In a message dated 23/01/2004 23:07:42 GMT Standard Time, ian.sage@tiscali.co.uk writes: > Can any knowledgeable person tell me if the annual binding agreement would > have applied to coke ovens workers, and what date it would have taken place > (if at all) in 1871? > The yearly bond, which was abolished in 1872, was read about the end of March. The Durham Miners' Association was formed in 1869, and a separate county Union of Cokemen in 1874. As far as I am aware the bond only applied to miners, but I am sure someone will know for certain. Regards Stan Mapstone