A Lad from Featherstone

  Part 1: 1930 – 1948. Like many surrounding areas, Featherstone grew around coal mining. Coal had been mined at Featherstone since the 13th century and remains of bell pits can still be seen to the north of Park Lane at North Featherstone. In 1848, the opening of the Wakefield, Pontefract and Goole railway line through Featherstone provided the basis for large scale coal mining in Featherstone, by opening up new markets in the South of England and Europe. Featherstone Main Colliery was opened in 1866, followed by Ackton Hall Colliery in 1873 Wallace Lambert and wife Mary give birth to their first child, Clifford, on 30 th January 1930. In 1937 Wallace joins Acton Hall Colliery and the family – two younger sisters – move into a two up two down home at 9 Robins Terrace Featherstone. No hot water, tin bath on the wall outside and a loo in the yard. It was rough and tough. Robbins Terrace VE day.  VE day party back of Robbins Terrace featherstone, Cliff Lambert, bottm extream right,