Introduction

My Mother's family have lived in Arley since 1924, indeed, my Great Grandmother -- now aged 91 -- began her life in the village as a bride of eighteen. Her husband, my Great Grandfather, was the only man to die in a roof-fall at the colliery in 1958. My Mother was born in a miner's house in New Arley and I have always taken a keen interest in the village, its past and its future.

MAP : Arley.

Probably the most important happening in Arley's long history -- it is recorded in the Domesday Book as AREI -- was the opening of Arley Colliery in 1901. I felt, therefore, that the colliery and it's affect on Arley would make an interesting subject for a geographical enquiry.

In beginning this project, however, I did not realise the difficulty of finding suitable information. British Coal have been most helpful in providing me with production figures and other statistics. There are very few references to Arley Colliery now available and no books solely written on the topic. Without Dr Bland's publication "Arley Remembered" I would not have been able to continue with much of this work. For map references my Grandfather was kind enough to allow me the use of the deeds to his house. I would also like to thank my family and all their friends in Arley for their help and constructive criticism.

I hope that this project is enjoyed as much by those who read it as I have enjoyed writing it.

If you would like to comment on these pages, please feel free to email me.

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