The Diary Of Rhys Evans

The Industrial Revolution took place from 18

1781- The invention of the steam engine.

My eyes were still trying to adjust. I worked from the darkness of dawn when the sun is still sleeping, then I work in a mine as dark as hell and return home and the crescent moon is shining its glorious beams. – That is how I remembered my first day.  I remember I came home and Papa called me to his lap. I made myself comfortable and he began to tell me how the world had changed. His clothes were all tattered and torn from the day in the mine and his face was painted with soot. He was eager to talk but he was also hesitant with his words. He began a long story on how Uncle Bill had gotten his hand stuck in the mine, how mine No.4 had a canary drop dead because he detected methane and how a rat nearly got to his lunch; but what he said next, I can still remember. “Mr Watt has innovated the steam engine, and the coal that we mine, feeds it”. I can remember how shocked I was and also how proud I was.

The next day at work there were rumours everywhere and everyone was glowing with pride. Our coal, the coal we worked for, is going to strengthen the British empire. Everyone said that the canals would go out of business because the steam engine was going to be magnificent and that our town was going to become urban and wealthy! For one point I actually believed it all, I thought that because it was our coal they mined, we would get our lives turned around. But then I remembered: we have NO employment benefits, we have NO sanitation, and I’m a child worker! That when I clutched my Davy Lamp and realize, because is our coal, it only means that they will want more and we will be worked to the bone… In the mine, my job was to open and close the doors at the end of the mine- every now and then I must open the door for the carts passing through or for the cold breeze to sweep through. It was torture not to fall asleep when I first started my job because sleepiness would drown me. I would just strain my eyes staring at dark silhouettes of men and the flicker of Davy Lamps. After the steam engine came in production, my jobs changed. They let me work alongside with my Papa in the mine. When Papa taught me more about life, I realized how bad everything around us was. The pollution around us is appalling and Papa said there was a rumour the China is also trying to compete their coal with ours! Ridiculous right? Apparently theirs is cheaper, but I bet it is not as good! Time to go to bed- A long day at work tomorrow!

A glimpse of the coal we mine.

Steam engine- Up and running!

You can see mines N0.6, 7 and 8 lined up next to each other.

1805- Opening Blanaevon Ironworks Works

1805- Opening Blanaevon Ironworks Work  Blanaevon came to success as quickly as it came down. Blanaevon stretched its limits too far and could not compete. Around 4 years ago Papa had a bad accident in the mine. He got a cut and forgot to rub coal on it; causing it to get infected. Ever since then his infection has grown like a baby lion to the king or the kingdom as the pain worsens day by day. However, Papa being at home is good for him, he has time to reflect on life and was able to watch the expansion of Blanaevon and take memory notes on life as the time passes. He told me that when Blanaevon first opened (1789) it was ambitious and expensive, costing 40,000 pounds! Papa told me that in the beginning each day about 300 workers would march into the factory and everyone looks as if they had been injected with depression. One of his friends who took up a job at the ironworks said that they got a cheap deal with our mine owner because it was so close. He also let is slip that the conditions were appalling and hazardous because of the heat in the air. The factory would heat and melt limestone, Welsh coal and ironstone together and the combination resulted in scorching temperatures. . He said the company was blooming! But then in 1812, its production shot up by 14,000 tons, a heaving amount. Papa said that did not last long because they expanded to 5000 workers and completely out stretched themselves and competition around was to big and Papa’s friend lost his job. Papa would often tell me about the work he did in the mines in his day and how his Davy Lamp was his life. Now I work in the mine with Idris, I can see what he means. The Davy Lamp is the only thing you carry with you day by day and helps protect you. When we are at work together in the mine everyone would sing together, just the men. We would fill the mines corridors and cracks with harmonious melodies and it could put a smile on everyone’s face.  Because Papa is so sick he always has times to tell stories and always gets the first bathe because he is the cleanest. Sometimes I might not even bathe because the cold is unbearable and does not wash away. One of my favourite stories was about England after everything is over. Papa said that the mines would be nicer and that England would be a better place

Papa and his friends down in mine No.8 (before his injury)

A quick sketch of my Davy Lamp.

Mines Act- 1842

The breeze creped through the cracks in the floor board and we were getting ready to begin our journey to work. Papa called me over and told me to sit on his lap. I was reluctant because of his leg, and as I sat down I could feel the blood underneath the bandage spread under pressure and all the bruised tissue mushed with the extra weight. Papa didn't make a noise. He took at deep breath then said :”Rhys will take care of you ,be good to mother and take care of your self. Remember when you go to work everyday in the mine, you work for England” . And with that he took another deep breathe and fell into a deep sleep.  On my way to work, the ground was damp with rain and there was hail gradually melting with the heat of the slowly rising run. I thought that that morning was like any other. But we passed mining complex it was appalling. There was bodies everywhere and they were being thrown onto carts like they were rubbish. You could not see anyone’s face because they were painted black with the soot. No child would have ever thought that the mine was so hazardous. The worst part was that we could not stop and help because we feared our jobs. For the rest of the journey Brother and I could not stop thinking about the accident. It was the biggest accident in Rhondda in a very long time and every person we passed was either weeping or shocked by the accident. No was was exactly sure of what had happened, weather it was methane, or has been standing by the locomotive, it may have even been a Davy lamp explosion! When we arrived at the mine, we all found out.  Lost for words, I walked home alone. Seems like everyone knew. Queen Victoria and bloody Anthony Ashley Cooper. Now I have no job. Why “abolish” child labour, if we are helping your own country!? The mines act had left me jobless, how on earth will we be able to pay for Papa’s medicine until I turn 10?- What will happen now? I will search for jobs when ever I can and do anything I need to do. At least now I can spend my days by Papa’s side and listen to his stories.

My miner “identification” picture.

1876- New Pendyrus Coal Mine

A new journey has begun! We all stood on the side of the locomotive, with all of our sentimental items packed into a aged burlap sack with lose treads at the bottom. We heard the trains wheels clicking on the locomotive a few hundred meters away. The train had passed through numerous urban environments prior to arriving at our stop, that meant that it would be filled with miners already. We paid the cheapest fair available and climbed onto the last cart of the train. I remember stench of the overcrowded cabin and the hundred eye balls glaring at us following our every move. That was the train ride that allowed us to start everything over and get the long-needed fresh beginning.  Because of the mines act in 1842 I was left unemployed. Times were bad because Papa’s condition was at a all time low. We had all heard Alfred Tyler and his wealth and it was like a race for everyone to catch the first train to Rhondda Valley and take up a job in Alfred new mine. Rumours were all spreading that this would be treasure chest. Because it was in the valley the coal was more compact and was going to be a easy job. But boy was everyone wrong!  On the first day of work, all the announcements were made; same old, same old:• Work from before the sun till after the sun• Lunch was to be brought in metal containers to prevent rats• Lunch was to be eaten down in the mine • If you needed the toilet, there is no excuse to leave the mine.• You do not own the Davy Lamp, and if you are asked to return it you must return it immediately. All the rules were generally they same apart from the last one: “You will be paid in tokens, which can only be exchanged in my shops”. Star struck, everyone was always chatting. Obviously everyone had come expecting money but they only receive stupid tokens. No one could return home because they had spent all their money on their trip here and was not earning any real money. Everyone was stuck. The worst part of all was that Alfred controlled the prices. Building his own miniature empire. Some days people may receive a huge deal but majority of the time people were clasping to life. I certainly hope things improve and Papa gets better. If things don't improve, I don't know how much longer we/I’ll stay…

Papa back in his day.

January 28th 1896 – Tylertown accident

“Life comes to the miners out of their deaths, and death out of their lives.” -Mary Harris Jones6 Christmases ago, Papa took his last breath. It was peaceful as if he was in no pain. He was sitting in is aged chair placed perfectly parallel to the window so he his eyes would not squint with the runs rays. Each day he grew more and more restless and at Christmas time 1890 he passed away. Days, months and years leading up to his death he spent his days looking out of the window or closely examining everything in the room. When Papa lived a Agrarian lifestyle out in the country; nothing wealthy. The industrial revolution changed him ! When Papa started working he began his industrial lifestyle. He traded his rural home for a urban home and he helped change England for the better. In 1896 it was the first major accident and hopefully the last. I still remember the day:It was around 4:30 am and and we were all in our places at work. Everything seemed normal. BOOM.There had been a methane explosion (No.8) . The must have forgotten to bring a canaries down to the mine or they got out to late. It was deadly and the noise of the explosion echoed through to my mine where I was working (No.2). We were not allowed out of the mine right away but the word spread around quickly. 2 hours later we were evacuated the mine and there was silence everywhere. Alfred lived in London and I guess he didn't hear about the accident because the rescue didn't arrive until 10AM! There explosion took place in mine No.8 20 dead, but mine 7 and 6 we also effected. 6 had 57 dead bodies recovered and 7 had 20. It was a appalling event.  About 3 years ago I met Sarah. She is a gorgeous with long locks of light lemon hair. Her eyes sparkle in every light and she has a personality as bright as the sun. Some people thought that we were too old to have a child, but I knew that she would be around longer then I would and I want someone that I can pass my stories onto and also someone that can keep her safe and comfort each other. We have a beautiful daughter – Alisa and a courageous son- Max. I love them both with all my heart. Max, Alisa if you were one day to read this always remember:• Work hard and take care of each other• Make sure Mum is always ok and always be there for her• Always set a good example for others and always try to the best that you can.• -Keep the family goingLove you all lots,Papa

Alisa

Max

Diary 1:"Welcome to Rhondda Heritage Park." Home. Ed. Ex Miners. Rhonda Cynon Taf, n.d. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://www.rhonddaheritagepark.com/>.Davies, Mr Rhys. "Character Background.” Mr Rhys Davies, - Jan. 2007. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://revolutionaryvoices.wikispaces.com/Industrial Revolution>.Lauren, Evelyne, Inn, and Jono. "Facts." Epad. Jame Fidler, 06 May 2013. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://revolutionaryvoices.wikispaces.com/Industrial Revolution>.Fidler, James. "Project Guidelines." RevolutionaryVoices. James Fidler, 01 May 13. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://revolutionaryvoices.wikispaces.com/Industrial Revolution>.Diary 2:"Account of Blaenavon Iron-Works from the 1842 Mines Report." Home. National Museum Of Wales, n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/2175/>.Artifacts and Fistory, Mining. "Wales Mines." Wales-Mines. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.miningartifacts.org/Wales-Mines.html>.Diary 3:Lauren, Evelyne, Inn, and Jono. "Facts." Epad. Jame Fidler, 06 May 2013. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://revolutionaryvoices.wikispaces.com/Industrial Revolution>.Fidler, James. "Project Guidelines." RevolutionaryVoices. James Fidler, 01 May 13. Web. 14 May 2013. <http://revolutionaryvoices.wikispaces.com/Industrial Revolution>.Diary 4:Artifacts and Fistory, Mining. "Wales Mines." Wales-Mines. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013http://www.miningartifacts.org/Wales-Mines.html.Diary 5:"Tylorstown Colliery." Tylorstown Colliery. Coal Mine, n.d. Web. 15 May 2013. <http://www.welshcoalmines.co.uk/GlamEast/Tylorstown.htm>.