English Coal Mining History at the NCMME
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Robbie an NCMME Pit Pony
© 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)
Although the method of transporting coal underground seems to have changed considerably over time with new and improved methods being introduced in the 20th century such as locomotives, pit ponies have continued to be used for this purpose up until quite recently. Before pit ponies were used to haul tubs of coal, women and children used to pull and push the coal on sleds or trucks to the bottom of the mine shaft.
Since the development in haulage systems during the twentieth century coal began to be carried by a conveyor belt from the coal face to the surface of the mine. Pit ponies were still used in small mines, particularly in the Welsh coalfield, and for moving materials at Ellington colliery, in workings that extended under the sea. Visitors to the Museum can see four retired pit ponies, two from Wales and two from Ellington, and a shire horse, in the Museum's stables.
Since the development in haulage systems during the twentieth century coal began to be carried by a conveyor belt from the coal face to the surface of the mine. Pit ponies were still used in small mines, particularly in the Welsh coalfield, and for moving materials at Ellington colliery, in workings that extended under the sea. Visitors to the Museum can see four retired pit ponies, two from Wales and two from Ellington, and a shire horse, in the Museum's stables.