Many people living or working in Stoke-on-Trent today are unaware that 100 years ago this July work began on the creation of one of the biggest pits in North Staffordshire, the former Hem Heath colliery at Trentham.
We have used the marking of this occasion as an opportunity to re-examine the contents of the University Library Special Collections’ Mining Archive and have picked out some of the interesting items contained within the collection to give an online insight into the Archive.
The team of people who put this small online exhibition together all had family connections with the UK mining industry and respectfully dedicate this work to those who were killed, injured or suffered ill health as a result of their labours in the extraction of coal.
If you would like to view the collection in person please contact academicskills@staffs.ac.uk to arrange your visit.
If you have other information about the Mining Archive or believe that any of the information in this guide is incorrect please use the above email address to get in touch with us.
Every effort has been made to obtain permission to use the images in this guide. If you have any copyright issues, please contact the email address above and we will of course take down the relevant photograph or picture.
Commemorative plate for the opening of Hem Heath Colliery
This commemorative plate is held in the Mining Archive. It was produced by Edwardian Fine China, Stoke-on Trent.
