A laborer in early coal mines tasked with pulling or pushing heavy corves or tubs of cut coal through low, narrow underground roadways. Hurriers often wore a harness and chain to drag the loads on their hands and knees where the roof was too low to stand. The role was phased out as mechanized haulage and strict labor laws were introduced.
The records show my great-grandfather worked as a hurrier pulling tubs in the seam before he was ten.
Also heard as
- putter
- drawer
Related terms
Corf
A large, traditional basket made of hazel or wicker used to haul coal out of early mines.
Tub
An open-topped container or small rail car used to hoist mined material up a shaft.
Putter
A historic mine worker who pushed loaded coal tubs from the face to the main haulage road.
Wagoner
A traditional worker who pushed or drove loaded mine cars from the face to the shaft.