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Margaret Hedley carrying out research for Past Uncovered

Uncovering the past for over 30 years

Margaret Hedley is an experienced and reliable researcher with over 30 years of experience and knowledge of the Durham area.

She is passionate about local and family history, this and an excellent knowledge of local repositories makes her the number one choice in County Durham for your family history research.

For more information and the latest news, why not follow on Facebook

Book of old photos depicting family history

Family History

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Women of the Durham coalfield in the 19th century, Hannah’s story

My new book called “Women of the Durham coalfield in the 19th century, Hannah’s story” is available at all good booksellers or at amazon.co.uk in both paperback and kindle formats.

The book is the bringing together of family and local history which illustrates the daily struggles of women married to coal miners in the Durham coalfield., and tells the story of my great great grandmother.

Women of the Durham coalfield in the 20th century, Hannah’s Daughter

My new book follows the fortunes of Hannah’s coal mining family into the 20th Century is available at amazon.co.uk in both kindle and book formats.

Once again the daily struggles of women are highlighted as they deal with a range of domestic problems and a World War.

Last women of the durham coal field - hanna's grand daughter book cover.

Last Women of the Durham coalfield, Hannah’s Grand-daughter

The Second World War took its toll on every part of society. The appeal for women to work outside the home in the many ammunition factories supporting the war effort was taken up by many women throughout the colliery villages. They worked for eight hours a day at the factory, taking up their caregiving and home-making roles when they returned home. Their days continued to be longer and more strenuous.

After the war, the government introduced a series of initiatives intended to improve the lives of the nation. A reformed education system was introduced in 1944, nationalisation in 1947 and a national health service in 1948. At last things were looking up for coal-mining families.

At the edge of this bright new horizon, little did Hannah’s female descendants realise that they would come to represent the last generation of women of the Durham coalfield.

The foreword is by Hillary Clinton, who said she hoped Mrs Hedley’s books would inspire historians to document the daily lives “not just of men… but of the women living quieter but just as important lives alongside them”. – the full article can be found at BBC News

Last Women of the Durham Coalfield – Hannah’s grand-daughter is available from local stockists and amazon.co.uk

For more information, an informal chat or to order, you can contact me in the following ways:-

margaret@pastuncovered.co.uk
Facebook
07977 546332
AGRA Associate – Contact me via AGRA

and for more regular information, why not like me on Facebook.





Coming to a venue near you

26 Jan  -  Secular Salon, Merryoaks, Durham City   2.00-4.00
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
1 Feb - Peterlee History Group, Peterlee Methodist Church  11.30-12.30
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century 
18 March         Zoom Meeting     7.00-8.00
Thomas Kenny VC
22 March - National Trust, Scarborough Theatre, Univ of Durham 2.00-3.00
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
25 March - Aspire Women, Chester-le-Street   12.30-1.30
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
27 March  -  Pelaw Library   7.00-8.00
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
7 April  - Sedgefield Local History Society  7.45-8.45
8 April - Ryhope Local History Society  1.30-2.30
“Hannah’s Story”
24 April - Lanchester Church Wives Group    7.00-8.00
 Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
28 April -  South Shields Local History Group  5.00-6.00
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
19 May  - Hartlepool Local History Society, Borough Hall   6.45-7.45
How my Family Story  became a Book
20 May  - Bishop Auckland U3A, Bishop Auckland Town Hall   10.00-11.00
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
20 May -  Windy Nook History Group   6.00-7.00
“Hannah’s Daughter”
22 May - Framwellgate Moor & Pity Me Local History Group   7.30-8.30
Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century
28 May - Northumberland & Durham Family History Society  1.30-2.30
                 Consett Branch
 “Hannah’s Daughter”
17 June - Fulwell Women’s Institute, Fulwell Library, Sunderland   7.00-8.00
 Women of The Durham Coalfield in the 19th Century

Email me for more details margaret@pastuncovered.co.uk

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Margaret Hedley MA (History), B.Ed (hons)
email: margaret@pastuncovered.co.uk
Telephone: 07977 546332
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