Letters to members of the Pryse family of Gogerddan and to Edward Loveden of Buscot Park, with occasional copies of replies and third-party letters forwarded by their agents, concerning the operation of the coal mines in Pembrokeshire, 1773-1866.
The collieries most frequently mentioned are Moreton, Hopshhill, Trevane and Vadson in the vicinty of Tenby and Saundersfoot. The letters are from the Pryse family’s agents and solicitors, other colliery proprietors, the colliery foremen, mining engineers and surveyors. They provide detailed information about the history of coal mining in Pembrokeshire, the leasing of the collieries, and the practical and economic aspects of coal production. There are many references to the problems of flooding in the pits, the introduction of steam engines, transport of coal and the construction of railways. The letters reveal the involvement of other individuals in the coal trade, such as John Philipps, Lord Milford, Henry Phelps of Norchard, Mr Barlow, John Curr of Sheffield, Edward Martin of Morriston, Owen Thomas of Moreton, and Andrew Brace of Moreton. Several letters remark on the inconsistent methods of working, the lack of competent supervision, disputes at the coal pits, and Edward Loveden Loveden’s concern that he was being cheated, resulting in the stoppage of work. There are some references to the general management of the Abernantbychan estate, and to the manors of East and West Pembroke, especially with regard to shooting game birds.
