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Whereas It hath been represented upon Oath... [Coal Mining Broadside].
Publisher: J Beckwith, Houghton-le-Spring;
Date of Publication: 1831
Stock Code: 5109
Broadside approximately 15” x 11”. Minor surface soiling and foxing and repair to upper right corner, otherwise a very clean copy. The subject matter is a warning to “All Persons” to desist from forming assemblies and performing illegal acts, on pain of apprehension and punishment. The dating of April 1831 is significant, as are the names of the Magistrates acting for the County of Durham - they had coal mining interests and the Great Strike of 1831 was gathering momentum. The miners took industrial action, downing tools until their demands for better pay and working conditions were met; the stance resulted in victory for the miners in their largely non-violent protest. The broadside shows the concern of the establishment at the growing unrest; with the French Revolution well within living memory, it must have seemed possible that anarchy might prevail and the established order be overturned. £200.00