In 921, in response to a severe depression in the coal trade, colliery owners, supported by the government, slashed labour costs.

Refusing to accept this cut in wages, a million British miners, including many war veterans, were locked out of their pits.

The consequences for the 6,000 Forest of Dean miners, their families and the whole community, was brutal. However, the miners fought a determined battle for an alternative which included public ownership of the mines with decent pay and conditions.

In God’s Beautiful Sunshine, Ian Wright tells the story of the miners’ extraordinary resilience in their struggle for a better life.