Coal was dug up from deep mines. To get to these mines workers went down a long, narrow shaft that led to numerous side tunnels. In these tunnels is where workers hacked at coal with shovels and picks, the only light coming from candles and oil lamps. Along with the smoke, tunnels were damp and often reeked of gas.
Although the sheer weight of the ground above was colossal, mines were only held up by wooden beams called props. This is why pit collapses were common.
There were also many problems of ventilation particularly as mines became deeper. Gas was an eternal problem in the mines, and included methane (firedamp), carbon monoxide (chokedamp) and carbon dioxide.
From working in the mines at such a young age and for very long hours, many miners got stunted growth, crippled legs, and curvature of their spines.
From working in the mines at such a young age and for very long hours, many miners got stunted growth, crippled legs, and curvature of their spines.