The illustrated guide book for the National Coal Mining Museum, which was established in the late 1980s and located at Caphouse, the historic colliery in Wakefield, reveals something of the history, present and future, of the coal mining industry in England.
The museum itself is made up of the stories of thousands of people who laboured in the industry, and it is this that makes it truly unique. Some of the ‘must sees’ include descending in the cage 140 metres underground to experience the workings of an old coal mine from the Victorian era, through to the modern day. Or perhaps spend over four hours exploring the entire site, taking in the buildings and the Caphouse site, some of which are over 130 years old, and then visiting the pit ponies and enjoying the interactive scientific exhibits at Hope Pit.
Although coal is no longer the everyday part of home life, it once was, visitors to the museum will be able to appreciate its fundamental importance as a key to Britain’s industrial development, particularly during the 19th century.
Copies of the guide book, priced £3.95 + p&p, are available direct from the National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH. Telephone: 01924 844588 or E-mail:marketing.assistant@ncm.org.uk
www.ncm.org.uk
