Catalogue

Interview
32, MA200/032/032
Mantle Oral History Project

Speaker: Sheffield, Matthew, 1901 - , Interviewee, Male, Coal Miner; Home Guard.
Speaker: Carswell, J., Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls early life, including school, living conditions, diet at home, his father's work, church going and Sunday school. Describes first job and wages before becoming a miner in 1916. Gives descriptive account of mining work in detail from 1916 through the Second World War and after, including Union membership, work at coal face, accidents, grading of coal, hygiene at work and shift work. Talks about the 1926 General Strike at length and his political work. Mentions courting his wife and the entertainment that was available, referring to clubs, gambling and Whitwick Silver Band amongst other pastimes. Talks about mother's home remedies.
Place of birth: Coalville, Leicestershire
Education: Christchurch Church of England school, Holy Cross, Whitwick.
Marital Status: Married, Children: Daughters: 2
Father's Occupation: Miner
Mother's Occupation: Tile factory worker
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Coalville; Whitwick
Periods Covered: 1890s, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s
Language: English

Recording Date: 18/5/1988
Playing time:
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.