FREEMINING

is an ancient mining custom, practised by people of the FOREST OF DEAN since
​​'TYME OUT OF MYNDE'
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​A Freeminer.

​A Freeminer by ancient custom and now statute, is a specific category of person born in the Forest of Dean area (specifically the Hundred of St Briavels) who qualifies for legal registration by the Crown under the 1838 Dean Forest Mines Act (see Today). The person must fulfil four strict conditions to be a Freeminer - see Today. Since at least medieval times, Freeminers provided invaluable services to the Crown, in return, the custom has been recognised and protected by every monarch. From 1838 Parliament codified the ancient custom into modern Statutes, to bring them into the present day. 

Gales.
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A Freeminer has the right to claim and work subsurface tracts of land granted by the Crown known as a gale. Gales are underground areas of land, within certain strata, throughout the Hundred of St Briavels. Since 1841, gales were given defined legal boundaries, shown by marker stones on the surface, with clear descriptions, shown on plans held by the galee and Deputy Gaveller.   When a gale is granted to a Freeminer, it contains a license to mine coal, iron ore or stone. Other minerals produced from the gale can be mined by the galee paying an improved royalty to the Crown. 

​Since 1924 the Crown's interest in the Forest of Dean has been managed by the Forestry Commission (now under DEFRA, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). Today the Forest of Dean is managed by the Forestry Commission, through their agency, Forestry England. 

Only a Freeminer can require a gale, but since 1838, a gale can subsequently be sold, willed or gifted to a non Freeminer and the new galee continues the original Freeminer's right to that gale. The custom and all mining or quarrying is overseen by the Gaveller through their Deputy Gaveller, who is specifically appointed to administer the 1838 Act.  

The Gaveller.

From Medieval times, the role of Gaveller was the Gift of the monarch, who would grant the position to their particular favorites. The Gaveller has oversight of mining in the Forest of Dean, and receives all mining revenues due to the king in return. Today the ancient position of Gaveller, along with Warden and Constable of St Briavels, is invested jointly into the Forestry Commissioners as a body, with revenue payable to His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors (the Treasury). The role of Deputy Gaveller has been recorded since 1464 and is the person representing the Gaveller, being their man on the ground; since 1838 the Deputy Gaveller's job is a statutory position. The Deputy Gaveller registers Freeminers, issues gales, collects royalties and ensures rules, regulations and laws applicable to the custom are followed.
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Freeminers today.

​​As well as practising the traditional mining custom, Freeminers hold their main meetings at the Speech House in the traditional centre of the Forest of Dean. Freemining was originally regulated by the miners themselves through their Mine Law Court held at convenient places either side of the Forest. From the 12th century, Freeminers held most of their Mine Law Courts at St Briavels Castle and Clearwell Court, overseen by Forest of Dean officials on behalf of the Crown. St Briavels Castle became the administrative centre for the Hundred with its own courts, until the Speech House was built in 1676, over 350 years ago. The Speech House was the King's lodge named for King Charles II, but built specifically to house the local courts, hence the name. Originally the main keeper's lodge, the building became leased by the Crown as a residence then a hotel; Freeminers’ meetings and Verderers courts are still held there. The last judicial Mine Law Court was held at the Speech House in 1777, even so, since the passing of the 1838 Dean Forest Mines Act, the custom under the Act is applied through Freeminer meetings held in the Forester's Room. There isn't a register showing when a Freeminer dies, but there are thought to be around 100 Freeminers alive today. Since 1984, non registered persons mining in the Forest of Dean, can apply to have Associate membership of the Freeminers Association. Only Freeminers can formally vote at meetings to give the views of Freeminers, but an indicative vote is taken first to reflect the views of the whole membership and help inform the Freeminer vote. 

​Currently there are five operating collieries, one iron mine and several small stone quarries working, so there are places for potential Freeminers to complete their ‘year and a day’ to qualify for registration. Freemining is learned on the job, through being a 'vern' (trainee/partner) working with a skilled miner. 
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Freemining future.

The Freeminers' Association were an important part of the successful Heritage Lottery (HLF) bid called the ‘Forester's Forest’, administered by Forestry England, with Freemining being a key part.

Through the HLF, the Association formed a Community Interest Company (Freemining Futures CIC) to support training and provide equipment, helping this unique ancient custom continue into the future.

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