But one of the longest industrial actions in history would not be forgotten by the communities across Sunderland, Durham and South Tyneside who lived through it all.
Today, we are looking back on photographic memories from a year of unrest which had a profound effect on communities.
From marching miners to picket lines, food parcels and the behind the scenes supporters, we have it all in these Sunderland Echo archive scenes.
5. Arthur Scargill at Easington
NUM leader Arthur Scargill, second right in the front row, chuckles while visiting Easington in July 1984. | se Photo: SE
6. A helping hand from the Echo
Wearmouth miners' wives Jan Ellison and Carol Bradley (centre) are pictured receiving gifts of toys, food hampers, and money from Sunderland Echo staff (left to right): Frank Nicholson, Carol Roberton, Clive Collinson and Alan Bell | se
7. An Easington scene
Easington miners were pictured during a demonstration in the middle of October 1984. | se
8. Pictured at the F pit lodge
Some of the pickets who were pictured outside the F Pit Museum in Washington in a photo from March 1984. | se