First South Wales Coalfield Project 1972-1974 (audio recordings)

218 tape-recorded interviews consisting of the Abercraf Community Study; Bedlinog Community Study; Maerdy Community Study; Tumble Community Study; South Wales Miners' Federation Founder Members Study; National Union of Mineworkers, National and Area Officials Study; Labour Party Leaders Study; Local Leaders Study; Adult Education Study; Miners' Institutes Study; Cambrian Combine Dispute Study; "Rank and File" Study; Teaching Tapes 1972-1974; Miscellaneous 1972-1974. The recordings were made 1972-1974 but cover the period 1870-1974 in subject matter.

The First South Wales Coalfield Project 1972-1974, carried out by the University of Wales Swansea was sponsored by the Social Sciences Research Council. The aim of the project was to produce an oral history collection from the South Wales Coalfield. The project took place 1972-1974 but includes a few recordings made prior to these dates.

This first project concentrated largely on the labour and social history of the coalfield up until 1945. The project was grouped into various studies on a number of different subjects including village life. These studies give insights into particular communities during this period of strikes, wars, unemployment and depression.

Other groups of recordings include founder members of the South Wales Miners' Federation (SWMF), local leaders, and members of Parliament. There are also studies concentrating on the miners' institutes, libraries, and welfare halls, and adult education in the valleys, especially during the inter-war period (1918-1939).

With a group of 'rank and file' recordings, which includes sportsmen, doctors, and other people from outside the mining industry, the First South Wales Coalfield Project gives a lively and unique account of life in the South Wales mining valleys before 1945.

Accessible to all researchers by appointment. Please note that some collections contain sensitive information and access may be restricted.