Mining Heritage Display

Free, drop-in

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the end of the Miners’ Strike which lasted for almost a year until 1985.

Come along and see a display here at The Word which gives a snapshot into the coal mining industry in South Tyneside. The installation has been delivered in partnership with South Shields Museum and Art Gallery. You can see a display of mining memorabilia at the museum this summer.

Find out about the Durham Miners’ Gala, which began in 1871. The gala consists of a colourful procession of Lodge banners, accompanied by the sound of brass bands parading through Durham City centre. The event takes place on Saturday 12 July this year and attracts 200,000 people.

The installation also explores examples of ‘Pit Language’ – the common language used in the noisy, dangerous darkness of a mine.  You can also see a range of items on loan from South Shields Museum including documents, badges, and kit.

The display is open in our ground floor pod from 13 June until 14 July and is free to explore.