BROOKHOUSE. Hanley, Staffordshire. 2nd. March, 1864.

The colliery was the property of Pratt and Company and when the pit was sunk there was an explosion when the coal was reached which killed one of the proprietors and another man so the management was aware that the coal gave off gas. Despite this knowledge, as soon as they had driven to the boundary, seven stalls were started to be worked without a thirling or even brattice to ventilate five out of the seven stalls.

The manger and underlooker were surveying this part if the workings the day before the disaster and knew that there was gas present that had to be brushed out every morning.

Those who died were:

  • David Grattan of Chell Street, who leaves a pregnant widow and 2 children,
  • John Price aged 19,
  • James Roberts of Chell Street, who leaves a wife and 3 children,
  • William Haron of Chell Street, who leaves a wife and 3 children,
  • Samuel Chapman aged 18.

Mr. Wynne, the Inspector brought charges against owners and the full penalty of disregarding the first general rule was imposed and they were fined £20. The money was paid to the widows of the victims.

 

REFERENCES
The Mines Inspectors Report, 1864. Mr. Wynne.
The Staffordshire Advertiser, 5th March 1864.

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

 

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