Hi, My Grandfather (William Webster 1885-1952) worked at the Shipley Collieries, Derby 1905 until about September 1907, he lived with family in Cotmanhay, Ilkeston, Derbyshire when he was working as a miner. I believe my Great Grandfather (Thomas Webster) also worked there. I have been trying to research the family because my Grandfather passed away before I was born. William's parents were Thomas and Sarah. William and his family moved to Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA. In 1930 he was a garage mechanic.

My Great Uncle (Joseph Webster), lived at 227 Nottingham Rd., Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

If anyone has any information on the Webster's from Cotmanhay, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, please contact me.   

I would appreciate any information on a reputable source to contact about getting information on the Webster family because I am planning a trip there.

thanks for any help,

Chris Webster

I have attached a work reference from 1908 that my Grandfather got from Shipley Collieries, I thought this my be helpful in trying to find a relative and also that the miners website might like to post it on their website since it is an official document which I found pretty amusing in the reference description of his qualities, regards, Chris.

Two sites that may be of interest are the Heanor History Society, this has a section on local collieries. Scroll down to the bottom of the home page and there is a link to the society’s forum with a section devoted to mining.

And the Ilkeston and District Local History Society, which would include Cotmanhay - Family History Section