This photograph was taken in around 1910 behind the long row on the Upper Race near Pontypool in Gwent and is a rare chance to see two colliers above ground in day light. It is thought that they were two brothers by the name of Pearce who worked in Blaendare level just above the Glyn Pits. One is sharpening his hatchet while the other is holding a pick. These miners were among the hard working men, who with their tools, cut a place in the coal mining history of Pontypool and its surrounding districts. Note the Clogs with steel toe caps, these were used in the iron and coal industry and were important for the feet to have protection from hot iron and when underground a safeguard against falling stones etc.
