Wood collier

[woofas]

Can anyone explain the term "wood collier" please. I have found a number of forefathers with this occupation in the Monmouth & Forest of Dean area

[Peter Goodey]

Just Google on "Forest of Dean" and miners or mining.

[woofas]

Followed your tip & tried Google. Got no luck with miner/mining so dropped it and put in wood collier.
A wood collier was a labourer (or an apprentice) to a master charcoal burner. Apparently charcoal burning was a highly skilled art and obviously common in the Forest of Dean area.