On this anniversary we take the opportunity to to look back on the years under its control: an industry which gave many Wigan men work but which also took lives through accidents and coal-related illnesses, and which was sometimes in dispute over pay, conditions and closures.
9.
Chairman of the National Coal Board, Lord Robens, during a visit to Kirkless Hall Coal and Iron Company in 1967. The factory in Cale Lane, New Springs, produced iron from 280 coke ovens at its peak.
10.
Chairman of the National Coal Board, Lord Robens, 2nd right, during a visit to Kirkless Hall Coal and Iron Company in 1967. The factory in Cale Lane, New Springs, produced iron from 280 coke ovens at its peak.
11.
Some of the first miners back to work wait pensively for the cage to take them back underground on Wednesday 21st of March 1979 just 3 days after the underground explosion which eventually killed 10 of their colleagues at Golborne Colliery. A huge explosion tore down the Plodder seam drivage more than 1,800 feet below the winding gear of Golborne Colliery. Three men died instantly and a further eight received serious lung and burn injuries. Seven of the eight would later die. The accident was caused by a spark which ignited methane which had built up because of a malfunctioning fan.
12.
Striking miners and their supporters march up Standishgate, Wigan, on Saturday 9th of June 1984.