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Interview
749, LO/117/068
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Thompson, Harry, 1907 - , Interviewee, Male, miner; navvy; general employment;
Speaker: Matterson, F., Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls details of his working life, first as a coal miner in the North East of England. Describes the 1926 General Strike and the effects of it on his family and other miners' families. Talks about leaving the North East, due to the high unemployment and looking for work in the Black Country and Birmingham area as a navvy. Recalls later moving to Coventry and Aston, working in a variety of different jobs. Moved to Leicester after marrying, lived near Waterloo Street. Talks about work in Leicester in different factories, eventually becoming shop steward for the Transport and General Workers Union. Describes confrontation with employers and move to work for the Leicester City Corporation. Talks about retirement, being president of old people's club in Mowmacre, other day clubs and being involved in tenants' association and protest against removal of rent collectors. Talks about mining, including ailments suffered by miners, pit ponies and safety. Compares the 1926 strike with strikes of 1984/1985. Describes the butty system, productivity payments and tokens being given for lamps to ensure men were not left down the mine.
Place of birth:
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire, Northumberland, Warwickshire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester,
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 11/9/1984
Playing time: 45 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:


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Last updated: 08/05/02
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