Chowbent Colliery Gib Field Pit Explosion – Atherton – 1850

CHOWBENT. Gib Field Pit. Atherton, Lancashire. 11th. February, 1850.

The colliery was the property of Mr. Fletcher. The colliers had descended to their work, discovered gas in one of the bays, and proceeded to try to sweep it out with their jackets. Unfortunately, a lighted candle had been left and the gas fired at the flame causing the explosion which killed five and burned many others.

Those who died were:

• T. Green aged 20 years,
• R. Seddon aged 41 years,
• J. Wilde aged 23 years,
• J, Worthington aged 46 years,
• R. Sale aged 29 years.

REFERENCES
Annals of Coal Mining. Galloway. Vol. 2. p.86.
Mining Journal Vol.xx, p.74.
Mining Almanac 1851.
Inspectors Report 1853.

Information supplied by Ian Winstanley and the Coal Mining History Resource Centre.