If you were to take a walk with someone around the area of Cardowan, there would be a few items of interest one could point out. Remnants and echoes of the rich history of the area that last to this day in some form or another.
However, one of the most notable monuments to history would be the memorial to the former workers of Cardowan Colliery. It was unveiled in October of 2019 and is tucked away at the entrance to Stepps’ train station’s Park and Ride car park. It would be easy to miss if you did not know what you were looking for – a very touching homage to all who worked and lost their lives in the colliery through several tragedies that befell the place.
As you can see, the memorial is very unique and relevant, in shape of a mine cart, much like the ones used to transport the coal within the mine itself. A remembrance service is held at the memorial every year to honour all who lost their lives working to provide for the community. Also, the local people honoured the 11 men who died in the explosion of 1932 by naming several streets in a nearby housing development after them.
History of Cardowan Colliery
Cardowan Colliery opened in 1924, but did not begin operations until 1929. Only a few years later, in the mid 1930s, the pit employed over 1000 men and by the middle of the 1950s the number of employees had doubled to about 2000 men. The coal mined here served to fuel the trains at the time as well as the local community’s fires. It closed down in 1983, much to the protest of the miners who relied on the pit as a source of income for themselves and their families. Additionally, as many lived in the houses built nearby, this closure meant most of the former workers had to travel longer distances to get to other mines, another inconvenience to them. It is the last deep mining pit to have shut down in all of Lanarkshire, giving it a place of importance in the mining history of North Lanarkshire.
The Accidents
As is clear from the plaques upon the memorial, the Cardowan Colliery was the site of several known disasters, resulting in loss of life and injury. As listed, these happened in 1927, 1932, 1933, 1952, 1960 and 1982. The gas explosion in 1982 injured 40 men and is notable as this accident led to changes in ventilation regulations worldwide. As the Cardowan coal seam was described as “notoriously gassy” this undoubtedly improved the working conditions up until the closure the following year.
Colliery Artefacts
Although the colliery is no longer standing today, pieces of it were salvaged for future generations to look upon. For example, one of the steam winding engines, used to hoist people and materials and built especially for Cardowan Colliery, was acquired by Summerlee Museum not long after the closure of the pit and is now on display within the museum, in working order.
So perhaps if you are ever to take a stroll around the area of Cardowan with someone, you can point out the Cardowan Colliery memorial – and know that the locals are extremely proud of this slice of history on their doorstep.
About the Author
Katy is a Volunteer Digital Collections Assistant with a BA Honours in English and Creative Writing as well as an interest in the history of the area she grew up around.