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The Mining History of the Forest of Dean

Mining definitely left its mark on the Forest of Dean. Much can still be seen and learnt about the history of mining in the Forest today. There are quarries, cliffs, tunnels, old mines and many old railway lines which are now flat straight footpaths or cycle paths. You can learn about the history of mining best by visiting Hopewell Colliery, Clearwell Caves and the Dean Heritage Centre. Find out more about the history of the Forest of Dean here.

There are several sculptures and memorials which are important reminders of a legacy which shaped the landscape and the people in it:

The Hod Boy

The Hod Boys Memorial in Upper Soudley is one of the most powerful. It is a wood carving of a young boy hauling boxes of coal ('hod') in a narrow mine shaft, which were often not more than 2ft high. Children, both girls and boys, as young as 8 were widely employed in mines all over Great Britain. It was sculpted by John Wakefield, who, together with Graham Tyler, also produced the Roll of Honour Miners’ Memorial at New Fancy.

In the same area is Robert Griffiths' wood carving Nearly There.

At the Dean Heritage Centre a chainsaw sculpture by Clayton Ryder shows a mining rescue with local Freeminer Dave Harvey being pulled from the debris of a mining disaster which occurred in 1963 by Phil Bennett.

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The Union Colliery Disaster

On 4 September 1902 the Union Colliery Disaster took place. Four men died: Herbert Gwatkin, Thomas and Amos James, and William Martin.

About 100 tons of coal were being produced at this mine per day in 1902 and about 100 men were employed. However, there were serious problems with water, and on 4th September 1902 the colliery was flooded by a sudden influx from abandoned workings. Seven men were trapped, and it was not until 9th September that pumping had reduced the water level sufficiently to allow rescuers to enter the workings. Three miners were found alive, but four had drowned.

The memorial can be found in the Bixslade valley to the west of Cannop Ponds. Walk 9 of our 12 Easy Walks includes the route from Cannop. The valley features several historic and working mines, stunning views across the Cannop Valley and beyond and the remains of old quarries. It's a moving walk in many ways.

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This sculpture is at the colliery site and is of two trapped miners embracing, commissioned by the Forest Freeminers. The statue is the work of sculptor Matt Baker, and is carved from Pennant Sandstone from nearby Mine Train Quarry.

Waterloo Colliery Memorial

On the northern edge of Waterloo Screens a new mining memorial was installed in 2022 marking the rescue of 182 miners from a flooded mine.

The memorial commemorates an accident at Waterloo Colliery on 30th June 1949 when the pit flooded as old workings were breached. What could have been a disaster was prevented by the actions of a small number of men and no lives were lost; some men repeatedly returned to the flooded mine to rescue colleagues. The last five men were eventually rescued via old workings at another nearby mine. It was sculpted by Antony Dufort and commissioned by the Royal Forest of Dean Freeminers Association.

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Find Out More About the History of the Forest of Dean

Find Your Freedom

Freemining in the Forest of Dean

Freeminer is an ancient title given to coal or iron miners in the Forest of Dean. The freemining tradition is unique to the Forest. For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated through a system of Freemining, with the Freeminer's Mine Law Court sitting at the Speech House from 1682.
The Dean Heritage Centre

We are the Museum of the Forest: a stunning building and location with inside and outside attractions. Learn about the history of the Forest from the Ice Age to the present day, visit our museum and gallery, explore the Gruffalo woodland trail, see inside a reconstructed Forester's cottage, visit a charcoal burner's camp, see chainsaw carving, our working water wheel and pretty stream, kids will enjoy our woodland playground plus there is an excellent cafe and gift shop.
Clearwell Caves

Discover the wonder of under! The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking. Deep level adventure caving available.
Hopewell Colliery - Working Mine and Cafe

This working colliery is an unmissable experience set in the midst of the glorious Forest of Dean. Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer. Sink below the Forest floor for a unique adventure and take the 45-minute tour through the dark tunnels before emerging back into serene woodland. Follow it with a hot drink and bite to eat at the friendly Hopewell Cafe.
The Hidden Heritage of the Forest of Dean

Explore the Forest of Dean's Hidden Heritage in a series of apps, an exciting new way to explore the Forest of Dean using modern technology to bring historic areas to life. Using them is like taking a step back in time, showing you the Forest’s industrial past in a series of magical Then and Now images.
The Towns of the Forest of Dean

The Forest of Dean has a rich heritage and its towns are characterful and vibrant bases for exploring.
Myths & Legends of the Forest of Dean

Discover the myths and legends of the Forest of Dean from the age old question of ‘who killed the bears?’ to the mysterious bleeding stone.
The Fascinating Facts of the Dean Wye

Some of the fascinating facts, myths, legends and tales about the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
The History & Heritage of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

We have a very rich heritage here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley of which we are rightly proud. A former royal hunting forest, the Dean has a long past as a source of timber for ships and building, coal, charcoal, iron ore, ochre and limestone.