Miners union badge, associated with Whitehaven

Miners union badge, associated with Whitehaven.

How can this be so if the item is listed as late 18th century?

Were mining unions in existence at this time?

Details

Category:
Coal Mining
Collection:
Lancashire Coal Mining Collection
Object Number:
Y2002.19.99
Measurements:
25 mm,
type:
trade union badge
credit:
Gift of Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Parts

Group of 26 plastic miner's deployment checks

Group of 26 plastic miner's deployment checks, in white, green, red and blue

Measurements:
26 mm x 37 mm
Object Number:
Y2002.19.99.1
type:
deployment check
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Musuem