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The History Of The Miners Lamp

Antique Welsh Miners Lamp CYMRU Original Old Miner's Brass Lantern 21cm

Antique Welsh Miners Lamp CYMRU Original Old Miner's Brass Lantern 21cm

Pre-1959
See Item

Uncover the fascinating history of the company that created the iconic Welsh miner's lamp.

Find out who founded the company, how it started, the purpose of the miner's lamp, its recognition, and the story of its decline.

E. Thomas and Williams Limited trade mark
Image: E. Thomas and Williams Limited trade mark.
Source: http://www.ethomasandwilliamsltd.com/index.php/company_history

Who Brought the Cambrian Lamp to Life?

E. Thomas & Williams Limited, founded in 1860 by Evan Thomas, was a prominent company in Wales, specializing in manufacturing Cambrian miners' lamps and other mining equipment.

How the Cambrian Lamp Company Started

The company began as a small workshop at Graig Street in Aberdare, Wales. Initially, they produced Cambrian miner's safety lamps primarily using a design that incorporated a flame safety mechanism.

The Cambrian safety lamp manufactory at Graig Street in Aberdare, Wales.
Image: The Cambrian safety lamp manufactory at Graig Street in Aberdare, Wales.
Source: http://www.ethomasandwilliamsltd.com/index.php/company_history

The Purpose of the Miners’ Lamp

These lamps used a special gauze or mesh around the flame to prevent the ignition of flammable gases often found in mines. The lamp worked by enclosing the flame in a fine mesh, preventing the spread of the flame to the surrounding environment and thus alerting miners to the presence of dangerous gases like methane.

A small selection of the many types of lamps produced by E. Thomas and Williams Limited in 1885.
Image: A small selection of the many types of lamps produced by E. Thomas and Williams Limited in 1885.
Source: http://www.ethomasandwilliamsltd.com/index.php/company_history

The Recognition and Legacy of the Cambrian Lamp

The company gained recognition for its commitment to safety in mining environments. Their safety lamps became widely used in the mining industry, earning the company a strong reputation for quality and reliability.

E. Thomas and Williams Limited and Mr. W.R. Donovan honoured by HRH Charles Prince of Wales.
Image: E. Thomas and Williams Limited and Mr. W.R. Donovan honoured by HRH Charles Prince of Wales.
Source: http://www.ethomasandwilliamsltd.com/index.php/company_history

The Decline of the Cambrian Miners’ Lamp

The company operated for over 136 years, but like many traditional industries, it faced challenges with the decline of coal mining and the shift towards alternative energy sources. Eventually, due to economic factors and changes in the mining industry, in 1996 E. Thomas & Williams Limited ceased production, marking the end of an era for this historic company.

Lewis Noah Williams (1845-1919).
Image: Lewis Noah Williams (1845-1919).
Source: http://www.ethomasandwilliamsltd.com/index.php/company_history

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