SHON O’R LAN (John of the Lan)

Shon is Abraham’s father, a bit of a philosopher and a man of strong views. He and his son can’t agree about the promotion Abraham has accepted. Shon believes in progress and argues, like his grandson, for the role of unions as the only way to improve miners’ lives. The disaster at the Lan breaks Shon – he loses his only son. He has saved towards his own funeral, but gives the money to Jemima to ensure Abraham has a proper burial regardless of the inquest verdict. Even though he is in pain, we see Shon working to bring the family back together as he tries to help John understand his father.