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.

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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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Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841

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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

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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!

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Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841

79

An underground level— ‘Yard Level’ - at Tredegar

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Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841

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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

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Children’s Employment

Enquiry, 1841

84

Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841

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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

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How long was a working day at mines and

collieries during the 19th century?

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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?

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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

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At what age did children start work at mines

and collieries in the 19th century?

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Children’s Employment Enquiry, 1841

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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