Timberman

The tradesman responsible for setting and maintaining pit props, roof supports, ladderways and other timber structures underground.

Historical usage

A timberman was called for wherever a working place needed support the existing structure didn't provide: when a deputy or fireman found bad roof conditions -- traditionally checked by 'sounding' it with a stick -- timbermen were sent in to set more props before work could resume. British coalfield practice split the trade into several named specialisms rather than one universal title: a cogman cut and built timber 'cogs' or chocks to support the roof, a chock drawer (or prop drawer, timber drawer) had the more dangerous job of withdrawing timber once the coal face had advanced past it and it was no longer needed, and a cog cutter sawed and shaped the timber itself to size. 'Timberman' served as the general term covering this whole family of trades, and in larger 20th-century collieries a head timberman or timber boss supervised the gang.

Why it was used

Roof and side support was the single most important safety measure underground, and setting it correctly demanded real skill: too little support risked a fall, too much wasted timber and restricted working space, and a badly-set prop could give way exactly when it was needed most.

Risks & limitations

The work was itself dangerous by nature -- setting a prop meant working directly under ground that had already been identified as unsafe, and drawing timber once a face had advanced meant deliberately removing support from ground that could fall at any moment.

Sources

1. (secondary) 047 — Other Workers Below Ground — Dictionary of Old Occupational Terms (DOOT)
2. (secondary) Spraggers and Sunshine Lamps — IUP Libraries Coal Mining History Archives

Record created: 29 August 2026 · Last researched: 30 August 2026