

Shallow coal mines like this one near Broseley, Shropshire, pictured here in 1788, were unable to mine enough coal to satisfy rising demand.
Image: Science Museum / SSPL
Coal
Coal was a new alternative fuel. But shallow coal mines were quickly exhausted and attempts to mine the deeper, richer coal seams were defeated by flooding.
One contemporary writer stated that 'Were it not for water, a colliery might be called a gold mine to purpose.' The Newcomen engine removed the flood water, and helped miners win more coal from deeper levels.
What impact did using Newcomen's engine have?



