Introduction

In 1840-42, a Royal Commission investigated working conditions in the mines.  It was the first report to contain pictures.

The evidence for the 1842 Report was collected by professional investigators who interviewed mine workers.  It led to the Mines Act of 1842, which made it illegal to employ women, or children under ten, in the mines.

But how reliable was the Report?

After you have studied this webpage, answer the question sheet by clicking on the 'Time to Work' icon at the top of the page.

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The following websites will help you research further:

1   Sarah Gooder, aged 8, evidence to the Royal Commission, 1842:

I'm a trapper in the Gauber pit.

It does not tire me, but I have to trap without a light, and I'm scared.

Sometimes I sing when I have a light, but not in the dark, I dare not sing then.

I don't like being in the pit.

I go to Sunday-schools and read Reading made Easy. 

I have heard tell of Jesus many a time. I don't know why he came to earth, I'm sure, and I don't know why he died, but he had stones for his head to rest on.

I would like to be at school far better than in the pit  

Interrogating Source 1:

• Reading Sarah Gooder's evidence, work out what questions the Commissioners asked her.

2   Lord Londonderry, a mine-owner, speaking in the House of Lords, 24 June 1842

The way [the inspectors] collected their evidence – talking to artful boys and ignorant young girls, and asking questions which in many cases seemed to suggest the answer, was anything but fair...

The trapper's work is neither cheerless nor dull, nor is he kept in loneliness and darkness ... seldom more than five minutes passes without some person passing through his door, and having a word.  The trapper is generally cheerful and contented, and to be found, like other children of his age, occupied with some childish amusement – such as cutting sticks.

Interrogating Source 2:

• Mine owners such as Lord Londonderry were outraged by the inclusion of pictures.
Suggest reasons for his anger.

 Click here for the answer

• Now you have looked at Sarah Gooder's evidence, do you think Lord Londonderry was right?

3   Mine workers in 19th Century Britain