The Neston Collieries, 1759–1855: An Industrial Revolution in Rural Cheshire (second edition)
The extraordinary story of the two early collieries at Neston, in west Cheshire, has been largely overlooked by historians. Yet, for a time the main coal mine, Ness Colliery, was more successful than most of its contemporaries in nearby south-west Lancashire and North Wales. It was the first large industrial site in west Cheshire and introduced the area’s earliest steam engine.
Remarkable events included devastating acts of sabotage committed by Ness Colliery’s owners on the neighbouring works, and the introduction of underground canals to haul coals deep under the Dee Estuary where most of the mining occurred. Figures as diverse as the engineer George Stephenson and Nelson’s future mistress Emma, Lady Hamilton are part of the mines’ story.
The book explores the appalling conditions in which the men and child miners worked – including 100-hour weeks and the constant danger which led to many fatal accidents. Other topics covered include the living conditions and health of the miners and their families, the operation of the land and sea trades which saw Neston’s coal shipped as far as the Americas, and the network of links to Chester, Wales, Lancashire and beyond which were vital to the mines’ operation. Events are placed in the context of the profound changes which were affecting Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
Extensive research means that this is one of the most comprehensive accounts of rural British collieries in this period. It will particularly appeal to those with an interest in Britain’s industrial or social history, or in the story of Chester, Cheshire and adjoining counties in England and Wales. In addition, many family historians will find particular appeal in the detailed investigation into the lives of individual miners and their families.
The second edition has been updated with some new information which has arisen as a result of further research.
“This book deserves to become the standard work for the region on early industrial coal mining for historians and industrial archaeologists interested in this subject.”
Dr Michael Nevell, Head of Archaeology, University of Salford
“This is a fine book, an example of local history at its best: extensively researched, well-organised, clearly written, attractively presented, beautifully illustrated and informative not only about its hitherto-neglected subject on Wirral’s Dee shoreline but also on how the story fits into a wider social and economic context. The author explains in his preface that he has been pursuing the subject ‘on and off’ in archives across England, Wales and beyond for nearly two decades and he can be proud of the outcome.”
Professor Graeme J. White, University of Chester, Cheshire History, vol. 60, 2020.
Ordering information
Anthony Annakin-Smith, The Neston Collieries, 1759–1855: An Industrial Revolution in Rural Cheshire, (second edition), 2023, ISBN 978-1-910481-22-6, £19.99.
This ordering system is for print books only and these are despatched through the postal system (postage and packaging costs are included in the price). The ebook version is available to purchase through Google Play and library collections such as Dawsonera, ebrary, EBSCO, EBL, Ebook Central and Gardners.
For more details on University of Chester books, please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/university-press