The Bedminster Coalminers Heritage Group (BCHG) have set up a project in March 2025 called DIGGING DEEP. The aim is to explore the legacy of the Bedminster coalminers.
2025 marks the centenary of the closure of last coal mine in Bedminster, that of South Liberty pit. The BCHG will mark this occasion with a variety of activities including presentations, exhibitions and heritage trails. Details to follow..
IMPORTANT NEWS MARCH 2024
PLEASE CHECK OUT THIS INFORMATION ABOUT CREATING A MEMORIAL FOR BEDMINSTER COAL MINERS
https://issuu.com/southbristolvoice/docs/south_bristol_april_2024_final_e7227054afe837
The Digging Deep project is a tribute to the Bedminster Coalminers and their families.
The project has evolved through discovering direct links with the mining community during family history research of the Garland family of Bedminster.
The original Voices of the Bedminster Coalminers production was a collaboration between Garry Atterton (local historian), Helen Sheppard (poet) and Charlie Atterton and Jakob op den Brouw (musicians), where they created a unique presentation of local history and poetry accompanied by music.
Six geneartions and Forty three members of the Garland family were Bedminster coalminers Eight of those were tragically killed eking out a living from this arduous occupation.
There were four main pits, employing over a thousand boys and men, pay was low and hours were long. Tragically over a hundred and fifty miners were killed in accidents.
The miners helped shape Bedminster into a strong working class community, during a period of rapid industrial and urban growth.
2025 marks the 100 year anniversary of the last coal to be dug out of a Bedminster pit. We intend to mark this anniversary with a series of events over the next two years.
September 10th 2026 marks the 140 year anniversary of one of the worst mining disaster in Bedminster’s history, when many miners were injured and 10 lost their lives at the Dean Lane pit. August 31 2026 marks the 135 year anniversary of the Malago Vale pit disaster when 10 miners were also killed.
These two tragic events had a huge impact on the community of Bedminster.
“Have you got your heavy boots on for a tour of the mine?
Celebrating Bedminster's history of coal mining through music, poetry and historical context