28th. October 1848
Ravenhead. (Galloway).
One man was reported to have been killed. St. Helens (Mining Journal)
Feb 1847.
T. Parr aged 11 years was killed in an explosion of firedamp.
13th. July 1852.
John Houghton was reported to have been killed by a fall of the roof. (Mines Inspectors Report)
10th. March 1853
T. Litherland was killed by a fall of the roof. (Mines Inspectors Report)
25th. January 1854.
James Rigby, a stoker, was crushed to death by the parallel motion of one of the engines. At the inquest into his death, it was stated that he was struck on the head as he was oiling the machines. (Mines Inspectors Report) (Wigan Observer) (Wigan Examiner)
18th. February 1854.
T. Large was killed by a fall of roof in the Higher Delf Mine. (Mines Inspectors Report)
22nd. September 1855.
PROSECUTIONS.
Nathaniel Mills, Peter Fyldes, Edward Gerard and Philip Masterson were brought before the magistrates charged with stealing a large quantity of brass from Bromilow’s foundry. John Cartwright, the storekeeper, said that he purchased 23lbs. of brass from the prisoners and found later it was stolen. It had come from the Ravenhead Colliery and was part of a much larger quantity stolen on the morning of the 27th. when the store was broken into. They were all committed for trial at the next Kirkdale Sessions. (Wigan Observer)
27th. July 1856.
John Borrows, a collier, was killed by a fall of the roof. The inquest into his death was held at the Navigation Inn when William Holden, the fireman and James Bradbury gave evidence. The place was in good order and they were ripping away the end where there was a fault in the roof. John Pennington and William Bibby were also slightly hurt. Borrows was found with a pick in his end and he left a wife and five children the eldest of which was 13 years and the youngest seven weeks. (St. Helens Standard) (Mines Inspectors Report)
24th. July 1856.
Thomas Boardman was killed by falling down the pit. At 9 a.m. on a Wednesday, he was the browman and was taking tubs to the pit eye and he fell 210 yards down the shaft and was badly mutilated. The inquest was at the Gerard Arms at Windle. (WE, (Mines Inspectors Report)
6th. April 1857.
Michael Weir, a drawer, was killed by a fall of the roof. (Mines Inspectors Report)
30th. January 1858.
William German was crushed about the head and body when a large stone fell on him while he was at work. It was reported that there were hopes for his recovery. His name does not appear in the Inspectors Report so it may be assumed that he did so. (St. Helens Intelligencer)
11th. February 1858.
Ralph Mercer aged 20 years, a drawer was killed by falling out of the cage while ascending the pit. On Thursday four colliers were being wound up the No.9 Pit when, near the top, Mercer fell out. His brother tried to grab him but he fell 160 yards and was killed. He was found mutilated with nearly all his bones broken. (Colliery Guardian) (St. Helens Intelligencer) (Mines Inspectors Report)
20th. August 1859.
John Parr aged 13 years, a drawer was killed by a fall of coal. The accident happened on Tuesday at 8 a.m. He lived in Dixons Road, Sutton. (Mines Inspectors Report) (St. Helens Intelligencer)
20th. August 1859.
It was reported that William Friar was also killed at the colliery. (St. Helens Intelligencer)
29th. December 1860.
There was an explosion of firedamp reported at the colliery in which Edward Lawrenson and John Appleton were severely burnt, the former about the head and the latter about the face. Lawrenson was paid and extra 2s. 6d. for acting as fireman. He died on the 21st. December. John Parr and John Pointer were also injured in the explosion. The inquest was held in December 1861 at the Navigation Inn in Sutton. On the morning of the explosion he examined the mine and a short time afterwards, he went in with a naked light with Jonathan Platt to measure a wall. Some gas had accumulated in a nook and the explosion took place when it fired at his naked light. The incident took place in the St. Sebastian Mine and the Inspector of Mines deprecated the management of the colliery for allowing colliers to act as firemen. (Colliery Guardian) (Wigan Observer) (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser) (Prescot Reporter) (Mines Inspectors Report)
19th. January 1861.
Henry Parr aged 13 years, a wagoner, was killed by a fall of roof in the Four Foot Mine. At the inquest, held by Mr. Driffield, Coroner, at the Queens Hotel it was heard that a large stone fell on him. The jury returned a verdict of ‘Accidental Death.’ (Mines Inspectors Report) (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
4th. May 1861.
Samuel Doncaster aged 21 years, a collier was killed while falling out of the cage while ascending the pit. The inquest was held at the house of Charles Whittle of Victoria Gardens, Sutton when it was heard that when the cage was at the top, he overbalanced by some means and fell down the shaft. The jury returned a verdict of ‘Accidental Death. (Colliery Guardian) (Wigan Observer) (Mines Inspectors Report) (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
21st. August 1861.
STEALING COALS.
A little girl was charged with stealing coal from the colliery. She was asked by a Police Constable what she was doing and she said that she would take it home and sell it. The parents were in court and wanted the girl sent away but she was given a severe reprimand and fined 5/- with costs. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
12th. February 1862.
William Roughley, a drawer was killed in an explosion of gas. The deceased was away from his workplace without permission and gas had not previously been seen in the workings. (Mines Inspectors Report)
21st. March 1862.
There was an accident at the pit causing the death of an underground worker Jonathan Platt aged 48 years, a dataller, in a blind or drop pit as he descended from the upper pit to the lower mine. The drop pit was used exclusively for lowering coal as an increased facility to take it to the surface. As he was halfway down, the rope broke and he fell 10 yards to the bottom and died soon afterwards. At the inquest which was held at the Victoria Hotel Thatto Heath, it was heard that the Inspector examined the rope after the accident and although it was a new rope it was found to be weak. It had not been fully inspected as it was used only to lower coal. The deceased had broken the rules and the Inspector urged the owners and management to enforce stronger rules. (St. Helens Standard) (Mines Inspectors Report)
22nd. December 1862.
At St. Helens Police Court, Elizabeth Holcroft wife of a smith at Sutton Sheds was charged with stealing eight pounds of coal. She promised not to do it again and was reprimanded and discharged. (St. Helens Standard)
22nd. May 1862.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT GROVES COLLIERY.
James Pennington, a collier aged 59 years of Walter Street, was injured when the cage came down and crushed him at the pit eye. Dr. Gaskell was sent for but the back and ribs of the men were injured and it was reported that ‘he lies in a precarious state’ He died as a result of his injuries. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
18th. October 1862.
John Barrow aged 26 years, a taker-off, was run over and killed at the foot of an incline underground. (Mines Inspectors Report)
8th. November 1862.
Thomas Rigby aged 16 years, a drawer, was killed by a fall of the roof. The inquest into his death was held at the Navigation Inn, Sutton when it was stated that he drew for his father, Edward. At the time of the accident, he and others were removing a quantity of rubbish from the workings which had not been used since the previous September. The underlooker stated that he gave orders to replace old and rotting timber and set new ones before work began. This they neglected to do and the roof fell. Thomas was smothered and his brother partly buried but was got out alive with assistance. a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was returned by the jury and the underlooker was severely admonished for not seeing that the work was done properly. (Colliery Guardian) (Mines Inspectors Report) (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
28th. October 1862.
There were reports of a stroke and a colliers meeting in the town. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
1st. October 1863.
George Billange aged 20 years, a drawer, was killed when a boiler burst at the colliery causing damage to property when the boiler was blown to pieces and thrown across the road. Another piece was embedded into a shed. Henry Henshall, the engineer was also injured. Billange had come to work and found that his collier had not arrived so he had gone into the boiler house to sleep. He was a single man. At the inquest at the George and Dragon at Greenbank before Mr Driffield, it was stated that the boiler had been in use for a number of years and was not in good order. It was one of three boilers at the colliery and was haycock in shape. It had been in use for over a quarter of a century. It had been repaired and reported fit for work but the plates at the bottom were found by the Inspector to not exceed the thickness of a shilling. The jury returned a verdict that the accident was attributed to the managers but it was not culpable negligence. (Colliery Guardian) (Mines Inspectors Report) (Wigan Observer)
19th. December 1862.
COAL STEALING.
Three young girls, Margaret, Hougton, Mary Lomax and Jane Boon were charged with stealing coal from the colliery. They appeared before the magistrates who thought the parents should have been charged and should be severely punished. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
13th. November 1863.
A considerable amount of damage was done by overwinding the engine and the cage came into contact with the headgear but there was no loss of life nor injury to any person but the cost of the damage was put at £200. (Colliery Guardian) (Wigan Observer)
12th. April 1865.
There was what was described as a ‘partial strike’ at the colliery when the men were resisting a reduction in their wages from 3s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. a yard. The men on strike were connected with the Miner’s Association of St. Helens. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
2nd. September 1865.
Discovery.
A man named John Elliot working in the Ravenhead Cannel found a large mass of fools gold. He hit it with his pick and took it home and someone in St. Helens offered him £10 10s. for it. (Wigan Observer)
12th. September 1865.
Griffith Wynne aged 30 years, son of John Wynne, beer-seller of Thatto Heath, was killed as he was filling boxes and the roof fell on him. (Mines Inspectors Report) (Wigan Observer)
19th. May 1865.
George Leather aged 27 years, sinker was killed and a man named Green was seriously injured when a shot was fired and they could not get out of the way. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser) (Mines Inspectors Report)
27th. June 1865.
Henry Henshall, the engine tenter was killed at the colliery was killed when fell from the scaffold in the engine house while he was packing the piston of the pumping engine. (Mines Inspectors Report)
15th. July 1865.
James Houghton aged 9 years, went to the pit with his mother who worked on the boxes and was caught by a chain that worked the riddle. He was drawn into the wheels and crushed against the riddles. (Wigan Observer)
5th. January 1866.
William Whittaker aged 70 years, blacksmith was killed when he was caught in the gearing that drives the screens. He lived in Liverpool Street. At the No.7 Pit, where he worked, there were three riddles worked by steam power and every Sunday it was his duty to clean the engines which could be done only when the engine was not working. he was well acquainted by the work and had done it for a great number of years for which he was paid a little extra. On the morning of the accident, he met John Harrison and Thomas Howard as he was going to the pit brow who told him that they were going to repair a wheel but they did not tell him exactly when they were going to commence work. He was told by the underlooker, Joseph Heyes, that he had better clean the pedestal of the No.10 riddle as soon as the workmen had made the repairs. Sometime after the men started the job and in the course of the work, it became necessary to take the chain off one of the pulleys. In order to do so, Harrison called the lad who was in charge of the engine to start it which he did. It had been going for a minute when it was stopped again so that the men could continue with the repairs. The deceased, after finishing the No.10 riddle, went on to Nos.7 and 8 and it is supposed he was standing near the chain which was put into motion and his clothes caught in the machinery and was dragged into the wheel and jammed against a post where his mangled body was found. He died instantly. About half an hour later, two colliers found the body and raised the alarm. The inquest was held at the George and Dragon in Liverpool Street when a verdict of ‘Accidental Death;’ was returned. (Mines Inspectors Report) (St. Helens Standard)
17th. January 1866.
John Hardman, aged 25 years, collier, was killed by a fall of roof. He was rescued alive and taken home but even after he had been treated by Dr. Gaskell, he died the following day. His back was broken and he was severely bruised. Ann Hardman his widow said that he had been a wagoner at the pit and had worked as a collier for only two months. John Baines of Peasley Cross said he went towards home when he saw his light go out. He thought he had been holing and there was a sprag nearby but he did not think it had been used. William Ashton, the underlooker brought him home. The jury brought in a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’. due to neglecting to set a sprag. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser) (Wigan Observer) (Mines Inspectors Report)
9th. February 1866.
Thomas Ratcliffe aged 67 years, blacksmith, of Waterloo Street, was killed when he was hit by a capstan handle. He had not been at the colliery for long and had taken the job after he had been out of work for a long time. On the day of the accident, he was making alterations in the headgear in the course of which it was necessary to take a rope around a capstan and to a height of 40 feet on a set of sheaves and then pull it down the other side. Two men named Handley and Gillibrand were working with him and the rope became so stiff that they could not move it. Handley got the idea of attaching the rope to the beam of the steam engine which was raising and falling 8 feet. They thought that they could get the engine to do what they could not. On telling Gillibrand, the first attempt to fix the rope failed but on the second attempt, he was more successful. The rope was instantly pulled down 8 feet and the capstan handle whirled around, knocking the men off the top. the men took Ratcliffe to the carpenter’s shop and then assisted him to walk home where it was found that he had injured various parts of his body and was complaining of pain in his neck. He took to bed and became dangerously ill and expired of the following Tuesday. At the inquest at the Angel Inn in Barrow Street owned by Mr. Leyland, a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was returned. (Mines Inspectors Report) (Wigan Observer) (St. Helens Standard)
24th. February 1866.
An accident was reported at the colliery to a collier named William Wills who was working when a large mass of top coal fell on him seriously injuring him. He was carried home to Colliery Row and Dr. Gaskell was sent for and found he had broken bones in his neck and jaw bone. Every effort was being made for his recovery which must have been successful as he does not appear in the Inspectors Report. (St. Helens Standard)
21st. March 1866.
Ellis Grayson aged 26 years, fireman when he fell into the gearing of an engine. The accident happened at about 5 p.m. It appeared that there was a pumping engine at the pit which worked continuously except when it was being oiled. The engineman, John Caldwell, started the engine And did not notice the deceased who took hold of the fly wheel as it started and he either fell or was knocked into the drive wheel. His clothing became entangled in the small cog wheels so that his arm was drawn in and other parts of his body were severely injured. The engine was stopped and he was released as soon as possible. He was carried to his house in Pilkington’s Row and medical assistance sent for but he died a few hours later. At the inquest at the Navigation Inn, a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was recorded. (Mines Inspectors Report)
12th. June 1866.
Thomas Partington aged 18 years, a drawer of Parr Street, was killed in the Black Delph Mine when a portion of the roof fell on him. The inquest was held at the Nags Head Hotel in Smithy Brow and a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was returned. (Mines Inspectors Report) (Wigan Observer) (St. Helens Standard)
16th. June 1866.
Early on Saturday morning Thomas Lewis aged 23 years, drawer of Hells Bess Brow, Sutton was last seen alive after midnight in a state of intoxication at the colliery gates by John Crompton. Lewis had to pas the colliery on his way home and it supposed that he went to the pit brow to sleep in a cabin. To get there he would have had to go over the fence and in doing so fell down the No. 10 Pit down which he fell;, a distance of 210 yards. John Swift, the furnaceman at the bottom of the pit found the body about 4 a.m. on Sunday morning and thought he heard something come down about 2 a.m. but he thought it was a prop. The body was removed to the Navigation Tavern. At the inquest Swift said that John Crompton and John Fishwickhelped him to get the body to the surface. William Wild, the engineman, did not know how Lewis got into the pit a there was a rail round the top of the self acting gates. John Marsh, who lived near the pit and as a miner who was out of work, said that Lewis lodged with him and he had lived there for about four years. On the day in question Lewis was seen going to a race at the Dog and Rabbit in Parr. he had been paid his wages and was sober when he left. The verdict said, ‘He fell down the pit while under the influence of intoxicating drink.” (St. Helens Standard)
3rd. September 1866.
EXTRA ORDINARY DISCOVERY.
A man named John Elliott, a miner at Ravehead colliery was at his usual employment getting cannel and he struck through a large mass and found a fine piece about nine inches square. he stated that he turned round to make a remark about the piece of coal to a comrade and at the same time struck it with his pick and to his surprise found that the coal was hollow. He took the cannel with him and ascended the pit and examined it. He found firmly embedded in the hole with just enough room for it to move in but not sufficiently large for it to turn round, a large toad which seemed quite lively. The hole which was about four inches deep and narrower at the mouth must be impossible to get the toad out. many flocked to his house to see this strange sight and he was offered ten guineas for it. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
23rd October 1866.
Thomas Burrows, banksman, aged 40 years, was killed when he fell from the stage at the pit top. At the inquest at the Navigation Inn, Sutton it was stated that he died on the 15th. November from the injuries he received while he was on the tipping brow and some wagons fell of the stage. His ribs were bruised and he had other injuries. A verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was recorded. (Mines Inspectors Report) (St. Helens Standard)
9th. February 1867.
STEALING COAL.
Sarah Henderson was at the colliery before noon and was seen by Police Constable picking up coal with several others from the waste heap. as soon as she saw him, she put it down. He arrested her. In court she said that she had no money to pay for the coal. The officer said that her father was a glass blower at Pilkingtons. She did not think she was doing any harm. Joseph Robinson, the bookkeeper at the colliery, said that the coal was worth about one farthing. The magistrates dismissed the case and warned the prisoner that she had brought disgrace on herself that would not easily be removed. (St. Helens Standard)
20th. May 1867.
Robert Luther aged 64 years, labourer was killed when he fell off the pit bank at the surface. At the inquest at the George and Dragon, Greenbank, Sutton it was learned that he was tipping waste from trucks that ran to the edge of the waste to and were raised and lowered by a lever. It appeared that the truck was to near the edge of the tip and fell over taking him with it. His neck was broken and he was crushed by the Wagon. verdict, ‘Accidental Death’.
14th. June 1867.
Samuel Kay, collier aged 31 years was killed by a fall of roof in the upbrow of the Pigeon House seam that was about eleven feet high. (Mines Inspectors Report)
14th. September 1867.
Peter Potter aged 15 years, drawer, was burned in an explosion of gas in the Ravenhead Main Delph Mine and later died. early in the morning the fireman found a little gas in the place. Potter had not yet arrived for work. The fireman had other work to do and he put up the usual notice at the entrance to the working place beyond which no one should have passed. Having completed his morning inspection he was waiting for the men who worked in the places where the gas had not been removed. In a short time a collier and the deceased came up on train of empty wagons. The fireman told them about the gas and that they must not go in without a safety lamp and that he would come back with some brattice with which to clear the gas. The deceased started to abuse him with foul language and while cursing and swearing dreadfully, he followed the collier up the brow with a naked light which caused the explosion which caused his death and injury to several others. Mr. Rhymer, the Miners’ Agent, instituted proceedings for compensation under Lord Campbell’s Act and obtained legal advice that under the circumstances the action should be dropped. (Mines Inspectors Report)
24th. September 1867.
An inquest took place at the Feathers Inn, Westfield Street before Mr. Driffield on Thomas Miller who lost his life in an explosion of firedamp on the 12th and died from the injuries he received. The jury returned a verdict that ‘he died from an explosion of firedamp.’ (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
8th. November 1867.
William Marsh aged 13 years, drawer was killed by a fall of roof in the Pigeon House seam while he was working with his father in the upbrow fourteen yards above the wagon road. The place was thirteen feet wide and he was killed by fall of dirt that was lying at the top of the mine and was nine inches thick. The roof had been examined that day by the underlooker and the manager and thought to be safe. The soft layers of dirt were known by the colliers as ‘clod’ and the Inspector recommend that it should be removed in every case or securely propped as soon as the coal had been taken from under it. (Mines Inspectors Report)
19th. October 1867
A man named Brown aged 18 years, a taker-off was killed when a jig chain broke. (Mines Inspectors Report)
23rd. February 1868.
John Johnson, aged 58 years, furnaceman was killed when he fell out of the cage as it was ascending. (Mines Inspectors Report)
29th. August 1868.
Stealing Coal.
Bridget M’Grath for stealing fifty pounds of coal from Groves colliery was sent to prison for fourteen days. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
10th October 1868.
Coal Stealing.
Mary Callaghan was charged with stealing coal from Ravenhead colliery. She had been caught in the cat carrying away 28lbs. in a sack. Some months previously she had two or three children let off with a fine for the same offence and she was then cautioned, this time she was sent to prison for a fortnight. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
3rd. November 1868.
Accident At Radleys Colliery.
Three Men Suffocated. The colliery was discovered to be on fir the week before when a chain had broken on the brazier that was suspended in the upcast shaft for the purpose of ventilation and live coals had set fore to the coal at the shaft bottom. Work was suspended. A few days later the underlooker and some others decided to go down the shaft and make an investigation of the workings to try top discover the cause and locality of the fire. it was assumed tat they would pass several hours below going from one place to another but as time went in and they had not returned, others became uneasy and decided to try to find out what had happened. The explorers soon became aware that the atmosphere in the pit was noxious and dangerous. Some became weak and were sent to the pit brow as soon as possible. John Campbell, the son of the cashier at the colliery, Naylor, the underlooker and William Foster a miner of Thatto Heath. Some men in the first exploring party said that they had hear someone calling out that they had been suffocated by sulphur and were lost. Several volunteers went down with the hope of locating the bodies but they were unsuccessful and it was not until the day after that they were brought to the surface. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
7th. November 1868.
Late Fatal Accident At Radleys.
The bodies of the three men at the inquest at the Victoria Inn Before Mr. Driffield. No blame could be attached to any one and a verdict of ‘Accidental Death’ was recorded. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
8th. May 1869.
Bridget Doleman and Sarah Simpson, two girls were charged with coal stealing and sentenced to seven days in jail. (St. Helens Standard)
1st. August 1869.
Nathan Mills, the horsekeeper at the top of the pit was injured while getting into the cage. It was supposed that he had suffered from the heat and smoke in the pit as he was a delicate man but the Inspector found conditions quite bearable. (Mines Inspectors Report)
12th. December 1869.
Mary Connah was accused of stealing coal worth 2d. Her mother told the court that her father was sill in bed and she had sent her coal picking. The case was dismissed. (St. Helens Standard)
19th. February 1870.
Coal Stealing.
Mary Ryan was charged with stealing 24lbs. of coal from Groves colliery. Joseph Hayes, the underlooker, said that on Saturday morning he saw the accused picking coal from boxes. when she saw him she ran away but he caught her and took her into custody. She said that she needed the fire to warm her children. Her husband was out of work and there was great destitution. She was sent to jail for seven days. (Prescot Reporter)
16th. July 1870.
Eliza Burrows was charged with stealing fifty six pounds. of coal from the colliery. She was apprehended by P.C. 461 Darmondy and pleaded guilty. She was sent to jail for seven days. At the same session, Katherine Maskell was charged with the same offence. P.C. Darmondy said that she had 5lbs. of coal when caught and the case was dismissed. (St. Helens Standard)
16th. January 1871.
Joseph Ellis aged 51 years, carpenter was killed when he fell down the pit from the surface. (Mines Inspectors Report)
3rd. June 1871.
Coal Stealing
Mary Buckley, a married woman was charged with stealing 50lbs. coal from Messrs. Bromilow and Haddock. Thomas Meredith timekeeper at Groves colliery said on Thursday at 5.45 p.m. he was standing on the No. 6 Pit brow and he saw the prisoner and a number of others putting coal in a bag. As soon as she saw him she threw the bag away and turned to escape but he caught her and took her into custody. He was determined to hole her but she fought, kicked, bit, cursed and scratched him. She called to others women who were near that there were plenty of stones about and he was pelted with stones. At court she appealed for the sake of her family but she was sent to prison for six weeks with a recommendation that she be kept busy with hard labour. Sarah Ann Simpson, Ann Buckley and M. Woodwood, three girls twelve to fourteen years old assaulted Mr. Meredith. The prosecution said they were Mrs. Buckley’s daughters and they were sent to prison for fourteen days. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
29th. July 1873.
An explosion of gas took pace in the Bastians Mine of the No.7 Pit which resulted in the death of James Brownhill, collier aged 41 years. he and others were working out a range of pillars next to an old goaf and the workmen were allowed to used their lamps or candles at their own discretion. The lamps that were used were not locked. The fireman stated at the inquest that he told the deceased to use a lamp that morning although he had inspected the place and found it free from gas. The last time he visited the pace he found the deceased had a lamp but it was not locked. He was in the riding brow when the explosion took pace and was the first to reach the deceased whom he found badly scorched with a lighted candle besides him. The underlooker, who held a certificate, stated that he went to the place immediately after the explosion and the deceased told him that he had used a candle contrary to the instructions of the fireman and that he thought the gas came from the old goaf. The underlooker had given no orders for the exclusive use of lamps even though gas had been found before the explosion. A few days after the accident the Inspector examined the place and found no gas. He commented: “ That I found it most incautious of the management to allow men to work with naked lights and I think that nothing but lamps should be allowed in the district with a locking system that was used in well regulated collieries.”
3rd. January 1874.
A fire was discovered at the colliery in the workings of the No.7 Pit. The Fire Brigade was soon on the spot and gave every possible assistance. There was no damage to any property and it was supposed the fire had very narrow limits. (St. Helens Standard)
12th. July 1873.
Fatal Accident at Ravenhead.
On a Monday morning about 7.30, Archibald Wilson of 11, Water Street was killed at the colliery while he was removing props. The deceased and another labourer John Heffernan were taking some props to enlarge the road when a piece of roof became detached and fell on Wilson burying him to some depth. The other man was unhurt and gave the alarm. Every effort was made to get him out but it was two hours before they got to him and they found that life was extinct. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
3rd. January 1874.
Fire At Groves Colliery.
Men working at the colliery discovered that coal was on fire in Main Delph over the stables for about fifty yards deep and about one hundred and fifty yards from the shaft. As soon as the fire was discovered various measures were taken to tackle the blaze as it did not seem to be serious, but after some time it seemed that they would be successful. After some time it was realised that they were having no effect and the natural ventilation in the mine had been reversed and it was deemed necessary to summon the Fire Brigade who got water from the lodge near the pit head. Mr. Clarke, the manager took charge below and water was directed onto the burning coal. there was some trouble in the morning with the fire engine but after that a steady stream of water was played on the coal. After continuous pumping for twenty fur hours, little progress had been made. It was then that plans were drawn up to isolate the fire from the rest of the mine. This had been done successfully once before and it is the remains of this previous fire that is thought to have been responsible for this one. (St. Helens Newspaper and Advertiser)
Information supplied by Ian Winstanley and the Coal Mining History Resource Centre.
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