Thanks to Ron Watkins for the following information about the Freeminers of the Forest of Dean. You can visit Ron’s website at ron-watkins.co.uk.
Mining has always been important in the Forest of Dean. The history of these mines go back many centuries, (time beyond memory) is what they say. The men of the forest had been mining iron ore long before the Romans came to England.
Historians over the years have come up with many theories of this right to mine minerals in the Forest. It has always been under stood that it was a Royal Charter from the time of King Edward. One theory goes like this: In the13th century, Edward I granted free mining rights because the miners of the time helped him besiege Berwick castle by tunneling successfully under the fortifications. The only conditions to be a Freeminer is that they are born within ‘The Hundreds of St. Briavels’ and ‘worked underground for a Year and a Day’.
These Freeminers had their own court to settle their arguments and also to enforce their laws (more). This court was held originally at St. Briavels Castle under the Kings officer, and it was comprised of other Freeminers. It was later moved to The Speech House which is situated in the centre of the Forest of Dean.
The Mines usually go into the side of the hill or down a slight incline following the seam of coal. As there is no gas in the Forest mines the miners in the past used naked lights. The coal seams are not very thick so every thing is dug out with a pick and shovel, a Freeminer has very little mechanical aids.
Several attempts by different Government departments to get this Charter removed have failed (more). There are only a few Freeminers actually operating today, but there are still a couple hundred men living today who have that right.
Books written on the Freeminers of the Royal Forest of Dean.
- “Free Miners” by Cyril Hart
- “The Laws of The Dean Forest” by James G Wood
Coal-Mining Links
Burgham Family Tree 