AS coal-mining companies tightened their belts and frequently collapsed, there was no room for sentiment. Ancient records were simply thrown away.

In the Forest of Dean — an area peppered with pits — just two sets of minute books are believed to have survived the carnage of closures. They throw a fascinating light on Forest mining and will form the backbone of a talk to members of the Forest of Dean Local History Society on Saturday.

“It is probable that most records were simply destroyed as companies folded,” says local historian Ian Pope.

“We are fortunate that two sets of minute books, telling much of the story of the collieries operated by Henry Crawshay and Co, have survived. They detail the three Cinderford giants, Lightmoor, Eastern and Northern.

“I suspect they were copies held by a solicitor. Fortunately, when they came up for auction at Bristol they were spotted and purchased by local historian David Bick, of Newent. They are now held at the Gloucester archives,” he says .

Mr Pope, a vice-president and former chairman of the history society, says the books give an insight into the day-to-day operations of the collieries as well as some of the wheeling and dealing carried out within the coal trade and the board room.

They also cover details of some of Crawshay’s other Forest interests and these will also be mentioned where they interact with the collieries.

Mr Pope’s talk will be given at the West Dean Centre, Bream, on Saturday and will follow the society’s annual general meeting which takes place at 2.30pm. Visitors are welcome.