Swansea revisited
##########
Coal mining
Numerous collieries were sunk and successfully worked around 1727 in various
parts of the Borough, these included Ynys, Rhydyfed, Worecester, Trewyddfa,
Six Pit, Charles Pit, Ynistanglwys, Callands and Round Pit , none of which
remain open today [1934].In fact there isn't a single colliery now left
[1934] within the Borough although one is being sunk between Clydach and
Glais and Messrs Glasbrook Bros Ltd are working coal within the Borough from
their Garngoch Collieries which are just outside.
A large number of collieries were sited at Dunvant, Pentre, Plasmarl,
Morriston, Llangyfelach, and in the parish of Llansamlet, all ceasing
operation within living memory. Many of these were closed down since "the
war" [WWI] including Killan, Pentre, Copper Pit, Mynyddnewydd,Tirdonkin,
Samlet and Birchgrove Collieries. This was largely due to the prohibitive
cost of working lower seams, the cost of pumping, the competition of petrol
and other oil power, the loss of foreign markets and the general economic
conditions and trade depression. This has led to large scale unemployment
in the industry.
About 1933 in Morriston contractors laying main sewers came across several
old colliery workings, none of which were shown on any colliery plans in
existence. These showed that the top or surface seams had been worked
without sinking pits long ago, and then forgotten about.
Coal mining is still [1934] being carried out westwards of the Borough,
along what is known as the South crop, and there are a number of
important collieries still operating at Garngoch, Penclawdd, Loughor,
Pontardulais and Clydach. Also within the last few years new
collieries have been opened at Cadle and Llangyfelach.
All the collieries mentioned are within easy reach of the port and most of
the coal produced is used locally with some exported. The coal trade no
longer contributes what it used to to the prosperity of the town and
port[1934].
[ Partly based on "Swansea" by Alderman E Harris 1934 with permission of
Western Mail & Echo Ltd.Gareth Hicks 31.5.2000 G]
########
Gareth
Dyfed sponsor
South/West Wales Lookup Exchange
http://www.johngareth.freeserve.co.uk/lookup.html
Gareth's Help Page
http://www.johngareth.freeserve.co.uk/hicks.html