It was the first national walkout since 1926 - and it was a major showdown between the NUM and Ted Heath’s Tory Government.
The 1972 strike crippled the country across January and February as picket lines were put in place, coal supplies dwindled, and the Government declared a state of emergency.
As temperatures plunged and snow fell, the strike impacted on every aspect of our lives – even the floodlights couldn’t go on at football games without official sanction.
These pictures from our archive capture different aspects of one of the great industrial disputes of our time.
17. Miners' strike 1972
A Prestonpans miner carries logs to an OAP's home when coal stocks started to run low. Photo: T S
18. Miners' strike 1972
Bilston Glen coal mine/pit during the miners' strike in January 1972. Photo: Ian Brand
19. Miners' strike 1972
Miners march along Princes Street in Edinburgh during their pay dispute with the Government which led to power cuts and factories laying off thousands of workers. Photo: George Smith
20. Miners' strike 1972
Old people at Dalry House warming up with candles. Photo: Bill Stout