Bristol Mines St John Ambulance Brigade Rescue and Aid Detachment badge, awarded to A. Dolling

Coal mining in the Bristol area was first recorded in the 13th century. By 1750, there were over 140 collieries in and round Bristol, but by 1920 only five mines remained. The coal seams were narrow which made mining difficult and not profitable. Mining accidents and dangerous conditions were common, with some mines known for rock falls. The last colliery closed in 1963.