Sal Madge: A Whitehaven character still remembered

SAL Madge of Whitehaven died in 1899 but she's still known by most Whitehaven folk. Until recently there was even a pub named after her in the town. Most will say she was a woman who worked down the mines but in fact she only worked most of her life at the collieries. This was at the time that the government were at last bringing an end to the practice of women and children working down the mines. Sal became something of a cause celebre and was featured in national magazines and newspaper articles. As a 'tom boy' who indulged in Cumberland wrestling, drinking beer and other male pursuits, she cut an unusual figure about town. But she was well-loved and hundreds watched her funeral cortege pass through the streets to Whitehaven cemetery.