↓Skip to main content

Mining

Coal was mined in Northumberland from the medieval period, and the coalfield expanded quickly through the nineteenth century as waggonways and then railways carried coal to the staiths at Blyth and the harbour at Amble.

Some Besfords emigrated from the UK to Australia to work in mining. David Besford left Choppington for Victoria in 1925, and his brother Thomas followed from the Kent coalfield to Wonthaggi in 1928.

David Besford (1863–1954)

David Besford was born at Cowpen Colliery, where he began work aged 12. His work as a Methodist lay preacher led him to meet his wife.

George Besford (1893–1966)

George Besford was born in Amble, Northumberland. He lost his leg in the Battle of the Somme, and later worked in the lamp cabin at Woodhorn Colliery, Ashington.

Harry Hornsby (1909–1992)

Henry Charles Deamster Hornsby was a wireless engineer and amateur radio enthusiast, who served with the Royal Air Force in the Middle East.

David Besford (1897–1991)

David Besford was injured fighting in the First World War. He and his family emigrated from the UK to Australia in 1925, where he worked as a mines inspector.

Alexander Sanderson Besford (1901–1992)

Alexander Sanderson Besford was a miner, and a member of the Salvation Army at Ashington, where he played in their brass band. He was also, like his father David Besford, a Methodist lay preacher.

Thomas Besford (1899–1994)

Thomas Besford was born at Chevington Crescent, Northumberland. He was a miner who first relocated with his family to Kent, and then in 1928 to Australia.

George Bestford (1897–1968)

George Bestford was born at Bensham, Gateshead. He served in the First World War, and later moved to Pretoria where he joined the South African Police.

John Besford (1879–1946)

John Besford was the son of Thomas Besford his second wife Isabella Besford (née Oliver). He died in a mining accident at Hartford Colliery.