Archibald Hood
Archibald Hood | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 1823 Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Died | 27 October 1902 Cardiff, Wales |
| Occupation(s) | Mining engineer, coal proprietor |
| Years active | Mid-19th century – early 20th century |
| Known for | Industrial development of the Rhondda Valley; development of Barry Docks; founder of Glamorgan Coal Company; Lothian Coal Company |
Archibald Hood (June 1823 – 27 October 1902) was a Scottish mining engineer and coal proprietor who played a crucial role in the industrial development of the Rhondda Valley. The son of a colliery supervisor, Hood initially established himself as a prominent coalowner in Scotland before extending his operations to Llwynypia, South Wales.
Early background
Hood was born in June 1823 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. After his mother passed away, he was brought up by his father, who worked as a colliery foreman. At the age of thirteen, Hood began working in his father’s colliery and by seventeen had qualified as a mining engineer following his father’s promotion.[1]
In 1856, Hood expanded his enterprise by leasing Whitehill Colliery located at Rosewell, Midlothian, which belonged to Archibald Primrose, 4th Earl of Rosebery. His effective management at Rosewell led to control over several nearby mines including those at Carrington, Midlothian and Polton, where he also extended railway infrastructure.[2] Committed to improving worker conditions, Hood constructed housing with gardens for miners and made Rosewell his home at Rosedale house.[1]
Expansion into Wales
In 1860, Hood entered the Ely Valley Coal Company based in Tonyrefail, Rhondda, during a period of rapid coal industry growth. He purchased Gilfach House in Gilfach Goch and rebranded the business as the Glamorgan Coal Company in 1862.[1] By 1863, after securing local mineral rights, he commenced sinking a pit at Llwynypia, reaching significant coal seams by 1865.[1] The Llwynypia mine attracted numerous Scottish workers and became known for producing superior quality coke. Hood permanently moved to Wales in 1867, residing at 'Sherwood' in Cardiff, while still maintaining ownership of Rosedale.[1]
Following his Scottish model, Hood provided miners with garden homes—referred to as 'Scotch Houses'—and established educational amenities such as a miners' institute equipped with a library and swimming facilities.[3]
During the 1880s, Hood emerged as a leading proponent for constructing a new railway line to Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, aiming to challenge the dominance of the Taff Vale Railway and Cardiff Docks. Partnering with industrialist David Davies, he helped develop Barry Docks, which opened in 1889. After Davies passed away in 1890, Hood assumed the role of deputy chairman of the Barry Railway Company, managing further line expansions and overseeing construction of Barry’s second dock.[4]
Although relocated to Wales, Hood continued to expand his Scottish interests. In 1890, he combined Whitehill Colliery with the Newbattle pits owned by Schomberg Kerr, 9th Marquess of Lothian, creating the Lothian Coal Company.[2] His son James Hood (1859–1941) took on the position of general manager there and returned to Scotland to supervise operations.
Passing
Archibald Hood passed away in Cardiff on 27 October 1902. To honor his contributions, his workforce raised over £600 to commission a memorial statue. This 7ft 6inch bronze figure was installed outside Llwynypia Library opposite his colliery and unveiled in July 1906 by William Abraham (Mabon). It was notably the first public statue erected within the Rhondda.
Bibliography
External links
- The Gazetteer for Scotland Profile of Archibald Hood
- The Rhondda.co.uk Biography of Archibald Hood
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