Breconshire/somerset mining connection?

[Trees]

We have found a lot of mining families moving to and from Paulton Somerset and Beaufort Brecon shire in the 1840s does anyone know if there is any connection between the mines in these areas. For example did one company own mines in both areas?
Trees

[cep]

Miners are a mobile lot.

Most mining operations c. 1840 would have been small-scale.
Mines, by their very nature, tend to be short-lived.
Great optimism at the start, but the easy-won mineral near surface is soon gone.
Volatile prices are a factor too, so mines closed at a time of low prices may be re-opened in a new wave of optimism when prices improve.

Closure of the mine would put dozens of men out of work.
If one man found work in a new area he would send word home, prompting a mini-migration.

Miners are eternal optimists, always seeking the 'mother lode' if they dig a few more feet.
No company loyalty. So ownership of the mines is likely not the reason.


Regards   CP

[cep]

Some history of Somerset Coalfield:

http://www.highlittletonhistory.org.uk/mining.html

"Some High Littleton miners moved to the north of England but many more went to South Wales to work in the pits or at the steelworks. Some stayed for a few months, some stayed for several years, others went to and fro several times. Many settled there permanently with their families, while others married girls from High Littleton, whose families had also settled in Wales. Several of these miners were removed back to High Littleton in the 1850s and 1860s, when they could no longer work because of illness or permanent injury and needed parish relief."


CP

[Trees]

Thank you very much CEP
This looks very interesting and follows the pattern we have found exactly several Paulton families go back and forth to Beaufort some stay in the area some go on further N through Dudley to Durham
Trees