Many left the coal industry as soon as they could, many even left Britain, but the ones who stayed earned a lasting reputation for toughness and hard work. Even though they came from many countries they tend to be regarded as 'all Poles' by the Welsh miner. They married local girls and settled down; on their living room walls can often be found photographs of their children and grandchildren, who have been brought up as Welsh. Many of these have gained university degrees; some have won sporting honours for Wales.
In spite of their pride in their original homelands, most now regard themselves as Welsh. In turn, Wales should be proud of them and the part they have played in her history.
This article forms part of a magazine in the series 'Glo' produced by Big Pit: National Coal Museum. Download the complete magazine here:
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Obelisk, St Gallgo's church, Llanallgo RCAHMW
BLAENWAUNEIRCH, CROPMARK ENCLOSURE SE OF RCAHMW
CASTELL BRON-NIWL RCAHMW
Taboo/Voodoo, 1922 South Wales Miners' Library
Betws y Coed Maldimo52
ST CATHERINE'S FORT RCAHMW
TRE'R CEIRI FORT, LLANAELHAEARN RCAHMW
YNYS-Y-FYDLYN, PROMONTORY FORT RCAHMW
25 may 1876 second article Wales PA
Paul Robeson singing Ol' Man River South Wales Miners' Library
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