Trimdon Grange was on of the worst mine explosions of the nineteenth century. Seventy-four men were lost in a methane and carbon monoxide explosion in the mine on 16th February, 1872. Thomas Armstrong wrote this song shortly after the explosion, probably to raise money for the victims dependents.

This song was written by Thomas Armstrong and first printed in book-form in 1909. Known as the 'Pitman Poet', Armstrong was born at Shotley Bridge on 15th August, 1848. At the age of nine 'Tommy' commenced employment at East Tanfield Colliery where he suffered extreme pains to his legs, resulting in bowleggedness and as a consequence only ever grew to be five feet tall. Despite receiving very limited schooling Armstrong went on to chronicle the culture of Durham's mining families in some of the region's best loved songs. He penned his first song, 'The birth of the Lad' aged sixteen and over the years found his song writing abilities a valuable source of income for beer money and the support of his seventeen children. Writing during a period of extreme change in the mining industry Armstrong chronicled some of the worst strikes and accidents in the region's history in songs such as 'The Trimdon Grange explosion' and 'Oakey's keener'. A period spent in Durham gaol also proved a source of inspiration for the pitman and Tommy penned his famous song of the same name whilst serving a six month spell for alleged stealing. Thomas Armstrong remained in Tanfield for most of his life and died aged 71 around 1919. His son W.H. Armstrong went on to publish much of his father's work in small song collections such as this.

This song book first appeared in 1909 and was re-printed in 1930. This particular copy is a reprint of the 1930 edition, issued sometime after the death of Armstrong's son in 1953. It contains some of Armstrong's most popular songs and constitutes over 40 pages. Published by Noel Wilson, printers of Chester-Le-Street, a note in the preface reveals the popularity of the 1930 edition despite being published some ten years after Armstrong's death.