Conditions in Victorian coal mines shocked victorian England, particularly when it was discovered that topless young girls co worked with naked men.

My family in medieval times were squires. My grandparents in Yorkshire worked in these conditions. What I've inherited from it is a very strong back.

It's a fascinating time, and a commission was formed by queen victoria to look into it.

This may interest some.

http://www.victorianweb.org/history/ashley.html