Shropshire Routes to Roots

Welfare records: Mining Accidents

The two letters below are taken from the Poor Law records of Wrockwardine Wood. The first letter was sent by a surgeon to the Overseers, as evidence that Richard Fox was injured and unable to work. The second letter was sent by the clerk to a local employer, saying that an employee of the company, George Mason, had had an accident and deserved assistance from the Parish.

These letters give some idea of how quickly an industrial accident could turn a family destitute. Although Poor Relief was not perfect, it seems generally to have supported those in genuine need of help from their Parish.

Dec 09,1823 Letter to the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Wrockwardine

This is to certify that Richard Fox a parishioner of the parish of Wrockwardine but now residing in the Town of Wolverhampton with his wife and three children is in that ill state of health so as to be unable to work for the support of himself and family being afflicted with a disease in his Eyes arising from a blow he accidently received by a fall of Coals while at work in the Monmore Green Colliery and that he the same Richard Fox is a proper object to receive relief from his parish during the continuance of his present illness. Given under our hands this 8th day of December 1823 - Thomas Green, Joseph Moore Overseers, W?B.Homer Asst. Overseer.

Richard Fox is a patient of the Wolverhampton Dispensary with a violent inflammation in the Eye from a blow received at his employment and he is not at present able to work

Edwd. Coleman, Resident Surgeon

allowed 9s 6d.

Sep 07,1825 Letter dated Aug 10 from Mr.Jones, Clerk to Mr.Onions of Broseley

Gentn., A poor lad named George Mason received a serious accident at our work last week by which his hand was dreadfully crushed and but for excellent surgical treatment must have been cut off. He will certainly be unable to work for some time and his Gmother being a poor widdow cannot possibly support him without assistance.

I am Gentn. Your Obedient T.Jones

Geo.Mason badly hurt with the Engine Aug 10. Allowed at Meeting Sep 7, 5s.