Exhibition on the history of Neston’s mines returns to Neston Library

Nov 11 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

NESTON’S rich seam of history is being mined again from this week.

“Blood, Sweat and Toil in Neston: a 250th anniversary Exhibition on the Collieries”, an exhibition telling the story of Neston’s former collieries, is returning to Neston Library after a successful six-week run earlier this year.

It marks the 250th anniversary of the opening of the mines and includes photos, accident record books and correspondence.

The names of thousands of miners known to have worked at the collieries are also listed.

Anthony Annakin-Smith, from Burton & Neston History, said: “When we first opened the exhibition in April we were overwhelmed by the amount of public interest.

“Some people were astonished to learn that there had ever been mining locally.

“For others, the exhibition reminded them of tales of the mines passed down through their family.

“The collieries played a major role in the life of the town for decades and many local people today are descended from the early miners.”

Mr Annakin-Smith said Neston’s mines were remarkable for many reasons, including the mile-long canals built deep underneath to move coal.

Hatred between the owners of adjacent mines led to instances of sabotage by explosion and flooding.

The exhibition runs until December 31 at Neston Library on Parkgate Road.

Visitors will also be able to pick up free copies of leaflets on the Neston Collieries Trail, which shows the area of the old mines.

For more information about the exhibition call Neston Library on 336 5486.

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