Miners Bench
Posted by: 
PazaUK
N 52° 41.096 W 001° 58.930
30U E 568802 N 5837708
This miner shaped bench provides information on the Coppice Colliery and is a good place to sit and enjoy the views across to the Clee Hills.
Waymark Code: WMN9ZQ
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/28/2015
Views: 6
This carved wooden bench in the shape of two coal miners marks the location of the Coppice Colliery.
Coppice Colliery began its 71 year life in 1893 before finally closing in 1964. It took two years to sink the two shafts to the 12 coal seams some 292m below, the spoil being dumped on the heathland and grassland surrounding the pit head.
Lady Hanbury was an important person to Coppice Colliery. It was she that cut the first turf in 1893 and was the nominated "Coalmaster". Lady Hanbury's progressive attitude towards the welfare of the 500 miners led to the pit becoming known locally as 'The Fair Lady' or 'Lady Pit'. During the general strike of 1926 Lady Hanbury frequently visited the pit bringing soup and sandwiches. She also allowed for men and women to pick coal from the spoil mound.
In 1954 a modernised Coppice Colliery achieved a National record of 4 tons of coal per manshift, the national average at the time was just 1.3 tons.
From the 1950's to its closure Coppice Colliery pumped 27 Million gallons of water out annually.
Artist: Unknown
Date Placed: Unknown
Materials Used:
Wood
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Visit Instructions:
Please visit the seating and provide us some details about your visit. Photos without GPSr are appreciated, not required.