The Neston Collieries 1759-1855: An Industrial Revolution in Rural Cheshire
A Book By Anthony Annakin-Smith
The extraordinary story of the two early collieries at Neston, in west Cheshire, has been largely overlooked by historians. Yet, for a time the main coal mine, Ness Colliery, was more successful than most of its contemporaries in nearby south-west Lancashire and North Wales. It was the first large industrial site in west Cheshire and introduced the area’s earliest steam engine.
Remarkable events included devastating acts of sabotage committed by Ness Colliery’s owners on the neighbouring works, and the introduction of underground canals to haul coals deep under the Dee Estuary where most of the mining occurred. Figures as diverse as the engineer George Stephenson and Nelson’s future mistress Emma, Lady Hamilton are part of the mines’ story.
The extensively illustrated book, now in its second edition, includes coverage of the appalling conditions in which the men and child miners worked – for example, 100-hour weeks and the constant danger which led to many fatal accidents. Other topics include the living conditions and health of the miners and their families, the operation of the land and sea trades which saw Neston’s coal shipped as far as the Americas, and the network of links to Chester, Wales, Lancashire and beyond which were vital to the mines’ operation. Events are placed in the context of the profound changes which were affecting Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
Extensive new research means that this is one of the most comprehensive accounts of rural British collieries in this period. It will particularly appeal to those with an interest in Britain’s industrial or social history, or in the story of Chester, Cheshire and adjoining counties in England and Wales. Many local and family historians will find particular appeal in the detailed investigation into the lives of individual miners and their families.
This is a fine book, an example of local history at its best: extensively researched, well-organised, clearly written, attractively presented, beautifully illustrated and informative.
- Prof. Graeme White, Editor, Cheshire History
This book deserves to become the standard work for the region on early industrial coal mining for historians and industrial archaeologists.
- Dr. Michael Nevell, Head of Archaeology, University of Salford
[This book] will surely rank for many years as the definitive work on its subject, and the breadth of its treatment makes it a model of its kind.
- Dr. Peter Carrington, Editor, JCAS
A remarkable book. Outstandingly ambitions and successful. A tour de force of research and collation of evidence. Awesomely complete. An exemplar for future historians to follow. Amazingly good value.
- Dr. Alan Crosby, Editor, The Local Historian
Contents About The Author Buy The Book
The book is available online direct from the publishers, The University of Chester Press.
Also stocked by Lingham’s (Heswall), Paisley Grey and TIG (Neston), Nicholl’s (Parkgate), Gordale, Ness Gardens and other good booksellers.
