The origins of Colliery Banners

From the middle of the nineteenth century the banners were used to unify and rally the communities in the coalfield. 
They were illustrated on each side with portraits of mining leaders, Labour Party politicians and mining related scenes. 
These were often accompanied by religious texts from the bible or other words depicting union principles and mining related themes.
For well over 100 years the principal event when the miners banners have been paraded has been the Durham Miners Gala, held traditionally in Durham City on the second Saturday in July. 
The first Durham Miners Gala being held in 1871 at Wharton Park and subsequently held on the Racecourse on the riverside at Durham City. 
At this event the Miners Lodge Banners were paraded through the streets of the city, each banner being preceded by a brass band. 
Together with the local union (lodge) officials, other miners and their families from that colliery following behind. 
If during the previous year from the last Gala any miner had been killed at the colliery the banner was paraded draped with black crepe.
The banner was usually paraded through the streets of the mining village before leaving for Durham and also when returning.