AUDLEY & DISTRICT FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
Many years ago coal was taken from the land indiscriminately. Men looked near springs or ‘smut’ (friable black earth) and coal was very easy to find in North Staffordshire. In fact in 1848 it was reported that tunnels and workings had been found from many years before that had been left unmarked and forgotten. Landowners recognised that the earth beneath their feet was untapped wealth and began to tighten up control of mining rights. Land began to be leased to agents who then divided it amongst reliable butties who were in turn responsible for employing the ‘bottomers’ who actually took the coal from the land. Owners and land agents did not get their hands dirty!
An important consideration for the owners was that coal should be sold by weight, not acreage; therefore, the land agents could make huge profits for their masters. The overriding concern was for tonnage and nothing else. Conditions, health and safety, amenities etc, were non existent.
Coal masters required and received obedience, respect and an uncomplaining workforce. In 1830, in Kidsgrove, miners tried to form a union to try and improve their conditions, but masters and their agents made it their objective to find the ‘traitors’. Hand bills were put around Kidsgrove and miners were required to sign and leave the union before a given date. The penalty was dismissal and ‘black listing’. Many miners at this time decided to leave the area and even the country.
Some owners were respected though, and even tried to improve the conditions of their workforce. Many built schools, churches and housing and were remembered with something near affection. Some, such as Thomas Kinnersley, the owner of Clough Hall paraded around on horseback, whip in hand and followed by his mastiff. He was not liked but he did provide many amenities for the miners.
There was a great gulf between hall and cottage. The owner could not be expected to know what his butties were paying their lads; therefore, he couldn’t be blamed if the miners were discontented. He could also argue that the miner was responsible for his own poverty, spending too much on drink, having too many children and not saving from his adequate salary, was not the responsibility of the owner. If the miner was dissatisfied he must find a new master! Finding a new master was impossible if the miner belonged to a union.
Owners did sometimes find it politic to side with his men, when the chartist mobs appeared in the area the master commanded his workers to the surface, placed himself, on his horse, firmly in their midst and demanded of his men if any of them had grievances. Surprisingly, everyone was very happy and it was always reported that the miners had a perfect life!! One wonders if much has changed in the intervening years.
(The editor would like to thank our Chairlady, Anne James for this review)