Mining in the Victorian Age
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A mining family in Flockton, West Yorkshire
© NCMME copy photo (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
© NCMME copy photo (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
The Victorian era saw the rise of a new tier of social class. Although the technological revolution brought wealth to industrialists, it brought poverty to the working classes, who were forced to work in appalling conditions for low wages. Many people chose to emigrate to Australia, America and Canada.
Many homeless people lived in workhouses where, in payment for working during the day, they received a meal and a bed at night.
Most mining families would have more than one person working at the mine. Father, uncles and sons would work together. This much later photograph shows a mining family with both father and sons still dirty from their work underground.
Many homeless people lived in workhouses where, in payment for working during the day, they received a meal and a bed at night.
Most mining families would have more than one person working at the mine. Father, uncles and sons would work together. This much later photograph shows a mining family with both father and sons still dirty from their work underground.