Repost from Edge Hill Station edgehillstation.co.uk/resources/rocket-at-st-georges-hall/
Here we see the same replica of the Rocket in front of St. George’s Hall, at the start of the 2011 Gay Pride march. St. George’s Hall stands opposite Lime Street station, and was built in order to accomodate the triennial music festivals that were then held in Liverpool, and also host dinners, concerts and meetings. A company to build such a building was established in 1836, with shares available for £25. By January 1837 £23,350 (£1.76 million in today’s prices) had been raised. The foundation stone was laid on 28th June 1838, to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria. An 1839 competition to design the hall was won by 25-year-old London architect Harvey Lonsdale Elmes: Elemes also won a separate competition to design assize courts in Liverpool, and suggested that one building could serve both functions. Construction started in 1841: in 1847, Elmes, who was dying of consumption, delegated responsibility for the project to corporation surveyor John Weightman and structural engineer Robert Rawlinson. In 1851, Charles Robert Cockerell took over as architect, and was mainly responsible for designing the interiors. St. George’s Hall opened to public in 1854, though the concert hall was not opened for another two years. Following a major restoration, the building was reopened by Prince Charles on 23rd April 2007.

This book is much, much, more than the story of the Pit Sinkers of the North East indeed it covers a vast range of associated topics from across the UK and beyond.

The first chapter is the history of shaft sinking, linking the development of engineering from primitive beginnings, and then the book goes on to explore methods, equipment and contracts. There is an extensive chapter on colliery disasters and the human story is vividly told in two chapters who’s titles includes the words, amongst others: slavery, serfdom and mining engineers. I was particularly moved by the author’s description of how his father, shortly after starting work at the age of twelve in 1912, was carried to work on the back of his elder brother. Once underground in the hot pit, his limbs warmed up and he was able to work, but on his journey home above ground he was again carried.

The book has many similar human stories but also records the involvement of the major engineers, colliery owners, writers, land owners and is packed with facts. there is an extensive section on George Stephensonas well

The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham is not only a tribute to the men who worked under extreme conditions, but also tells the evocative story of mining society as a whole and gives a unique glimpse into the lives of those most affected by the industry. With further chapters on transportation and accommodation, celebrations & holidays and miner’s habits, the book must be regarded as a major guide to the region’s and nation’s historically important industry.

Peter Ford Mason is descended from three generations of North East miners: his great-grandfather was a master pit sinker who died sinking a shaft in 1885. His work is meticulously researched and nothing seems to be left out.

There are 60 black and white photographs, many previously unpublished. The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham by Peter Ford Mason is published by the History Press and is priced £12.99.