Women, Children, and the Miners' Struggle

This chapter examines the often-overlooked roles of women and children in the mining industry, particularly before the 1842 Mines Act. It highlights their contributions and the challenges faced during significant miners' strikes, including the pivotal one in 1984-85, which underscored the importance of unity within the labor movement. The chapter also addresses the wider social impacts on mining communities, revealing the deep divisions and lasting effects of these labor disputes.