This book surveys the social history of British coalminers and their families in the 19th century. Benson examines the homes in which the miners lived; the conditions in which they worked; and the way in which they were paid, spent their money, and looked after their families.

The Penny Capitalists

by John Benson

Published 1 January 1983
This work examines the virtually ignored subject of working-class enterpreneurial activity during the 19th and early 20th centuries. By using a wide variety of oral and other evidence, the author shows that, far from being destroyed by urban industrial development, penny capitalism remained a widespread and vital part of working-day life. He shows that the survival of penny capitalism has major implications for the understanding of some of the most important issues under discussion in labour and social history.