Somerset Miners' Association Archive

These papers relate to the upkeep of mining operations in and around Somerset, the political and social life of the collieries, and the welfare of the miners themselves. They illustrate the growth of the Trade Union movement in Somerset.

The Somerset Miners' Association was set up in 1872, following "great clamour" for a union from the miners of Somerset. Under its agent, S.H. Whitehouse, it prospered, though its membership did not include all miners working in Somerset until 1937. In 1956 it was incorporated into the South Wales area of the National Union of Mineworkers.

The papers are arranged into the following sections:

• Minute Books, committee reports, accounts and ledgers.
• Newspaper Cuttings.
• Accident reports and associated papers.
• Wage and Shift concerns.
• Lock-outs and Strike Action.
• Welfare, Pensions and Relief.
• Inspection, Surveys, and economic analysis of coal prices.
• Labour Party and Union Business.
• Food Ministry, Match Control Board, Enlistment of Miners, and related World War I material.
• Miscellaneous business papers.

Accessible to all bona fide readers.

Deposited by the National Union of Mineworkers in 1968.

Compiled by Martin Hall, Assistant Archivist, University of Bristol Information Services - Special Collections.

Typescript catalogue available in Reading Room.

Permission must be obtained from University of Bristol Information Services - Special Collections.