Coal hole definitions
| Word backwards | laoc eloh |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | coal hole - coal hole |
| Plural | The plural of the word "coal hole" is "coal holes." |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (3) | o,a,e |
| Consonants (3) | c,l,h |
Coal Hole: A Fascinating Piece of Urban History
Hidden beneath the bustling streets of cities like London, you may find a unique reminder of a bygone era - the coal hole. These small, circular openings in the pavement were once essential for delivering coal directly into the basements of homes and businesses.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, coal was a primary source of energy for heating and cooking. Coal deliveries were a regular occurrence, and the coal hole provided a convenient access point for coal merchants to deposit their goods.
The Design and Function of Coal Holes
Usually made of cast iron, coal holes were designed to be strong and durable. A small door or cover would be fitted into the pavement, allowing easy access to the coal chute below. Some coal holes featured decorative designs, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
Once the coal was delivered, residents or employees could open the door, allowing the coal to be dropped directly into the basement below. This saved time and effort compared to carrying each load through the building.
The Decline and Preservation of Coal Holes
As coal usage declined and alternative energy sources became more popular, the need for coal holes diminished. Many were filled in or covered over during renovation projects, with newer buildings no longer incorporating these unique features.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving these pieces of urban history. Some cities have made efforts to protect and restore remaining coal holes, recognizing their significance as a reminder of a past way of life.
Exploring the streets of cities like London can reveal hidden gems like coal holes, offering a glimpse into the past. These small but fascinating pieces of urban infrastructure serve as a tangible link to a time when coal was king.
Next time you walk down a city street, keep an eye out for these unassuming circular openings. They may seem insignificant at first glance, but they hold a rich history just waiting to be discovered.
Coal hole Examples
- The coal hole in the backyard needed to be covered before the winter storms arrived.
- She accidentally dropped her keys down the coal hole while trying to unlock the basement door.
- The historic house had a decorative iron grate covering its coal hole.
- The coal hole was originally used for delivering coal to the furnace in the basement.
- The children liked to play a game of tossing pebbles into the coal hole to see who could get the closest.
- It was common in older homes to have a coal hole chute leading directly from the street to the basement for coal deliveries.
- The cat disappeared into the coal hole and had to be rescued by the owner.
- The coal hole cover was painted bright red to make it more visible in the dark alley.
- He found an old newspaper dating back to the 1920s stuffed in the coal hole under the porch.
- The city inspector noted that the coal hole needed repairs to ensure safety for pedestrians walking by.