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Some of the sources for the history of coal mining in the Berwick area are listed below.

The Durham Mining Museum website offers a wealth of information for those researching the history of the mining industry in the North East of England.  The following links to the website relate to mines in the North Northumberland area.

A full history of the Ford Moss Colliery appears on this website in the History section.

The Coal Authority interactive map viewer:  This allows you to view areas affected by coal mining, the risk areas, and the entry points of mines on or near to the surface.  Although primarily for planning use the interactive map is a useful source also for those interested in the history of coal mining in Britain.

To search various locations use a post code, or name, then just use your mouse to zoom to the particular area.  By turning on the selected data layers you can view the various coal mining data which appears as an overlay on top of the map.  By clicking on any of the various data points or areas will provide some further detailed information.  To view the interactive map click here:  http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/coalauthority/home.html

The Blackhill Campaign. A 50 minute documentary film, made in 1963, follows the campaign organised by the miners and local citizens of the villages of Blackhill (Unthank) and Scremerston in Northumberland to fight the National Coal Board’s decision to close the Blackhill Colliery. Following their defeat the film then shows them in their efforts to open a private drift mine at Allerdean.  Click here to view the film on the British Film Institute player: https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-blackhill-campaign-1963-online

This early 1900s photograph shows a coal, lime and brick supplier’s yard in Scremerston, and in the background Deputy Row and the Scremerston Colliery with its winding gear. © Berwick Record Office.

The advertisement above shows, as well as coal, the diversity of building and agricultural material that could be obtained from the Scremerston Coal Company Limited.  (From Berwickshire News, 22 October 1901.)

Banner images: (a) Mining at Scremerston © Berwick Record Office; (b) Scremerston Colliery Band 1910. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1753-2.