Steve Hartley has long been researching local history and genealogy but his interest in the Yorkshire Coiners gang was sparked by the knowledge that he is the direct descendant of the gang leader, 'King David' Hartley. He has been investigating the true story of the gang in the national and local archives for many years and runs the Yorkshirecoiners.com website which is an online resource for those wishing to learn about the coiners and their activities.