2-888-295 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Tenantry and Pitmen assembling at "The Towers", at Poynton, [Cheshire], 1850. Celebration on the Vernon family estate, of Augustus Henry Venables-Vernon attaining his majority (the age of 21). 'The original abode of the family was castellated, as is evidenced by the two remaining towers...The principal site of these festivities was Poynton, about five miles distant from Stockport, where, in the immediate neighbourhood of the old family mansion, lie the valuable "Poynton and Worth Collieries"...The Poynton colliers are now a very superior class of men to their fellow-labourers in some other parts of the kingdom. Lord Vernon has provided them with comfortable brick-built cottages, and the day's labour is only eight hours. The average wages of the Poynton colliers is about 24s[hillings]. per week, though some of the more industrious frequently earn 30s'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.