Finding coal mining archives
Historical sources relating to the coal mining industry in Britain are held by many different organisations across the country. This guide includes information about the location of some of the main national and regional collections, including archives of mining trade unions and coal owners.
Trade union archives
Miners' Federation of Great Britain
The Miners' Federation of Great Britain (MFGB) was formed in 1880 as a federation of a number of local miners' associations. It was renamed the Mineworkers' Federation of Great Britain in 1933. In January 1945 it reorganised as a unified trade union, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), with each former constituent association becoming a district of the new union.
Most of the centrally held records of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain were destroyed in the summer of 1944, when the union's London headquarters received a direct hit from a 'flying bomb'.
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds a series of annual reports, proceedings and accounts of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, 1894-1944, with other material relating to conciliation proceedings, negotiations, safety and welfare, and other aspects of the mining industry. Most of the material in this collection is published rather than manuscript.
Other organisations also hold copies of the MFGB published annual reports and proceedings, including University of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special Collections.
National Union of Mineworkers
The National Union of Mineworkers was formed in 1945, replacing the looser federation of regional mining unions represented by the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain.
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds more than 1,000 boxes of archives relating to the NUM’s administration and campaigns since 1945. The archives of the national union do not include membership records.
National Association of Colliery, Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers (NACODS)
Archive locations
British Association of Colliery Management
The British Association of Colliery Management (BACM) represented managerial and supervisory staff in the coal industry. The Association has its origins in the Yorkshire Association of Colliery Officials and Staff, formed in the early 1940s. It later became the British Association of Colliery Officials and Staff and in 1947, following the nationalisation of the coal industry, it was renamed the British Association of Colliery Management. BACM merged with Prospect in 2014.
Archive locations
Employers' Records
National Coal Board
The National Coal Board (NCB) was a public corporation created under the 1946 Coal Industry Nationalisation Act to run the British coal mining industry. The industry was formally taken into public ownership on 1 January 1947. The NCB was renamed the British Coal Corporation in 1987. After privatisation of the coal industry in 1994, the administrative functions of BCC were transferred to the newly created Coal Authority (now known as the Mining Remediation Authority).
Archive locations
The National Archives holds the central records of the National Coal Board (NCB), including archives of pre-nationalisation companies inherited by the NCB. Information about their holdings is included in a guide to sources on mines and miningLink opens in a new window.
The archive maintained by the Mining Remediation Authority at the Mining Heritage CentreLink opens in a new window includes large collections of ‘abandoned mine’ plans and National Coal Board / British Coal photographs. Thousands of historic coal mining plans are available through a free digital resourceLink opens in a new window developed jointly by the MRA and the British Geological Survey.
Editions of Coal, the magazine of the National Coal Board, have been digitised from 1947-1960 by the National Coal Mining Museum and are available to read onlineLink opens in a new window.
Other mining industry archives
Miners’ Welfare Commission
The Miners’ Welfare Fund was established under the 1920 Mining Industry Act. The Miners’ Welfare Commission was appointed in 1921 to administer the fund and include representatives of unions, employers and the government. The Commission was abolished in 1952 and its functions were taken over by the National Coal Board and Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation. The University of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special CollectionsLink opens in a new window hold minutes, annual reports and circulars relating to the CommitteeLink opens in a new window.
North East Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers
The Mining Institute'sLink opens in a new window extensive library on mining engineering and the coal industry is held at the Common Room, NewcastleLink opens in a new window. Highlights from the Institute's collections have been digitised and are available onlineLink opens in a new window, including transactions of the Institute and early editions of The Colliery Guardian.
Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum (IWM) holds an extensive collection of material relating to the Bevin Boys conscription scheme, 1943-1947Link opens in a new window. This includes copies of letters written by ex-Bevin Boys, copies of ballotee records for the Midlands region, photographs, and other photocopied and original documents relating to the scheme.
Working Class Movement Library
Collections at the Working Class Movement LibraryLink opens in a new window in Salford include archives on mining and miners’ strikes, including sources relating to the General Strike, the 1984/5 miners’ strike and the campaign against pit closures in the early 1990s.
Other resources
Organisations
National museums:
England, Scotland and Wales each have their own national mining museum:
National Coal Mining Museum
The National Coal Mining MuseumLink opens in a new window in England is on the site of Caphouse Colliery, West Yorkshire. As well as the extensive museum collections, the NCMM also includes library and archive collectionsLink opens in a new window on the history of coal mining in England.
National Mining Museum
The National Mining MuseumLink opens in a new window in Scotland is on the site of the former Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange. The site hosts archive and library collections, as well as a large museum collection on the history of coal mining in Scotland.
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big PitLink opens in a new window, part of Amgueddfa Cymru / Museum Wales, is on the Big Pit site, Blaenavon.
Northern Mine Research Society
The Northern Mine Research SocietyLink opens in a new window maintains a Coalmining History Resource CentreLink opens in a new window, which includes the National Database of Mining Deaths in Great BritainLink opens in a new window.
National Association of Mining History Organisations
Formed in 1979, the National Association of Mining History Organisations (NAMHO) is a national body which aims to promote education and research in mining history. NAMHO’s websiteLink opens in a new window includes a list of local and regional members.
Black Miners Museum
The Black Miners MuseumLink opens in a new window is a Nottingham-based heritage organisation collecting and sharing oral histories, narratives, memories and creative representations of former coal miners of Black / African-Caribbean heritage and other diverse groups within UK mining history.
Digitised resources
British Newspaper Archive
A subscription is required to access most of the British Newspaper Archive’sLink opens in a new window content, but you may be able to get free access to the resource through your local library or archive.
Most of the British Newspaper Archive’s collection consists of local newspapers, which can given details of mining disasters, industrial disputes, social events, trade union meetings and other subjects connected to the coal industry and the administration of individual collieries. The BNA also provides access to some specialist or trade newspapers, including The Mining JournalLink opens in a new window, 1845-1894; The British Miner and General Newsman / The Miner / The Miner and Workman’s AdvocateLink opens in a new window, 1862-1867; The Miner and Workmen’s ExaminerLink opens in a new window, 1874-1878 (published in Stoke on Trent); The Midland and Northern Coal and Iron Trades Gazette, Advertiser and DirectoryLink opens in a new window, 1875-1886 (published in Barnsley); The Tamworth Miners’ Examiner and Working Men’s JournalLink opens in a new window, 1873-1876; and the Cornish Post and Mining NewsLink opens in a new window, 1889-1944.
Art UK
Art UKLink opens in a new window provides free online access to images of art in public collections.
The digitised collections include artworks relating to the coal industry, including items from the collections of the National Coal Mining Museum for England, National Mining Museum Scotland, Common Room (North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers), Beamish, Dean Heritage Centre and Museum of Cannock Chase.
Haithi Trust
The Haithi Trust Digital LibraryLink opens in a new window includes digitised publications mostly from academic libraries in North America. Although most of the contents are North American in focus, the collection does include published reports, books, pamphlets and journals from the 19th and early 20th century relating to the British coal industry. Examples of some of the available publications can be seen through this linkLink opens in a new window.
Oral history projects
Cambridge and the Miners’ Strike, 1984-1985
Background information and online resources relating to 2014 oral history projectLink opens in a new window, including interviews with the families of striking miners and their supporters.
‘Coal miners and dust-related disease’ oral history project
Trade union archives
Cumberland Miners' Association
The West Cumberland Miners' Association (WCMA) was founded in 1872, and renamed the Cumberland Miners' Association (CMA) in 1906.
The CMA was a member of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain (MFGB). When the MFGB was replaced by the more centralised National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1945, the Cumberland Miners' Association became the Cumberland Area of the NUM.
Archive locations
The main surviving records of the CMA are held at the Modern Records CentreLink opens in a new window. These include Area minutes, 1887-1985; financial records, 1906-1926; records relating to arbitration, wages and working conditions, 1892-1953; branch or lodge records for Allerdale, Moresby, Siddick and Whitehaven.
Additional archives relating to the WCMA, the CMA and the mining industry in Cumberland are held at Cumbria ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Cumbria ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the National Coal Board Cumberland Division and some pre-nationalisation colliery companies.
Sources relating to the NCB Cumberland Division are also held at the National Archives, including Divisional Board minutes for 1950-1963Link opens in a new window.
Other resources
Cumbria Industrial History Society
The Industrial History of CumbriaLink opens in a new window website, produced by the Cumbria Industrial History Society, includes an online guide to coal mining in Cumbria.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Cumberland coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Derbyshire Miners' Association
Before 1880 the South Yorkshire Miners' Association (SYMA) included branches in the north east of Derbyshire. In 1880 the Derbyshire Miners' Association (DMA) was formed and the Derbyshire branches broke away from the SYMA to join the newer local union.
The DMA joined the Miners' Federation of Great Britain (MFGB) in 1890. When the MFGB was replaced by the more centralised National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1945, the Derbyshire Miners' Association became the Derbyshire Area of the NUM.
The DMA / NUM Derbyshire Area represented mineworkers in the north east of the county. A separate organisation covered the coalfield in the south of the county.
Archive locations
The main surviving records of the DMALink opens in a new window are held at Derbyshire Record OfficeLink opens in a new window. These include minutes, financial records, and documents relating to arbitration, pay, working conditions, welfare and compensation. Derbyshire Record Office have an online guide to finding coal mining ancestorsLink opens in a new window in their archives.
The Modern Records Centre holds a small amount of material relating to the Derbyshire coalfield. This includes files in the main National Union of Mineworkers archive relating to the organisation of the Derbyshire AreaLink opens in a new window, and an incomplete series of minutes of the NUM Derbyshire AreaLink opens in a new window.
South Derbyshire Miners' Association
The South Derbyshire Miners' Association was formed in 1888 and joined the Miners' Federation of Great Britain in 1889. In 1945, when the MFGB was replaced by the more centralised National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the South Derbyshire Miners' Association became the South Derbyshire Area of the NUM.
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds minutes of the NUM South Derbyshire AreaLink opens in a new window for 1948-1960 and 1978-1984.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Derbyshire County Record OfficeLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the operations of the National Coal BoardLink opens in a new window in Derbyshire and some pre-nationalisation companiesLink opens in a new window.
Other resources
Midland Colliery Owners' Mutual Indemnity Company compensation registers
Searchable database of 71,206 compensation payment records relating to mining accidents across the Midlands. Results are anonymised and information about individuals is not given.
Pleasley Pit Coal Mining Heritage Site
Mining museumLink opens in a new window, country park and nature reserve on the site of Pleasley Pit, Derbyshire.
South Derbyshire Mining Preservation Group
The website of South Derbyshire Mining Preservation GroupLink opens in a new window includes information about South Derbyshire's mining heritage.
Mining Heritage: Coal mining culture in the East Midlands
Interactive map, articles and other online resourcesLink opens in a new window relating to the East Midlands coalfields.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Derbyshire coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Durham Miners' Association
Durham Miners' Association (DMA) was founded in 1869 and became the Durham Area of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1945.
Archive locations
The main surviving records of the DMA are held at Durham Record Office (DRO) / The Story DurhamLink opens in a new window. These include minutes, financial records, and documents relating to arbitration, pay, working conditions and compensation. DRO have an online guide to sourcesLink opens in a new window on coal mining and Durham collieries.
Additional records relating to the Durham coalfield, DMA and NUM Durham Area are held at the University of Sunderland Library, as part of the North of England Mining Archive and Research CentreLink opens in a new window, and at Tyne and Wear ArchivesLink opens in a new window (TWA). Guides to TWA's collections on the coal industry and trade unions, employers' and professional organisations are available through the TWA websiteLink opens in a new window and information about the DMA / NUM Durham Area archives at University of Sunderland Library is available through their online catalogueLink opens in a new window.
The Modern Records Centre holds a small amount of material relating to the County Durham coalfield, including files in the main National Union of Mineworkers archive which relate to the organisation of the NUM Durham AreaLink opens in a new window.
Durham County Colliery Enginemen's Association
Durham County Colliery Enginemen's Association was founded in 1871. It became part of Group No.1 of the National Union of Mineworkers.
Archive locations
The main surviving records of the DCCEA are held at Durham Record Office (DRO) / The Story DurhamLink opens in a new window.
Durham Colliery Mechanics' Association
Durham Colliery Mechanics' Association was formed in 1879 but had its origins in the earlier and short-lived National Amalgamated Society of Colliery Mechanics. The DCMA became part of Group No.1 of the National Union of Mineworkers.
Archive locations
Lodge accounts for Durham Colliery Mechanics Association are held at Tyne and Wear ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
Durham Cokemen's Association
The union was founded in 1874 and registered under the Trade Union Acts in 1875. It was known by various names: the Durham Coke Drawers' and Labourers' Association, the Durham Cokemen's and Labourers' Association, the Durham Cokemen's Association, and finally the Durham Cokemen's and Bye-Product Workers' Association. The Durham Cokemen's and Bye-Product Workers' Association merged with the Lancashire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire Cokemen's Association in 1915 / 1916 to form the National Union of Cokemen and By-product Workers.
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds a small collection of records relating to the DCALink opens in a new window, including branch records for Marley Hill lodge, and records relating to arbitration, finance and administration.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Durham Record Office / The Story DurhamLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the operations of the National Coal Board in County Durham, the Durham Coal Owners' Association, the Durham Coal Owners' Mutual Protection Association and some pre-nationalisation colliery companies. Additional material relating to local coal owners is held at Tyne and Wear ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
Other resources
Mining Durham's Hidden Depths
Searchable online indexesLink opens in a new window to Durham Miners' Association records held at the Durham Record Office, including over 229,000 personal name entries.
Durham Mining Museum
Online resourcesLink opens in a new window relating to the coalfields of County Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmorland.
Redhills
Information about the history, preservation and current use of Durham Miners' Hall, RedhillsLink opens in a new window, the headquarters of the Durham Miners' Association.
North East Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers
The Mining Institute'sLink opens in a new window extensive library on mining engineering and the coal industry is held at the Common Room, NewcastleLink opens in a new window. Highlights from the Institute's collectionsLink opens in a new window have been digitised and are available online, including transactions of the Institute and early editions of The Colliery Guardian.
Beamish Museum
Living history museumLink opens in a new window, including recreation of 1900s colliery (Mahogany Drift Mine) and pit village.
Horden Colliery Heritage Centre
Online resourcesLink opens in a new window relating to Horden Colliery and information about the local heritage centre.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Northumberland and Durham coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Gloucestershire ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold several collections relating to coal owners in the Forest of Dean. These include a small National Coal Board collectionLink opens in a new window and business records of the Parkend Coal Company, West DeanLink opens in a new window.
Other resources
South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group
Voluntary organisation which researches the history of mining in the local area. The SGMRGLink opens in a new window maintains a database of minersLink opens in a new window which includes information on accidents and inquests.
Forest of Dean Local History Society
The Forest of Dean Local History SocietyLink opens in a new window website includes resources relating to the mining industry. The Society’s Miners Memorial ProjectLink opens in a new window includes lists of registered Free Miners and Free Quarrymen between 1838-1959 and information about nearly 600 fatalities in local mines and quarries.
Trade union archives
National Union of Mineworkers Kent Area
Durham Miners' Association (DMA) was founded in 1869 and became the Durham Area of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1945.
Archive locations
NUM Kent Area archivesLink opens in a new window are held at Kent History and Library CentreLink opens in a new window.
The University of Kent Special Collections and ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold the archives of Richard Richardson, a former miner at Snowden Colliery. An exhibition on mining in Kent, including items from Richardson’s collection, is available onlineLink opens in a new window.
The Modern Records Centre holds a small amount of material relating to the Kent coalfield. This includes files in the main National Union of Mineworkers archive relating to the organisation of the AreaLink opens in a new window and an incomplete series of minutes of the NUM Kent Area, 1971-1987Link opens in a new window.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
National Coal Board records for KentLink opens in a new window are held by Kent History and Library CentreLink opens in a new window. Kent History and Library Centre also hold some additional records relating to pre-nationalisation coal owners in the local area.
Other resources
Kent Mining Museum
Kent Mining MuseumLink opens in a new window was established to record, preserve and share the history of the Kent coalfield. The museum is on the site of the former Betteshanger Colliery.
Dover Museum
Resources produced as part of the Coalfields Heritage Initiative Kent (CHIK) project are available through Dover MuseumLink opens in a new window. These include a history of the Kent coalfields, extracts from oral history interviews and an education pack.
Elvington and Eythorne Heritage Centre
The volunteer-run centreLink opens in a new window was set up to promote and prolong the community heritage of Eythorne and Elvington, Waldershare and Tilmanstone Colliery. The website includes articles and photographs relating to Tilmanstone and the wider Kent coalfield.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Kent coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Lancashire and Cheshire Miners Federation
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds a small collection of archivesLink opens in a new window relating to the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners Federation (LCMF), including an incomplete series of minutes, reports and accounts from 1897-1936.
An incomplete set of minutes and reports, 1897-1978, is also held at the Working Class Movement LibraryLink opens in a new window, Salford.
Branch recordsLink opens in a new window for Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Hulton lodge are held by Bolton History Centre.
Lancashire and Cheshire Colliery Tradesman and Kindred Workers
Archive locations
Bolton History Centre hold a collection of archivesLink opens in a new window relating to the Lancashire and Cheshire Colliery Tradesman and Kindred Workers, 1920-1977.
National Union of Mineworkers Lancashire Area / North West Area
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds some NUM Lancashire Area / North West Area archivesLink opens in a new window, including minutes from 1976-1992, financial records, conciliation board proceedings, and some surviving branch records. The main National Union of Mineworkers archive also includes files relating to the organisation of the areaLink opens in a new window.
A small number of NUM branch records are held by Lancashire ArchivesLink opens in a new window, including items relating to Cliviger and Rossendale.
Records of the Lancashire Tradesmen’s AreaLink opens in a new window are held by Bolton History Centre, including material from before 1945.
Rossendale Miners Association
Archive locations
Lancashire ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold subscription registersLink opens in a new window for Rossendale Miners Association, 1929-1969.
Lancashire, Cheshire, and North Wales Colliery Deputies' and Shot-firers' Association
Archive locations
Lancashire ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the local deputies’ unionLink opens in a new window, including north west branch minutes, correspondence and accounts.
Employers' records
South-West Lancashire Coal Owners Association Ltd.
Archive locations
Archives of the South-West Lancashire Coal Owners Association Ltd.Link opens in a new window are held at Lancashire Archives,Link opens in a new window including minute books, accounts, compensation records and correspondence files.
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Lancashire ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the operations of the National Coal BoardLink opens in a new window in the county, together with archives relating to some pre-nationalisation companies.
Welfare organisations and support groups
Lancashire and Cheshire Miners Permanent Relief Society
Archive locations
Archives of the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners Permanent Relief Society (LCMPRS)Link opens in a new window are held at Wigan Archives. Information about financial relief paid to individual miners is available in online databasesLink opens in a new window.
Lancashire Women Against Pit Closures
Archives relating to Lancashire Women Against Pit Closures, 1992-1993, are held at the Working Class Movement LibraryLink opens in a new window, Salford.
Other resources
Lancashire Mining Museum
Lancashire Mining MuseumLink opens in a new window is on the site of Astley Green Colliery.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Lancashire coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Coalville and District Miners’ Association / Leicestershire Miners’ Association
The Coalville and District Miners’ Association (CDMA) was founded in 1887 and renamed the Leicestershire Miners’ Association (LMA) in c.1908.Archive locations
The main archives of the CDMA / LMA are held by the Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and RutlandLink opens in a new window, including minutes, 1899-1946, and papers of Levi LovettLink opens in a new window, Secretary of the union in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
National Union of Mineworkers Leicester Area
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds the main archives of the NUM Leicester AreaLink opens in a new window, including minutes, financial records, records relating to wages, working conditions, safety and health, and branch records. The main National Union of Mineworkers archive also includes files relating to the organisation of the areaLink opens in a new window.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and RutlandLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the operations of the National Coal Board in the county, together with archives relating to some pre-nationalisation companies.
Other resources
Snibston Colliery Park
Former colliery site now in use as a country parkLink opens in a new window. Tours of the site are run by Snibston Heritage Trust.
Leicester County Council Museum Collections
Information about objects in the museum collectionsLink opens in a new window which reflect the work of the Leicestershire miners.
Mining Heritage: Coal mining culture in the East Midlands
Interactive map, articles and other online resourcesLink opens in a new window relating to the East Midlands coalfields.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
National Union of Mineworkers North Wales Area and predecessor unions
Archive locations
The North East Wales ArchiveLink opens in a new window holds an extensive collection of archivesLink opens in a new window relating to the NUM North Wales Area and predecessor unions the Denbighshire and Flintshire Miners’ Federation, the North Wales Miners’ Association, and the North Wales and Border Counties Mineworkers’ Association, dating from the 1890s – 1980s.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
The North East Wales ArchiveLink opens in a new window holds records relating to the operations of the National Coal Board in the county, together with archives relating to some pre-nationalisation companies.
Other resources
North Wales Miners Association Trust Ltd.
The TrustLink opens in a new window aims to preserve the remaining physical evidence of North Wales’ mining heritage and to educate future generations about the industry.
Wrexham Miners Project
Community centreLink opens in a new window on the site of a former Miners Rescue Station in Wrexham, including a Miners’ Museum. The Project website includes an online exhibitionLink opens in a new window on the 1934 Gresford Mining Disaster.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the coalfields in AngleseyLink opens in a new window and DenbighshireLink opens in a new window, including lists of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Northumberland Miners Mutual Confident Association / Northumberland Miners’ Association
The Northumberland Miners' Mutual Confident Association was formed in 1864 and was later renamed the Northumberland Miners' Association (NMA).
The NMA affiliated to the Miners' Federation of Great Britain (MFGB) in 1907. When the MFGB was replaced by the more centralised National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1945, the Northumberland Miners' Association became the Northumberland Area of the NUM.
Archive locations
The main records of the Association, including central administrative records and branch records, are held at Northumberland ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
The Modern Records Centre also has a small amount of materialLink opens in a new window relating to the union, including an incomplete series of minutes, circulars and balance sheets, 1894-1936.
National Union of Mineworkers Northumberland Area
Archive locations
Northumberland ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold the main archives of the NUM Northumberland Area.
Northumberland Colliery Mechanics Association
Archive locations
Records of the Northumberland Colliery Mechanics Association are held at Northumberland ArchivesLink opens in a new window and Tyne and Wear ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Northumberland ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the operations of the National Coal Board in the area, together with archives relating to some pre-nationalisation companies.
Other resources
Woodhorn Museum
Mining museumLink opens in a new window on the site of Woodhorn Colliery, Ashington. The museum includes collections relating to the Ashington Group (Pitmen Painters) and the Coal Town Collection by social documentary photographer Mik Critchlow.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Northumberland and Durham coalfieldsLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Nottingham and District Miners’ Federated Union / National Union of Mineworkers Nottingham Area
Archive locations
The University of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special CollectionsLink opens in a new window hold minutes of the NUM Nottingham Area and its predecessor the Nottingham and District Miners’ Federated Union for 1939-1984.
Union of Democratic Mineworkers
Archive locations
Archives of the Union of Democratic Mineworkers (UDM) are held by the University of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special CollectionsLink opens in a new window, including Nottingham Section minutes, 1985-1994, and editions of The Nottinghamshire Miner, 1985-1990.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
As well as mining union archives, the University of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special CollectionsLink opens in a new window also hold records relating to some pre-nationalisation coal owners. A guide to the mining collections held at the University of Nottingham is available through their websiteLink opens in a new window.
National Coal Board and some pre-nationalisation company records are also held by Nottinghamshire ArchivesLink opens in a new window. A summary of some of the main collections is available through the Nottinghamshire Heritage GatewayLink opens in a new window.
Other resources
Mining Heritage: Coal mining culture in the East Midlands
Interactive map, articles and other online resourcesLink opens in a new window relating to the East Midlands coalfields.
Northern Mine Research Society
Links to information about the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire coalfieldsLink opens in a new window, including lists of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
National Union of Mineworkers, Scotland Area
Archive locations
The National Library of ScotlandLink opens in a new window holds archives relating to the NUM Scotland Area, and local records for the NUM and pre-1945 mining unions in Ayrshire, Fife, Lanarkshire and the Lothians.
Scottish Colliery Engineermen, Boilermen and Tradesmen’s Association
The United Engine Keeper’s Mutual Protective Association of Scotland was founded in c.1873. In 1912 it changed its name to the Scottish Colliery Engineermen and Boilermen’s Association.
Archive locations
The National Library of ScotlandLink opens in a new window holds minutes, 1878-1955, account books and branch records.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
National Coal Board and some pre-nationalisation company records are held by National Records of Scotland, who have an online guideLink opens in a new window to their coal mining collections.
Other resources
National Mining Museum
MuseumLink opens in a new window on the site of the former Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange. The site hosts archive and library collections, as well as a large museum collection on the history of coal mining in Scotland.
Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes
Virtual museumLink opens in a new window which examines the landscape legacies of coal mining across the Scottish midland coalfield.
Scottish Mining Website
The Scottish Mining WebsiteLink opens in a new window includes information about mining communities and accident indexes (including names of individuals). It was last updated in 2018.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Central Scottish coalfieldsLink opens in a new window, Argyllshire coalfieldLink opens in a new window and Canonbie coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including lists of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Somerset Miners' Association
The Somerset Miners' Association (SMA) was founded in 1872.
In 1956 the Area was incorporated into the South Wales Area of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
Archive locations
The main surviving records of the SMA are held at the University of Bristol ArchivesLink opens in a new window. These include minutes, financial records, records relating to conciliation, welfare and wages, and some branch records.
Bristol Miners' Association
Archive locations
Quarterly balance sheets for Bristol Miners' Association, 1889-1894, are held by Somerset Archives and Local StudiesLink opens in a new window.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Somerset Archives and Local StudiesLink opens in a new window hold National Coal Board records for the local area.
Other resources
Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum
Information about the Radstock Museum'sLink opens in a new window exhibitions, displays and collections relating to the Somerset coalfield. The museum holds photographs and other archive sourcesLink opens in a new window relating to the local mining industry.
Trade union archives
South Wales Miners’ Federation / National Union of Mineworkers South Wales Area
Archive locations
The main archives of the SWMF / NUM South Wales Area are included in the South Wales Coalfield CollectionLink opens in a new window at the South Wales Miners’ LibraryLink opens in a new window, University of Swansea.
Branch records are also held in local authority archives, including Glamorgan ArchivesLink opens in a new window and Gwent ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
Relevant archives and publications are also held at the National Library of WalesLink opens in a new window, Aberystwyth.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
National Coal Board (NCB) and some pre-nationalisation company records are held by local authority archives in South Wales.
Glamorgan Archives provide detailed information about their collections in the online research guide Glamorgan’s Blood: Colliery Records for Family HistoriansLink opens in a new window.
Gwent Archives have links to catalogues of NCB and other mining collections available through their websiteLink opens in a new window.
Other resources
Big Pit National Coal Museum
MuseumLink opens in a new window at the Big Pit site, Blaenavon.
Rhondda Heritage Park Museum
MuseumLink opens in a new window on the site of the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery.
South Wales Miners’ Museum
MuseumLink opens in a new window on the site of a former colliery in the Afan Valley.
Glamorgan’s Blood: Dark Arteries, Old Veins
Online exhibitionLink opens in a new window developed from the collections at Glamorgan Archives.
Aberfan Disaster 1966
Digitised sourcesLink opens in a new window from collections held by the National Library of Wales and Glamorgan Archives.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the South Wales coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
North Staffordshire Miners Federation / National Union of Mineworkers Staffordshire Area
Archive locations
Records relating to the North Staffordshire Miners’ Federation and the NUM Staffordshire Area are included in the collections at Staffordshire History CentreLink opens in a new window.
Pelsall and Cannock Chase Miners’ Federation
Archive locations
Walsall ArchivesLink opens in a new window hold some 19th and 20th century records relating to this organisation.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
National Coal Board (NCB)Link opens in a new window and some pre-nationalisation company records are held by Staffordshire History CentreLink opens in a new window.
Other resources
Staffordshire University Library Special Collections
The Mining Archive at University of Staffordshire University Library Special Collections includes material relating to the industry in North Staffordshire. Sources in the Mining Archive have been used to put together an online exhibitionLink opens in a new window to mark the centenary of the opening of Hem Heath Colliery in 2024.
Keele University Special Collections and Archives
Keele University hold several archive collections relating to the Staffordshire coalfield. These include archives of the North Staffordshire Miners' Wives Action GroupLink opens in a new window, formed during the 1984/5 Miners' Strike, and the William Jack collectionLink opens in a new window, which includes Chatterley Whitfield Colliery minute books, 1874-1926, and photograph albums relating to local industrial history.Black Country History
The Black Country HistoryLink opens in a new window site includes searchable catalogues and some digitised material from museum and archive services in the region.
Chatterley Whitfield Colliery
One of the most complete former colliery sites in Europe and a scheduled ancient monument. Although a museum is no longer open at Stoke on Trent’s Chatterley Whitfield CollieryLink opens in a new window, the Friends group run a Heritage Centre and site tours on set days.
Apedale Heritage Centre
Volunteer-run Heritage Centre on the site of Apedale CollieryLink opens in a new window, Newcastle under Lyme.
Black Country Living Museum
Open air museumLink opens in a new window, including underground mine tour.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Staffordshire coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
Warwickshire Miners' Association / National Union of Mineworkers (Warwickshire District) Midlands Area
The first Warwickshire Miners' Association (WMA) was founded in 1872 and lasted until 1880. The WMA was revived in 1885 and after the creation of the National Union of Mineworkers in 1945 became known as the National Union of Mineworkers (Warwickshire District) Midlands Area.
Archive locations
The main surviving records of the WMALink opens in a new window are held at Warwickshire County Record OfficeLink opens in a new window. These include minutes, financial records, and documents relating to arbitration, pay, working conditions and compensation.
Coventry ArchivesLink opens in a new window also hold sources relating to the local coal industry, including records of the Coventry Miners' Wives' Support GroupLink opens in a new window, 1981-1989.
The Modern Records Centre holds a small amount of material relating to the Warwickshire coalfield. This includes files in the main National Union of Mineworkers archive which relate to the organisation of the Midlands Area and the Warwickshire District, photocopies of minutes and accounts of NUM Birch Coppice branchLink opens in a new window, and an incomplete series of minutes of the NUM Midlands AreaLink opens in a new window.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Warwickshire County Record OfficeLink opens in a new window hold records relating to the operations of the National Coal Board in North WarwickshireLink opens in a new window.
Coventry ArchivesLink opens in a new window also hold records of pre-nationalisation companies in the city, including archives of Binley Colliery Co. Ltd. and Wyken Colliery.
Other resources
Midland Colliery Owners' Mutual Indemnity Company compensation registers
Searchable databaseLink opens in a new window of 71,206 compensation payment records relating to mining accidents across the Midlands. Results are anonymised and information about individuals is not given.
Our Warwickshire
Histories of the Warwickshire Miners' Association, information about individual collieries, and articles about different aspects of working life in the Warwickshire coalfield are included in Heritage and Culture Warwickshire's website, under the themes of Mining the SeamsLink opens in a new window and mining and quarryingLink opens in a new window.
Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Warwickshire coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including a list of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Trade union archives
South Yorkshire Miners' Association
The South Yorkshire Miners' Association (SYMA) was founded in Barnsley in 1858 and represented coal miners in what is now South Yorkshire (previously part of the West Riding) and northern Derbyshire. Derbyshire lodges split from the SYMA in 1880 to form a separate Derbyshire Miners' Association. In 1881 the South Yorkshire Miners' Association and West Yorkshire Miners' Association merged to form the Yorkshire Miners' Association (YWA).
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds some surviving records of the SYMALink opens in a new window, including financial records and branch membership registers.
Some additional records relating to the South Yorkshire Miners' Association are held by the West Yorkshire Archive ServiceLink opens in a new window, Experience BarnsleyLink opens in a new window, and Sheffield ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
West Yorkshire Miners' Association
The West Yorkshire Miners' Association (WYMA) was formed in 1858 and represented coal miners in the West Riding of Yorkshire, particularly in the districts around Wakefield and Leeds. In 1881 the WYMA merged with the South Yorkshire Miners' Association to form the Yorkshire Miners' Association.
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds some surviving records of the WYMALink opens in a new window, including minutes, accounts, business records, and a membership register for Mirfield Lodge.
Some additional records relating to the West Yorkshire Miners' Association are held by the West Yorkshire Archive ServiceLink opens in a new window.
Yorkshire Miners' Association / National Union of Mineworkers Yorkshire Area
The Yorkshire Miners' Association was formed in 1881 by the merger of the South Yorkshire Miners' Association and the West Yorkshire Miners' Association. It formally changed its name from the Yorkshire Miners' Association to the Yorkshire Mine Workers' Association in 1923. The YMA was a founding member of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain (MFGB) in 1889. When the MFGB was replaced by the more centralised National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1945, the Yorkshire Mine Workers' Association became the Yorkshire Area of the NUM.
Archive locations
The Modern Records Centre holds the main archives of the YMA / NUM Yorkshire AreaLink opens in a new window, including committee papers, financial records, subject files and some branch records.
Additional records relating to the Yorkshire Miners' Association / NUM Yorkshire Area are held by West Yorkshire Archive ServiceLink opens in a new window, Experience BarnsleyLink opens in a new window, Sheffield ArchivesLink opens in a new window and University of Sheffield Special Collections and ArchivesLink opens in a new window.
YMA branch records for Wombwell Main CollieryLink opens in a new window, 1881-1930, are held by the Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham.
Employers' records
Pre-nationalisation companies and National Coal Board
Archive locations
Records relating to the National Coal Board and pre-nationalisation companies in Yorkshire are held by local archive services including the West Yorkshire Archive ServiceLink opens in a new window and Sheffield ArchivesLink opens in a new window. West Yorkshire Archive Service have an online collections guideLink opens in a new window to records relating to the National Coal Board and predecessor bodies.
Archives relating to the West Yorkshire Coal Owners' AssociationLink opens in a new window are held at the Brotherton Library, University of Leeds.
Other resources
National Coal Mining Museum
The National Coal Mining MuseumLink opens in a new window is on the site of Caphouse Colliery, West Yorkshire. As well as the extensive museum collections, the NCMM also includes library and archive collectionsLink opens in a new window on the history of coal mining in England.
Wakefield Museums
Wakefield Museums' websiteLink opens in a new window includes highlights from their collections on coal mining in the local area.
Elsecar Heritage Centre
Elsecar Heritage CentreLink opens in a new window, managed by Barnsley Museums, includes the New Yard workshops, built for the Wentworth Woodhouse estate and later owned by the National Coal Board. A visitor centre includes information about the history of the site.Northern Mine Research Society
Information about the Yorkshire coalfieldLink opens in a new window, including links to lists of collieries after nationalisation in 1947.
Oaks Colliery Disaster, 1866
Educational resources and other informationLink opens in a new window relating to England's worst pit disaster (by lives lost).