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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Handwriting Deciphering & Recognition => Topic started by: teach3r on Friday 09 February 18 16:09 GMT (UK)

Title: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: teach3r on Friday 09 February 18 16:09 GMT (UK)
Thank you in advance for any help that can be given.

I have attached an extract from the 1911 census and can see that it says colliery foreman above ground, however, I cannot work out what type of foreman it is. I would be grateful if someone has a second opinion please.

Regards,

Nic
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: stanmapstone on Friday 09 February 18 16:40 GMT (UK)
I think it is Colliery Screens Foreman
This is another entry
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: stanmapstone on Friday 09 February 18 16:46 GMT (UK)
There are nine "screen(s) foreman" in the 1911 census in England, and three in Wales.

Stan
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: Gadget on Friday 09 February 18 16:50 GMT (UK)
Agree with screen. If I recall, the screens were where the coal was sorted/washed when it came to the surface.

Gadget
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: stanmapstone on Friday 09 February 18 16:56 GMT (UK)
See this photo of screens http://www.rootschat.com/links/01lj8/
and http://www.balmaiden.co.uk/PitBrowGallery.htm
Stan
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: stanmapstone on Friday 09 February 18 17:08 GMT (UK)
Screens or Screening plant, various types of mechanical apparatus used for sorting the coal into different sizes such as bars of iron various distances apart or metal plates with holes. http://nsmg.apedale.co.uk/glossary/sterms.htm

Stan
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: Lostris on Friday 09 February 18 17:22 GMT (UK)
Doubt that there was any 'washing' involved ? Dunno ....
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: Gadget on Friday 09 February 18 17:25 GMT (UK)
I remember seeing coal being washed at one of the N Wales/Shropshire border mines where my Dad worked - not quite 1911 but I'm getting on a bit  ;D

(probably 1950s)
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: Rockford on Friday 09 February 18 20:42 GMT (UK)
Hi,

Mention of screens and washery occupations here: http://dmm.org.uk/educate/mineocc3.htm (Durham Mining Museum site).

My ggf was described on a certificate as a Washery Attendant and I first had a vision of him handing out towels and soap, then realised it was the coal that was being washed, not the miners....

Hope that helps,

Rockford
Title: Re: Colliery Foreman - can't make out what type
Post by: teach3r on Friday 09 February 18 20:57 GMT (UK)
Thank you everybody not only for the transcription but also for the explanations and links.  Very much appreciated.  I have several miners in my tree but hadn't come across this role before.

Thanks again.  Nic