Research Projects

by Alastair Laws

1183		Conkesheved – First mentioned in the Boldon Book (during the time of Bishop Pudsey 1153-96). Meaning – Con from the anglo-saxon for a hill, Sheved – head or chief: a hillside settlement protected by a lord or chief for a payment
Pre 1700		Name changed to Conside. Ironstone deposits excavated in late 17th Century. Horses used in whinn gins to draw coal up from 390ft with aid of corves (a hazel rod basket holding 4-7cwt of coal). Miners descended into the mine by rope by placing their feet into loops made in the rope, many descending on a single rope and carrying small boys
1700- 1830		Consett – the name in use today. First miners strike in 1765. 1776 saw the introduction of underground railways, before this boys hauled tubs harnessed like ponies, over wooden logs. Further strike in 1810. Population in 1811 only 275. 1830 only 81 inhabited houses
1830- 1850		The 1830’s signified the coming of the railways, coal produced by No. 1,2,3,4 pits transported by the Stanhope and Tyne Railway to South Shields Docks, plus supply to the Derwent Ironworks of coal and ironstone. Population rose to 2475 by 1851 census. 11 out of 12 houses had no running water. No. 1,3,4 pits abandoned by 1849
1840- 1850 cont’d		1841 saw the introduction of the Reform Bill partially to stop children under 10 years working, in 1844 the Factory Act highlighted the exploitation of children. 1848 saw the introduction of the Public Health Act – to combat waterborn diseases. Overcrowding, sanitation, housing standards saw the increase of disease and deaths. 1847 Battle of the Blue Heaps.
1850- 1860		Population continued to increase, life expectancy average 35 years. Asthma, stonedust, tuberculosis, and pneumonia a big problem. Average wage 20 shillings a week. Sunday worship – compulsory in pit villages, many churches built for Roman Catholic, Protestant, Baptist and Methodists. 22% of workforce from Ireland escaping potato famine
1860- 1860		Jonathan Richardson (A quaker) responsible for the building of much of the early housing, usually one up one down, connected by a ladder. The shortage was such that people were moving in before the roof was on. 1870 – significant find of anglo saxon swords, axes and scythes at Hurbeck near the Smallhope Burn. Miners yearly bonds still in operation
1880- 1900		By 1894 Consett Iron Company had nine pits, producing some 1,300,000 tons of coal annually. The population had reached almost 6,000, of which 3,600 were Irish Catholics, by 1880. In 1882 there were 1055 houses. Mount Pleasant Pit closed 1897. Other inhabitants included steel men from Staffordshire plus many from Scotland and the South
1900- 1960		Local pits now producing 2,250,000 tons of coal annually, most were to close before the end of this period. Soon things would take a turn for the worse, with the closing of the steel works. Nearly 6,000 became idle. The fight back has begun with new plans for the area by Derwentside District Council.

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