The coal mining industry was an important part of the industrial
revolution in many areas of Britain during the nineteenth century.
The author's great-great-grandfather died of cholera at Newcastle upon
Tyne during the pandemic of 1834-1837. At this time, the mine owners
insisted that at least one member of each colliery family had to work
down the pit to keep their home.
After the death of his father, four-year-old Paddy had to start working
down the pit. He was made to work below ground in the dark for about 16
hours a day at that young age.