04-07-2025
Gatehouse author's new book looks at life of children in mining community
Claire Pepper has released James and Ann Children of a Lead Miner, 1841, which tells the story of two children who lived in Leadhills.
A Gatehouse author's new book looks at the home life of two children who lived in a mining community.
Claire Pepper has released James and Ann Children of a Lead Miner, 1841, which tells the story of two children who lived in Leadhills.
It follows on from the success of her previous book Mary Ann Mackenzie A Highland Schoolgirl, 1895, which shared details of life in a remote crofting community in the 19th century.
Claire, a retired teacher, extensively researched the lives of children in Leadhills in the 1840s with the support of The Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead who checked the book for its historical accuracy.
She said: 'Childhood did not last long for many boys and girls in the mining community of Leadhills in the 1840s. Boys as young as eight left school to work at the local lead mine earning a few pennies a week to help their families survive.
'Through exploring the world of James Mitchell, a real boy, aged 12, , this book reveals the hidden lives of the children who worked in the Scottish lead mines in the mid-nineteenth century; an untold story that had almost vanished with time.
'Life was equally hard and unforgiving for Ann, James' sister, aged 10, who faced the prospect of leaving school early to work long hours at home embroidering fancy clothes for the wealthy.
'The embroidery, known as Ayrshire white work, employed many girls and unmarried young women in Leadhills. Ann's last day at school gives a unique glimpse into the education offered to many children, especially girls, from working class homes in early Victorian society.
'Far removed from childhood as we know it today, the lives of these children deserve to be recognised and valued as an important part of the history and heritage of Scotland as successfully achieved by this book.'
Claire's series of books aims to preserve the lives of children from times gone by making a valuable contribution to the rich history and heritage of Scotland.
Kathryn Linsell, a trustee of The Museum of lead Mining, said: 'Claire has identified an important area of Scottish history that is poorly recorded. It must not be lost.'
The publication of James and Ann Children of a Lead Miner, 1841 was funded by The Strathmartine Trust and Bell & Bain, one of the oldest printers in the UK, kindly sponsored the printing.
It is available from most local independent bookshops, A' The Arts Community Centre in Sanquhar; The Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead; Gem Rock Museum, Creetown; Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum and Dumfries Museum.
It can also be ordered directly from Claire at scottishchildrenpast@
