In the Alex Hann Exhibition Gallery this year.
Somerset Miners: Welfare and Health Care
Upcoming Exhibition: February 2025 to June 2025
This exhibition has been curated by the Bath Medical Museum working with the Radstock Museum, where the exhibition is located. It has benefited from existing knowledge and new research conducted by both Museums, with essential contributions from local ex – miners. Aspects of the exhibition refer to mining conditions in the Victorian period, giving visitors a sense of historical change during the hundred years prior to the closure of the last two Somerset mines in 1973.
The Somerset coalfield was nationally, one of the less extensive coalfields, yet the effects on miners’ health of coalface working in the challenging narrow seams was significant, under recognised, and often, life threatening.
The exhibition explores issues such as living and working conditions; serious medical conditions directly arising from working underground; rescue efforts in the event of accidents and treatment given to miners in the pit, at home and in hospital. It also explores wider matters arising from injuries and ill health, such as the push for compensation and better working conditions supported by the Friendly Societies and the Miners Association, followed by the NUM.
Entry is during normal museum Opening Hours and is included in your annual Admission Ticket.
Herbert Golledge and the Edward Medal
Also new on display is the Edward Medal (Mines) awarded to local man Herbert Golledge in 1917 alongside associated photographs and information telling the story of the act of bravery that led to that award. These items have recently been kindly donated by the Golledge family and are on display for the first time.
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