Mining in the Victorian Age
11/17 
Coal-carrying sledge
© National Coal Mining Museum for England (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
© National Coal Mining Museum for England (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
The ways of transporting coal were very different from region to region.In the Halifax area, for example, children used to drag their loads of coal in a tub, with the belt and chain. When they arrived in the roadways, they had to change their position by getting behind the tubs, and becoming thrusters. They used to push the load with their heads and hands.
In Scotland they used to carry their loads of coal on their back in big baskets for long distances (coal bearers). Another way of transporting coal was with sledges. After reaching the coal face they had to fill the tub with coal, hook it on their chain, and drag it from the seam.
In Scotland they used to carry their loads of coal on their back in big baskets for long distances (coal bearers). Another way of transporting coal was with sledges. After reaching the coal face they had to fill the tub with coal, hook it on their chain, and drag it from the seam.