The Pitmen’s Requiem

The Pitmen’s Requiem by Peter Crookston, published by Northumbria Press in 2010, is a new edition that spans 177 pages in English. This book presents a dual narrative that intertwines the history of the Great Northern Coalfield’s decline with the biography of Robert Saint, a Durham miner who composed the miners’ hymn “Gresford.” It explores the historical and social factors that contributed to the mining industry’s downturn in Britain, providing a detailed account of the events surrounding the tragic explosion at Gresford Colliery in 1934.

Readers will find a thorough examination of how a local memorial piece evolved into an internationally recognized hymn, alongside interviews and reports that highlight the profound changes in the lives of mining families as collieries closed. The book delves into themes of biography, music, and historical context, offering insights into the impact of technology and engineering on the mining sector. This chronicle not only commemorates the 256 men and boys lost in the Gresford disaster but also reflects on the broader implications of the mining industry’s decline in Great Britain.