A questioner said:

Not sure how to describe it… almost looks like a miniature pull-cord coming out of my ceiling on a chain. House is an old miner’s cottage dating back to at least the 1940s.

More info: It’s about 2-3 inches wide and protrudes about 3 inches. Not entirely sure what it’s made from, only that it seems hollow when I tap it. I know my house used to be 2 houses and my bedroom is next to the bathroom if that’s any relevance. I’ve asked a few people and nobody has a clue. One person suggested it was something to do with a tv aerial but I highly doubt that.

Some of the answers:

1. Looks like a ceiling light switch – missing the pull cord.
2. Yes. Bed used to be underneath it.
3. This seems plausible, given that the bathroom is next door and also has a pull cord. And I know my house used to be 2 houses so my room could have maybe been a bathroom?
4. In older homes pull cords were also put over the beds so you could switch on/off the light without getting out of the bed.
5. This switch over the bed and the other switch by the door would be wired for two-way switching, so you could switch on or off from either place.

   Judging by its shape, the dome and pattress would be made of porcelain, and probably date from the 1940s or earlier. Having replaced and dismantled many of these over the years, I wouldn’t expect to find any asbestos in its structure, but I can’t answer for the Artex (vile stuff!).

6. Why did we ever get rid of those? How convenient!
7. They probably lost popularity when it became feasible to have multiple lamps in a room.

   Pull cord switches are convenient but also relatively fragile.

   We also have The Clapper now, lol.

8. Still very popular in Irish bathrooms. No chance of getting electrocuted
9. The UK too, part of the raft of electrical standards that emerged from the post-war rebuilding committees that were set up circa 1940. Same thing that gave us the three-pin plug, the standardised bayonet cap and the ring main.
   Presumably post-Emergency Ireland adopted similar standards on the ground that if somebody else had already done the hard work and was making the parts it would be rude not to benefit.
10. Why are these no longer a thing?!
11. Went out of fashion I guess. There are still some suppliers that have them in their catalog, but have not seen one used in this way in any recent home.
12. Because they cost extra money to install, which impacts the CEO’s bonus.
13. Posher houses might also have had a second pull cord attached (via a complex cable system) to a bell in the kitchen for summoning a maid.
14. It’s a pull cord for a switch that has the cord gone now
15. I love that ceiling.
16. Pull cord for a light switch. Be careful with that, a lot of those old fittings used asbestos as an insulator.
17. Also the artex on it and around it has small amounts of asbestos in it.
18. It’s a pull-cord switch.

    It’s normal that they have a fixed portion of the cord (your chain) then a connector to which you attach the cord that you will actually pull. This means that when the cord gets damaged/dirty then it can be removed and replaced. The screw fitting you can see there at the end of the chain was quite a common connector.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment!

In the quaint, time-worn abodes of historic miner’s cottages, secrets often linger in the nooks and crannies, waiting to be discovered by curious inhabitants. Among these mysteries, one might stumble upon a peculiar sight – a miniature pull-cord dangling from the ceiling on a delicate chain, reminiscent of a forgotten era. But what purpose does this enigmatic contraption serve, and what tales does it hold within the walls of a house steeped in history dating back to the 1940s?

For those encountering such a sight, the initial reaction might be one of puzzlement or intrigue. Is it a relic of a bygone utility, a vestige of a forgotten function, or perhaps a charming yet obsolete ornamentation? The truth, as it often happens, lies in the rich tapestry of the past.

To understand the significance of this miniature pull-cord, one must journey back to the era when these miner’s cottages flourished, serving as humble abodes for those toiling beneath the earth’s surface in search of precious minerals. These cottages, characterized by their modest size and utilitarian design, were often equipped with rudimentary yet functional fixtures to aid the daily lives of their inhabitants.

In the case of the miniature pull-cord, its purpose becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of history. Such cords were commonly installed as part of a rudimentary alarm or signaling system, allowing miners to communicate with those above ground in times of need or emergency. Whether to indicate a collapse in the mineshaft, a medical emergency, or any other unforeseen circumstance, the pull-cord served as a lifeline, connecting the subterranean depths with the world above.

In addition to its practical function, the presence of the miniature pull-cord also speaks to the resilience and ingenuity of those who inhabited these cottages. In an era devoid of modern communication technology, such simple yet effective methods of signaling were essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of miners working in hazardous conditions.

As time passed and mining practices evolved, many of these signaling systems fell into disuse, replaced by more advanced technologies. Yet, remnants of the past, like the miniature pull-cord, continue to linger, serving as poignant reminders of bygone days and the lives lived within these historic walls.

For the current occupants of old miner’s cottages, encountering such relics can be both a source of fascination and a connection to the past. Each pull of the cord echoes with the stories of generations past, reminding us of the hardships endured and the camaraderie shared by those who called these cottages home.

So, the next time you find yourself gazing up at a miniature pull-cord suspended from the ceiling of an old miner’s cottage, take a moment to ponder its significance. In its humble form, it encapsulates a chapter of history, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And in unraveling its mystery, we gain a deeper appreciation for the lives and legacies woven into the fabric of these timeless dwellings.