The National Forest’s LANDshapes project interview with Monica Hudson

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LANt007 Monica Hudson
LANDshapes Oral History interview summary

Monica Hudson talks about her earliest memories of life in the Swadlincote area of The National Forest, recalling the "yellowish swirling smog" from the Potteries' salt glazing and coal-fired smoke from "every chimney that worked". Monica tells us of her family's long association with the mining industry through the almost 400 years of service given by her father, grandfather, husband and other male family members. Find out about the health hazards and dangerous working conditions faced by miners - many of the men would "spit over the hedge" to get rid of the black dust in their lungs! You will hear the warmth in Monica's voice as she reacalls the fascinating story of her grandfather's roses and how 'fire damp' kept them blooming regardless of the time of year, and how 'the menfolk' would spend a lot of time in gardens and allotments. "Sharpes toilets are all over the world"... but what's Sharpes? Listen to Monica and find out more.

Interviewer: Roger Kitchen.
Interview Date: 2005
Landshape Zone: Leicestershire and Derbyshire Coalfield
Parish: Swadlincote and surrounds
Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire,
Date of birth: 1941
Location of Original: Originals held with The National Forest Company.
Reference LANt007

Last updated: 15/9/2005
East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer
This document has been approved by the head of department or section.