FREEMINING

is an ancient mining custom,
​practised in the FOREST OF DEAN since ​'TYME OUT OF MYNDE'

For as long as there have been people living between the Rivers Severn and Wye, they have been extracting useful minerals from the ground beneath their feet. Tools found at ancient mine sites, show there has been mining in the Forest of Dean from prehistoric times. This is probably the origin of the mining customs. Ochre, iron and coal mining by local operators was well established by the time of Roman occupation of the area. From Crown records, we know Forest of Dean mining skills were valued by medieval kings, they were often taken on campaigns, around the country, to Scotland and France, even to the extent the king might ask for certain Freeminers by name. The Forest of Dean became one of the most important coal and iron mining districts of Britain. It's from the early medieval period that the first known written records of Freemining customs begin.

Gales.
​
A Freeminers' holding, or area to work, is known as a gale. Gales are  an area of land below the surface, granted to a Freeminer by the Crown,  with the right to mine coal, iron ore, stone and other specified minerals. ​Today Freemining is regulated by the Dean Forest (Mines) Act 1838. Since then gales are defined on maps, under supervision of the Gaveller (gift of the Crown - now represented by the Forestry Commissioners) and their Deputy Gaveller. The Deputy Gaveller's role is recorded from 1464, but since 1838 the position has become a statutory one; collecting Crown royalties and ensuring rules, regulations and laws applicable to the Freemining custom are followed. 
​
Freeminers today.

​​As well as practising traditional mining, Freeminers hold their meetings at the Speech House in the traditional centre of the Forest of Dean. From the 12th century, Freeminers held Mine Law Courts at St Briavels Castle, which became the administrative centre for the Hundred, until the Speech House was built in 1676, almost 350 years ago. The Speech House was the 'King's Lodge,' built to house local courts, hence the name. The Crown leases out the building as a hotel, but Freeminer's meetings and Verderers' courts are still held there. The last judicial Mine Law Court was held at the Speech House in 1777, even so, the Freeminers' Association continues to hold important meetings there, 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.

​Currently there are six 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.  

Freemining future.

The Freeminers' Association were an important part of the successful Heritage Lottery bid, administered by Forestry England, with Freemining and Commoning being key parts.  

In conjunction with the Heritage Lottery grant, the Freeminers' Association are encouraging new (and  particularly younger) people to become involved, to learn local mining skills, and create more opportunities for passing on this unique tradition.

If you are eligible to become a Freeminer, or as a person living locally, interested in becoming involved with this ancient tradition, please get in touch with the Association; see contact details above.

---