SGMRG Talk: Flooded Coal Mines
Coalpit Heath Village Hall
7 for 7:30pm prompt start in the Miners Institute (aka Coalpit Heath Village Hall), 214 Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2QB
Flooded Coal Mines in Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton in 1712 and 1716 - Where were they and who was working them? by Steve Grudgings
A few highlights:
Whilst we know there was lots of coal being mined in Westerleigh Parish in 17th century, the 1691 perambulations tell us where the pits were, how deep they were and who was working them.
Fast forward (a little) to 1712/1716 and the locations have changed significantly and we have much more information:
Some detailed accounts of the names of the hundred or more men mining at Nibley and Serridge in 1716
15 years of accounts for the Manor of Westerleigh from 1710 -1725 showing gross profits of over 50%
Two separate claims for legal claims for pits being flooded in Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton
We know exactly where flooding occurred and the related boundary arguments, some of which shaped the current parish boundaries
AND coming right up to date, we have some photographs of what remains of the ditch dug underneath Woodend Road by Samuel Astry’s men in 1695 to drain the mines
Non members welcome - £2 each for the talk. Membership of the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group is £17.50 per year and includes talks and newsletters.
