Beasts of burden in a world of darkness
PICTURED are two pit ponies at Kiveton Park Colliery in the mid-20th century.
From the 18th century, ponies shuttled tubs of coal and much else for miles each day in Britain's pits. More than 70,000 were working by 1912.
They were led by pit pony drivers, who tell incredible stories about the ponies they looked after. Quite often, they would ride the ponies but if caught faced a harsh telling off - or worse!
At one time, pit ponies spent their entire lives underground.
And in later years, they were allowed out when the pits shut down for the summer.
Crowds gathered around Kiveton pit to watch the ponies set loose. They would gallop around and, in the words of one local witness: "express an astonishing amount of flatulence because of the excitement!"
The photo is one of a new collection from the family of Cyril King, that can be seen at www.kivetonwaleshistory.co.uk.
You can read about Barnsley's pit ponies in an excellent book written by Frank Ward, The Pit Ponies of the Barnsley Seam, which can be ordered either at Kiveton Park Library, at the Old Colliery Offices or by phone on 01909 773348.
by Dr John Tanner, Kiveton Park & Wales History Project
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Weather for Dinnington
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Light snow
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