Coal Usage in the Victorian Era

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Coal Usage in the Victorian Era

Coal was an essential of life, especially concerning warmth and food preparation, for Victorians. The use of coal has a longer history than many suspect; predates the Victorian Era by hundred of years. The Victorians spent a great deal of time not just using various coal products, but also spent a long time thinking and disagreeing about a wide range of issues that concerned such an essential product for their way of life.

The Victorians used various different kinds of this product, plant products buried underground in deposits of sedentary rock for millions of years. Some of the coal product that the Victorians utilized were, coal gas: illumination gas and cook-oven gas; coal-dust; and coke: bi-product of illumination gas production (Jackson).

Some history of London’s coal use

First used by the Romans, and noted as used in Europe around the 13 th Century. The demand of coal increased in the 18 th Century. In 1709, coke was first used in place of wood and charcoal. The first use of coal for lighting purposes occurred in the year 1786 (Everett). Since it was the most popular supply of fuel, coal was in immense demand. The coal mining industry was a very profitable one, when production went well (Everett). However, the burning of coal, especially in factories, led to a great deal of environmental problems and pollution.

Legislations concerning coal mining

* 1842: The Mines Act forbade the mining industry from employing anyone, boys or girls, under the age of ten years old for underground mine work (Bloy)

* 1850: Coal Mines Inspection Act dealt with safety inside the mines, requiring inspectors to enforce the Mines Act and file reports on the conditions and safety inside the mi...

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...entieth Century. The Victorian Web. 11 Oct 2002.14 Mar 2005.

Bloy, Marjie. “Victorian Legislation: a timeline.” 13 August 2002. The Victorian Web. 14 Mar 2005. http://www.victorianweb.org/history/legistl.html

Cody, David. “Child Labor.” The Victorian Web. 14 Oct 2002. 14 Mar 2005.

Mayhew, Henry. “Letter XX.” Social Investigation/Journalism - The Morning Chronicle: Labour and the Poor, 1849-50. Letter XX. Victorian London .14 Mar 2005.

Jackson, Lee. “Income and Management-II.” Etiquette and Household Advice Manuals – Cassell’s Household Guide, New and Revised Edition (4 Vol.) c.1880s [no date] - Income and Management. Victorian London. 14 Mar 2005.

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