Silksworth Colliery Stoppages 1949 and Growing Leeks

From mine stoppages to growing leeks — discover a unique slice of Coal Mining in Britain and life in Sunderland in 1949. Step back to 1949 and discover the fascinating story of New Silksworth mine stoppages, a chapter in the proud tradition of Coal Mining in Britain.

This video offers a rare glimpse into the lives of coal miners while mining coal in real life during periods when work came to a halt — a time in Sunderland City history that tested communities but also brought them closer together.

For those mining coal in real life, stoppages meant financial strain, yet they also offered unexpected opportunities for rest, family time, and even the pursuit of much-loved hobbies such as growing leeks.

The hobby of growing leeks by coal miners found joy and purpose in leek planting at home, a tradition deeply rooted in North East culture. Tending to leeks not only provided a supply of fresh, homegrown vegetables, but also offered relaxation, fresh air, and a sense of achievement away from the heavy demands of the pit and mining coal in real life.

Part of Sunderland City history, this coal mining educational video explains how does coal mining work, what caused mine stoppages, and the risks coal miners faced, including the tragic reality of pit accidents.

Archival images and coal mining videos bring to life the grit, skill, and camaraderie of those who worked below ground, while also highlighting the resilience of their families above it.

We also explore how growing leeks became a community passion — from preparing the soil to planting, tending, and proudly showing the leeks at local competitions. Whether you’re interested in the heritage of Coal Mining in Britain, curious about mining coal in real life, Sunderland City history or keen to learn more about growing leeks as a rewarding pastime, this video has something for you.

Join us as we preserve this important piece of Sunderland City history and North East culture — where the hardship of the coal mines met the simple pleasure of working the soil, and the story of mine stoppages was softened by the green leaves of proud leek planting at home.

What is our Heritage?
Welcome to the official YouTube channel of the Sunderland Antiquarian Society – a treasure trove of Sunderland history, heritage, antiquities and heartfelt storytelling from the heart of Wearside.

Dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich and often forgotten past of Sunderland City UK, this channel is your digital doorway into Sunderland history, with historic buildings, cherished photographs, and the remarkable stories of ordinary people who shaped Sunderland history.

Through carefully researched content and archive materials lovingly curated by members of the Sunderland Antiquarian Society, we bring the past back to life.

Whether you’re a local resident of Sunderland City UK, a family history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by North East England history roots, there is something here for you.

Each local history video presentation offers unique insights drawn from the extensive collections held by the Sunderland Antiquarian Society illustrating what is our heritage, including rare documents, periodicals, personal memoirs, local antiques and vivid images that illuminate Sunderland history in ways few other resources can.
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0:00 - Silksworth Colliery Stoppages 1949
0:35 - Main shaft cracked
0:48 - Problem Solving Meeting
2:13 - Problem solved
2:52 - Growing Leeks secrets exposed
3:40 - Trench secrets exposed
5:42 - Prizegiving
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This channel is more than just a Sunderland history archive — it is a living tribute to Sunderland’s identity, and a home for those who still care deeply about the stories of their ancestors and the streets they walked. Every corner of Sunderland City UK has a story to tell, and we’re here to tell it.

Please like, subscribe, and join our Community organisation in the comments to share your own memories, knowledge, and questions. Together, with the continuing work of the Sunderland Antiquarian Society, we can ensure these precious pieces of the past are never lost to time.

Thank you for watching our video Silksworth Mine Stoppages 1949 and Growing Leeks— and welcome to the ever-growing digital home of the Sunderland Antiquarian Society.
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