Unearthed Season 1 Episode 2 Black Diamonds

In the second episode of Unearthed season 1 titled "Black Diamonds," we explore the history and heritage of coal mining in the United Kingdom. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the UK was one of the largest coal-producing countries until the late 1980s when the industry went into decline.

The episode begins by taking us to the town of Ashington in Northumberland, England, where we meet a former miner named Jack Charlton. Jack gives us a personal insight into what it was like to work in the mines, describing the coal mining process and the dangers involved. We also see a statue of a miner that stands in the town center, which serves as a reminder of the town's mining heritage.

Moving on, the episode takes us to the National Coal Mining Museum for England located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Here, we learn about the history of coal mining in the region and the various techniques used to extract coal from underground mines. We see the museum's extensive collection of mining equipment, including the Davy Lamp, which was invented by Sir Humphry Davy in 1815 and was used to detect the presence of gas in the mines, preventing explosions.

Next, we head to the Durham Coalfield, where we see the Durham Miners' Gala, an annual event that celebrates the region's mining history. The Gala features a procession of banners carried by coal miners and their families, which depict the trade unions and communities that supported the miners. We also see a performance by the colliery brass band, which was an integral part of mining communities in the region.

The episode then takes us to the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales where we learn about the dangers of mining and the numerous caving accidents that occurred. The museum is located in a former mine and visitors can take a tour of the underground tunnels to experience what it was like to work in the mines. We also hear from a former miner who describes the challenges of working in cramped and dangerous conditions.

Finally, the episode takes us to Scotland where we visit the town of Cumnock, which was once home to several coal mines. We learn about a famous mining disaster that occurred in 1950 when a mine shaft collapsed, trapping 129 miners underground. The townspeople rallied together to try and rescue the trapped miners but sadly, only one survived. Today, a monument stands in the town center in memory of those who died in the disaster.

Overall, "Black Diamonds" provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of coal mining in the UK. It highlights the hard work and sacrifice of the miners and their families and gives us a better understanding of how coal nourished the UK's industrial development. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in industrial history and the lives of working-class people.