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Learn more about the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust.
Somerset coal was worked from the Roman period through to the closure of the last working pit in 1973. For much of that time the men, women and children involved in extracting the “black gold” were subject to difficult and dangerous working conditions, and there was little interest shown in their health and well being.
It was not until the 19th century that legislation began to regulate the industry and interest in the social welfare of miners development. By the 1870s, the miners themselves had banded together to form their union, affiliated to the Miners Federation of Great Britain.
As mining reached its zenith on the eve of the Great War, miners contributions resulted in the building of numerous resources to benefit the men who worked the coal. Across the coalfield, Miners Welfare Institutes were built, sports facilities developed and activities funded.
Although the mines are now long gone, the miners legacy remains.
The SMWT was formed to manage the legacy left by the Somerset miners.
Over the years, it has continued to look after the welfare of the former miners through a variety of work.
It has supported compensation campaigns (such as lung disease and bent knee), providing funding for the Royal United Hospital and local charities and overseeing the transfer of its buildings and sporting resources placed in trust to local councils, ensuring that the miners legacy continues to benefit future generations.
The largest compensation payout of over £2 million pounds in 2004 was paid to ex-miners in the Somerset Area suffering with lung disease.
Dan Norris the Member of Parliament at the time campaigned year by year to increase awareness and assisted with the claims.
Mr Norris whose grandfather was a coal miner had continually lobbied the government to speed up payments to miners from the Somerset pits.
It was carried out by the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust trustees chaired by Francis HillierMBE, Francis held the position for over 25 years.
More recently, the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust has focused on activities for the remaining miners, and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. Among the activities, the annual miners’ reunion and, starting in 2023, a programme of outings for former NCB employees and their families.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of the last of Somerset colliery, the trustees commissioned the design of a miner’s silhouette and examples have been installed in former mining communities across the coalfield. Current Chairman, Bryn Hawkins, worked with local radio station Somer Valley FM to record a weekly program. Starting in summer 2023, Bryn’s captured a variety of stories about the coalfield, exploring it through interviews with former miners, local historians and others who lived and worked in the area. It’s a story we can all listen too and, thanks to the recordings of the programme, enjoy as part of the miners’ legacy.
And in today’s digital age, the radio series and details of all the silhouette miners that have been stalled are captured on our website. You can add your story to the legacy by clicking on the contribute link.
Our Trustees
The Somerset District Miners Welfare Trust is overseen by a dedicated group of trustees who are committed to preserving the rich history and heritage of mining in Somerset. Each trustee brings valuable experience and passion to their role, ensuring that our work continues to honour the stories of miners and their communities. Together, they guide the trust in its mission to safeguard this important legacy for future generations.