WHO WE ARE
We are a group of people dedicated to the preservation and recording of mining history, Northern referring to the our administrative base rather than our field of interest. We started as the Northern Cavern & Mine Research Society in 1960, but our members’ increasing interest in mining led us to change the original name to the present title in 1975.
Now one of the largest such organizations in Britain, we have hundreds of members countrywide and many overseas. Reflecting this, British Mining is Britain’s foremost mining history publication.
We are a founder member of the National Association of Mining History Organisations, which acts as a forum for discussion and dissemination of information on all matters of pertinence to its members, with the aim of furthering the study of mining history in all its aspects.
Generally our members are encouraged to follow their own pursuits, but can be introduced to others sharing the same field of interest.
If you are concerned with industrial archaeology, geology, local/technical/mining history, or are simply fascinated by old mines, why not come and join us?
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone who is interested in mining etc. Members receive one copy of each publication issued and a newsletter four times a year. Other member benefits include a 25% discount on all publications purchased, access to the Society library and records, online copies of back issues of the newsletter, field meetings etc.
PUBLICATIONS
The high quality publications produced by the Society have the general series title of British Mining. Usually a Monograph and a Memoirs are issued annually to each full member. A Monograph, as the name suggests, is a complete and authoritative dissertation on one mine or area, whereas the Memoirs contain a selection of members’ researches into various mines, miners, techniques and so forth. A Supplement to British Mining is sometimes released and once again full members automatically receive a free copy. Another benefit for members is the opportunity to purchase single copies of previous publications at a substantial discount.
MEETINGS
A programme of both surface and underground events is arranged annually and members are invited to attend these. Various venues ensure that the interests of every member is catered for throughout the mining areas of Britain. Leaders for such events are always welcome.
THE LIBRARY
The library contains a wide range of books, pamphlets and similar literature related to Britain’s extractive industries is at the disposal of all members. This service is constantly being enlarged by the Society and also by donations from outside.
THE RECORDS
The records are available for research purposes and consist of original documents, members’ reports, plans, maps, photographs etc. which are continually being added to by donations from many sources. The comprehensive indexing of these records is an on-going project, with files being organised on a county and parish basis. In addition, there are indexes to specific sites. The collection is especially strong on Yorkshire material, but other counties are also represented. The Recorder will be pleased to arrange for the above items to be available to members for consultation on request.
THE NEWSLETTER
Our Newsletter is issued quarterly and provides a medium for members to exchange ideas and information, to bring news of mining events, past and present. It also contains reviews of newly published books, society events etc and carries short articles of general interest which are too concise for inclusion in “British Mining”. Members also have access to back issues of all NMRS newsletters dating back to the early 1960s
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC
The Society is run entirely by volunteers and we:
- Publish a research journal, ‘British Mining’.
- Maintain a large, searchable website.
- Support research and other suitable projects.
- Maintain an extensive collection of mining records.
- Run a meets programme which includes visits to sites of historical interest.
FACEBOOK PAGE
Our Facebook page is an ideal opportunity to find out about the interests of our members who often contribute items.
The page is regularly updated with links from other Facebook pages plus other related news items.
