Mining Strikes

Strikes were often the occasion for violence. During the 1893 strike,on 7 September, a dispute broke out between striking miners and the mine manager at the Featherstone Collieries, West Yorkshire. Troops were sent to help the mine manager and more miners came to help the struggle. Buildings were set on fire and soldiers were trapped in a house by a crowd carrying sticks and throwing stones. A magistrate read the Riot Act, which warned people to leave the colliery premises. About thirty minutes later, when the crowd did not retreat, the magistrate gave an order for the soldiers to fire. Sixteen people were hit by bullets, some of whom were just bystanders, and two men later died of their injuries. This plate was made to commemorate the Featherstone Massacre and help people to remember those who were killed there.