Time to Play?
By the time the ironstone mines opened in the 1850s, it had become illegal for children under 10 to work underground. By the end of the century, children under 12 were required to go to school instead of work.
Helping at home
The miners’ children still didn’t have much time to play. Girls had to help their mothers at home, and boys worked with their fathers on their allotments.
Toys and games
The children’s toys were often homemade, like peg or rag dolls, wooden trains and kites. Favourite games included hopscotch, ‘jacks’, marbles and skipping.
Health hazards
Childhood diseases like whooping cough and measles were common, and poorer families could not afford to go to the doctor. In 1912, eleven children died during an outbreak of diphtheria at Brotton School.
What is in this case?
- Calculating ruler Tools like this school ruler were expensive and often had to be shared between classes. Children also wrote with chalks on slate, which was cheaper than paper and pencils.
- The Yacht Race board game Families have been playing with board games for generations. The aim of this 1900s game was to get your boat across the finish line first.
- Child’s helmet 1900s Young boys usually began working in the ironstone mines as Trappy Lads, operating doors in the tunnels to keep the air flowing safely. It was a lonely job sitting in the cold and dark.
- Toy horse Horses were a familiar sight for Victorian children, so toy horses and homemade hobby horses were popular. Few mining families could afford to buy their children an expensive rocking horse. (Kirkleatham Museum Loan)
- Toy truck Children have been playing with toy cars and trucks ever since motor vehicles were first invented. (Kirkleatham Museum Loan)
- Wooden cradle Many toys, like this doll’s cradle, were homemade. They were often passed down through many generations of children. (Kirkleatham Museum Loan)
- School bell In 1880 a law was passed that all children aged between five and ten had to go to school. Even so, one in five boys and girls went to work to help support their families instead.
- School copybook These books were used to teach the children handwriting. The words were often verses from the Bible.