The Evolution of Mining in the UK

Mining in the UK began as an important activity, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries when coal became widely used. The first recorded instances of coal extraction date back to Roman times, but the industry truly flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as coal overtook wood as the primary fuel source. Beyond coal, other materials like iron ore, tin, and gold were also mined, with significant activity in regions like Wales and Cornwall. By the 19th century, there were twelve major coal fields, with the Northeast of England leading in both production and influence.