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South Staffordshire Coal Field, England. Holers at work in a thick seam of coal, worked in a pillar
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South Staffordshire Coal Field, England. Holers at work in a thick seam of coal, worked in a pillar
South Staffordshire Coal Field, England. Holers at work in a thick seam of coal, worked in a pillar and stall system, leaving pillars of coal to support the roof. The scene depicted is lit by a candle stuck in a wooden stand, a dangerous practice in coal mines where there is always a danger of the presence of the inflammable gas, methane (fire-damp). The invention of the miners safety lamp in 12815 or 1816 made mine explosions less frequent. From The Popular Encyclopaedia, London, 1888
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Media ID 9752761
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1816 1888 Candle Chemistry Coal Danger Dangerous Encyclopaedia Explosions Field Illumination Invention Lamp Leaving Light Methane Mine Miner Mines Mining Pillar Pillars Popular Practice Presence Roof Safety Scene South Staffordshire Stall Stand Stuck Support System Thick Wooden Work Worked Fire Damp Frequent Inflammable Seam
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back in time to the South Staffordshire Coal Field in England. The scene depicts a group of holers diligently working in a thick seam of coal, employing the pillar and stall system. These skilled miners leave pillars of coal intact to support the roof above, ensuring their safety during excavation. The illumination within this underground world is provided by a single candle, stuck firmly into a wooden stand. However, this seemingly innocuous practice was incredibly dangerous due to the constant threat of methane gas (fire-damp) present in coal mines. The year 1815 or 1816 marked an important milestone with the invention of the miner's safety lamp, significantly reducing mine explosions. From this historical image captured in 1888, we can appreciate both the ingenuity and risks associated with mining operations during that era. The Popular Encyclopaedia from London serves as our window into this fascinating moment where light flickers amidst darkness while dedicated workers continue their laborious task. As we observe these brave individuals at work, it reminds us of how far mining technology has progressed over time. This photograph stands as a testament to human resilience and innovation while highlighting the importance of safety measures for those who venture deep beneath our feet to extract valuable resources like coal.
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