Image Licensing : Two young miners at croust time at an unidentified mine in Cornwall. Late 1800s

EDITORS COMMENTS

Capturing a Glimpse into the Lives of Young Miners in Late 1800s Cornwall

This intriguing photograph offers a rare glimpse into the lives of two young miners during their well-deserved croust time, or break for food, at an unidentified mine in Cornwall. The image showcases the resilience and camaraderie that defined these hardworking individuals. In this snapshot frozen in time, we see one miner holding a sledgehammer while his companion wields a mining pick. The miner on the left takes advantage of this brief respite to light his pipe using a humble candle as his only source of light. Meanwhile, his fellow miner wears candles strung around his neck, providing illumination as he sits atop a water barrel. The resourceful miner drinks refreshing water from what appears to be either a metal or ceramic bottle cleverly tucked away by his side. His prized pasty, encased within a white linen bag, is carefully balanced on his knee – perhaps offering sustenance during their arduous work underground. It is worth noting that despite its historical significance, this photograph bears an incorrect title: "Cornish Mineing Series, Grouse Time". Unfortunately, the photographer remains unknown; however, their legacy endures through this remarkable depiction of Cornish mining life. As we delve into Victorian and Edwardian history through images like these ones captured by anonymous photographers such as this one from Royal Cornwall Museum's collection - we gain invaluable insights into the struggles and triumphs.