I can’t even imagine a life as hard as that. Wow. There is a HUGE story here I would love to hear more about. You have expanded my vision. Thank you for this wonderful tale I knew nothing about.
This a story that only mining families know, Kim. I like the father and sons’ defiance in their objection to ‘their place in the ladder of profit’ – brave men. So cruel to have their sparkling mornings taken from them and spend most of their lives in a tunnel under the English channel.
On average 1000 miners were killed each year, but that was much higher for tunnel men, especially digging under the English Channel. Grandad and GreatGrandad left the mines and found other work, but Grandads three brothers liked the money and stayed. They were all specialist tunnel men, it was comparatively very well paid.
I didn’t know much about the mines of England until reading Robert Macfarlane’s Underland. What coffined spaces, what toil in the dark. No wonder men dream of drowning. Love to hear more of this story. – Brendan
I have read accounts of those that work the mines here in the US. It a scary job with real danger. Thank you for sharing this story about your grandfather. It makes me want to spin a tale about my ancestors.
The Cheesesellers Wife 
I can’t even imagine a life as hard as that. Wow. There is a HUGE story here I would love to hear more about. You have expanded my vision. Thank you for this wonderful tale I knew nothing about.
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This a story that only mining families know, Kim. I like the father and sons’ defiance in their objection to ‘their place in the ladder of profit’ – brave men. So cruel to have their sparkling mornings taken from them and spend most of their lives in a tunnel under the English channel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
On average 1000 miners were killed each year, but that was much higher for tunnel men, especially digging under the English Channel. Grandad and GreatGrandad left the mines and found other work, but Grandads three brothers liked the money and stayed. They were all specialist tunnel men, it was comparatively very well paid.
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I didn’t know much about the mines of England until reading Robert Macfarlane’s Underland. What coffined spaces, what toil in the dark. No wonder men dream of drowning. Love to hear more of this story. – Brendan
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I’m writing a series of poems about my family history. One about Grandad is at
https://thecheesesellerswife.wordpress.com/2018/05/05/coal/
The actual history is at
https://thenuttree.wordpress.com/
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I have read accounts of those that work the mines here in the US. It a scary job with real danger. Thank you for sharing this story about your grandfather. It makes me want to spin a tale about my ancestors.
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Go for it! What we know of their stories is important and should be shared.
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Gosh what a story. I’d love to know more. Your poem is a fitting tribute to your grandfather.
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Thanks Suzanne
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brilliant! <3 I loved this kim! :D
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Thank you Carol.
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