Welsh coal miners

This evocative 1912 photograph captures a group of coal miners, their faces still blackened with soot, enjoying a well-earned pint at a local pub. Despite the grime of the mines, their expressions radiate camaraderie and relief—moments of light in a life of darkness underground. The scene, likely in or near the Welsh-English border, is dominated by posters of Bass & Co’s Burton Ale, a common sight in working-class taverns of the time.

🍻 Historical Context 1912 was a critical year for miners in Britain. In March, the National Coal Strike erupted—the first national strike by British coal miners—demanding a minimum wage and improved working conditions. It caused widespread disruption and led directly to the Coal Mines Act 1912, a landmark victory for labour rights in the UK.

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