|
The digital production of the above image
was supported through grant aid from the New Opportunities
Fund. This asset is stored on the SCRAN system at www.scran.ac.uk
(contact 0131 662 1211; [email protected]. SCRAN is a registered
trademark.)
|  |
| IMPROVEMENTS |
|
Many improvements took place between the 1830s and 1930s.
One of the most important changes was the Report of the Children's Employment
Commission that led to the passing of the Mines Act of 1842. This stopped the
employment of women and boys under the age of ten underground. Over the next hundred
years further improvements to the age of employment were made in an attempt to
make mining a safer occupation.
Developments in technology also led to
improvements in safety and efficiency. The miner's safety lamp (Davy Lamp) allowed
miners to detect gas earlier and reduced the risk of explosions. Coal cutting
machinery helped to raise production, while Watt's steam pump reduced the risk
of flooding.
Housing and living conditions also improved as piped water
supplies were introduced.
There are two sources in this section.
|
|
|
|
| Source 5A | | |
| Source 5A is part of a report
by the County Medical Officer for Lanarkshire. The report is from 1892.
Questions:
- How had houses in Lanarkshire been improved
to prevent dampness?
- What improvements did the Medical Officer
think were still necessary?
| | |
|
|
| Source 5B | | |
| Source 5B is a photograph
of the living room of a four-room house at Westquarter, Stirlingshire. It was
taken in 1936.
Click to enlarge the image, then answer the following
questions.
Questions
- Describe the
inside of this miner's house.
- In what ways does Source 5B differ
from Source 4A?
| | | |
|
