Welcome to the SGMRG Website
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South Gloucestershire has a rich and varied mining history. The earliest date of mining in the area is now lost in antiquity, but coal was used there until 1963. Other forms of open-cast mining continued later still. The remains of mining cover a vast area, which includes Bedminster, Bitton, Brislington, Bristol (Central), Bristol (South), Coalpit Heath, Cromhall, Downend, Easton, Frampton Cotterell, Hanham, Keynsham, Kingswood, Mangotsfield, Oldland Common, Pucklechurch, Rangeworthy, Siston, Stapleton, Troopers Hill, Warmley, Westerleigh, and Yate. Most of the mining was for coal, but ochre, celestine, iron, lead and stone were also mined in the area.
Local people set up the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group (SGMRG) to understand, record and, where appropriate, preserve the remains of what was once an extensive industry for the present community and future generations. SGMRG is a voluntary organisation that relies on grants and donations from local people. Our membership comprises archaeologists, surveyors, historians, engineers, cavers, and those interested in discovering more about what lies under their feet. We have regular meetings, walks, and talks and create opportunities to get involved in exploration, archaeology, and restoration work.
If you would like to join us, please visit our Membership page for further information.
Contact details for SGMRG key contacts are available on our Contact Us page.
SGMRG has tried to trace ownership and gain approval of those with rights to images or documents on this site. If you are the holder, for instance, of copyright on an item and we have been unable to trace you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Chairman via the Contact Us form so that you may be acknowledged and/or remedial action taken.
