On Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:01:05 -0000, liverpud <liverpud-49@rogers.com> wrote: > Since many of our families had strong connection to Wales, > thought this site might be interesting: > > Industrialisation of south Wales. > http://www.data-wales.co.uk/valley1.htm The site Edna has given has reference to Risca in Monmouthshire, where there was an explosion at Black Vein Colliery in 1860. On this occasion 142 men and boys died at Black Vein Colliery and among them were men from Somerset such as Issac Sage, aged 32, Joseph JACQUEY or JACKWAY, aged 20, and James PLUMBER alias ASHMAN. Also said to be from Somerset were John WEST, aged 24, Joseph WEST, aged 13, and Fred GULLICK. Sadly, there were boys who died in the explosion who were even younger than Joseph WEST. One was only 10, while three were 11 and three were 12. However, I don't know whether these boys were from Somerset families. Those who died in the Black Vein disaster are listed in the booklet "and they work us to death" Volume 1 Casualties of the Mines Who they were,How and Where they died by Ben Fieldhouse and Jackie Dunn (Gwent Family History Society). -- Josephine Jeremiah www.ianandjo.dsl.pipex.com