coal-hole-covers

Coal-Hole Covers Coal-hole covers were commonly found in the pavement and the side of houses from the early 1800s to the middle of the 1900s. They were metal and were used to cover the hole to the cellar or coal bunker. This allowed coal to be delivered directly into the storage area without delivery men or dirty coal sacks having to enter the property. They are fastened from the inside to stop people lifting them up.

They were usually round and about 35cm in diameter. Some of them were quite plain but some have intricate patterns including glass work. Some also had holes in them to allow for ventilation to the cellar. They were quite a common sight when more houses used coal as their main fuel. With the introduction of gas, oil and electricity for heating, the demand for coal declined and the decorative covers were no longer required. However there are still some in place today.

We’re trying to collect pictures of coal hole covers as part of our latest special exhibition, The Hidden Lives of the Coal Traders. If you know of a decorative coal-hole cover, send us a picture.

Send pictures via Twitter to @NCMME or by email to education@ncm.org.uk. Use the QR code here to go straight to our Twitter page.