Ar wer freetened

This bronze plaque is one of several in the entrance to the former Earth Centre between Conisbrough and Denaby Main, Yorkshire. This was also the entrance to the former Cadeby Colliery.

The poem tells of the feelings of a young lad as he descends the shaft of a coal mine for the very first time to start work on his first underground shift. I still remember my first time too, even after 42 years.

Translation, for those not familiar with South Yorkshire dialect:

I was frightened and cold, just fourteen years old
As we dropped like a stone into (the) dark.
With my snap tin* and lamp, and clothes like a tramp,
Well, I knew this was real - and no place to lark**.

* a metal sandwich container, shaped like a slice of bread, which could be strapped to your belt.
** to lark = to mess around, to behave foolishly or irresponsibly.