Oral History collection: David Harris (born 16 Dec. 1886) interviewed by B.C. Fagg about Work experience as door-boy and miner in the following collieries: Bryncoch, Neath; Clydach - Merthyr; Nixon Colliery, Clydach; Felin Fran; Cefn Coed, Crynant. (Poor quality at beginning).

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 216 TH 53
  • Dates of Creation
      25 May 1977
  • Language of Material
      English
  • Physical Description
      1 audio recording

Scope and Content

Track 1. [00:00:05] School: 1893 started Glais Infant School. [00:02:10] Industry: Mother died age 35yrs, so at 13yrs son was sent to work underground as a doorboy. [00:02:30] Industry: Description of working underground in Colliery. [00:06:00] Industry: Fossil of snake which was 6 foot long underground. [00:07:25] Industry: Further description of underground working, learnt from father how to cut coal. [00:15:35] Industry: How accidents were dealt with underground - with tobacco and a handkerchief. [00:18:17] Industry: Going down underground for the first time. [00:28:37] Industry: Being told by fireman to use safety lamp not a naked flame as there was gas in the pit.

Track 2. [00:00:26] Industry: Union represntative for undergound workers - had to be bilingual. [00:01:54] Industry: Clydach Cottage hospital financed by the miners and the mond nickel works. [00:02:30] Industry: Life as a Collier. [00:20:51] Industry: Pay as a Miner - constant battle for pay rise. [00:25:40] Industry: Cracks in Reservoir walls, council wanted to fill it with water, but too dangerous.