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 STOKE-ON-TRENT, NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME, STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS, SOUTH CHESHIRE

Memorial unveiled to thousands of miners who lost their lives in North Staffordshire

A community group has unveiled a memorial to miners who lost their lives in North Staffordshire to commemorate their contribution to the area.



The plaque was unveiled earlier this month at Talk Pits Village Hall after proposals at other local sites fell through.

Mark Casewell, a committee member at the Talke Mining Memorial Society, said the plaque had been produced in memory of the men and boys (some as young as 12) who were killed at three local collieries: Talke o’ th’ Hill, Jamage and Bunkers Hill.

The miners died in a variety of incidents, which was common as health and safety laws were less stringent.

These included roof collapses, gas explosions and other accidents – spanning a period of almost 100 years between the 1840s to 1930s.

Mr Casewell said: “I researched my family tree and there were a couple of relatives I couldn’t find even though they’re on the census.

“As I dug deeper to try and find them, I found they were actually killed in pit accidents. One was 18, another was 27.

“Then I started looking into mining accidents in general and in Talke and Talk Pits, and it branched out into North Staffordshire.

“That’s where the 5,000 names came from, who were killed in North Staffordshire pits, that I’ve recorded.”

He’s written a book on the topic, entitled ‘Index to Mining Deaths in North Staffordshire 1756-1995’, which he hopes will preserve the memory of the thousands of miners who died during the course of their work.

He said: “I wanted to find out who they were and how old they were. It took my 15 years to write the book and I think there’s a volume two somewhere – but that will be when I retire from work and I’ve got a bit more time.”

He believes mining is an integral part of the area’s identity, and that most local families can trace their heritage ack to mining.

He said: “Audley, Halmer End, Talke, Talke Pits – most of the areas round here, that was how they were brought up.

“The coal industry generated all the work around here at one time. It’s a thing of the past now, but a lot of people still look back and have still got relatives who are buried locally.

“We’re called a mining community, and we’ve still that ethos where we think back and remember those that were lost.”

He also thanked those who’ve been supportive financially and in practical ways to ensure the tribute could be installed.

He said: “Kidsgrove Town Council have been a great help, they’ve supported us all the way through it. It’s been really good.

“I’ve been on the Audley and District Family History Society for more than 20 years. I’m heavily involved in local history, which tends to come back to mining and things like that.

“I think the people of Kidsgrove are now talking about having some kind of memorial as well.”

Local MP Jonathan Gullis has also backed the project.

He said: “We as a community are so proud to see this important memorial in place to remind us all of the sacrifice made to keep our kilns firing, homes heated, and the beating heart of Britain’s Industrial Revolution going.

“Working underground was dangerous and the work was hard.

“Generations of families are woven into the heart of our towns and pit villages, and I always enjoy hearing people share their stories with the pride and passion that they so rightfully feel.

“I hope it will help engage more of us to keep talking and teaching about our history and heritage for future generations to come.”

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