Lakeside Walk

Fortunes were made in many ways and there grew a huge contrast between the lives of ironmasters and those who worked in the heat of the furnaces. It was thirsty work and the only liquid which was safe to drink was beer. As was common at the time wages were paid in either the company stores or inns so much of the money went back to the masters. Drunkenness was part of life. In the coal mines there were places underground where horses could be used for pulling the drams but not everywhere. Children from the age of 11 were used and worked 12 hour shifts.