Matthew Tate

Matthew Tate (1837-1920) was an English poet and songwriter, who spent much of his adult life working as a coal miner and living in Blyth, Northumberland.

Early life Matthew Tate was born on 5 September 1837 in Benton Square, Benton, Newcastle. His family were miners as were many of their antecedents.

He began writing seriously in 1854 when only 17 years old. In 1874, He published his first book of poetry, followed later by "Poems, Songs and Ballads by Matthew Tate". He was also a contributor to the arts sections of the local newspapers and periodicals. He lived all his life in Northumberland. He lived in Waterloo, Blyth for many years.

Works These include :-

Collections

A book entitled "Stray Blossom" published c1874 A book of 184 pages entitled "Poems, songs and ballads by Matthew Tate" published 1898 and printed by Alder & Co., Ridley Street, Blyth. This book begins with a story of conditions in the mines and also contained "The Hartley Pit Disaster."

Songs and poems

The Fore Shift, appears in Allan's Illustrated Edition of Tyneside Songs on page 566 the copy is a cutting from an unidentified publication dated 7 October 1893 The Hartley Pit Disaster – a poem about the tragic events of 1862 when over 200 miners were killed