COLLIERY MEMORANDA , ACCIDENT [and Incident,] Bud-30 st th 31 . Dec 1814 to 19 . May 1825
A . [iii] Accidents, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,23,29,30,34,36,37, Air, weight of &c,18, Arch Dukes of Austria, 31, Accidents,38,39,40,43,44,46,51,52,67,68,70, B . Banks – Stop of, 15,43, Baloon, 19, Blast, Harraton, 52, Burnt, 69, [Bud-30]
C . E . [iv] Coak, quality of made from Coal, 24, Cooke’s Bank Stopped, 43, Coal, consumption of in England, 90, D . F . Drowned, 37, Flood, 37, Davy Sr. H., 45, Fire, 68,79, Davy Lamp, Fire art, 86, [Bud-30]
G . I . [v] Gunpowder, 1, Banks – Stop of, 15,43, Gas Lights, 73, Baloon, 19, Grand Duke Michael of Russia, 84, Blast, Harraton, 52, Ditto – – – Maximilian Ditto , 91, Burnt, 69, H . K . Harraton Blast, 52, Killed, 3,4,5,6,7,9,10,15,16,23,29,30,34,36,38,39,40,43,44,46 Ditto, 51,60,63,67,70,71,72,79, Keel Wear Water, Dimensions of, 75, [Bud-30]
L . N . [vi] Liege Colliery – Accident by Water, 25, Northumberland the Duke of died, 68, M . O . [Bud-30]
P . R . [vii] Pitmen, Stop of, 41, Russell, Wm. Esqr., died, 68, Rainton Colly, Accident, 79, Q . S . Harraton Blast, 52, Seamen reduced to Subordination, 30, Spots on the Sun discovered, 45, Sp[ecic]gravity, 77, [Bud-30]
T . W . [viii] Thermometrical observations, 47, Waggons, drawing of, Experiment, 76, V . X . Harraton Blast, 52, [Bud-30]
Y. [viii] 1. 3. GUNPOWDER. ACCIDENTS. By M. Amenton’s experiments and those of December 31: 1814. Mr. Manningham it appears that any deter- 3 Men and 2 Boys killed at Mount mined quantity of Gunpowder being inflamed Moor Colliery. augments it’s Space, or bulk 4000 times; They were riding after the Pit provided it have opportunity^of> dilating the air was done, when the Rope broke at the Hooking Z. with which it is mixed. That is for in- and they fell, together with the Chain from stance, a Cubic Foot of Gunpowder being about meetings. fired, diffuses a Flame, and rather more. The same day – Jeffrey the Overman – his Government Proof of Gunpowder Son, and other two Men were suffocated at 3 oz. of Gunpowder put into an 8 In. Shilbottle Colliery Morter, elivated at 45o is so thrown a The Engine had been standing for some Globe of 60 lbs. weight to the distance of repairs, and the Water had risen and stopped 60 Toises – It will however pass if the the Air Course, when the above Persons went Globe does not fall short of 55 Toises. down the Pit, and were suffocated with A Toise = 1.06575 English Fathoms the Styth of the Lamp. They were near to the Shaft [page 2 is Blank] but the Horses in the Stables about 40 yds. from the Shaft escaped without injury. [Bud-30]
4. 5. 6. Jany. 1815 back into the Pit. Three Men were in the escaped, except the two Men, and a Boy who Thos. Bell, Hewer, killed at Jarrow Bottom at the time, but two escaped with little were working in the Drift at the time, and the Colliery in going down the deep Pit, by being injury. Rolly Drivers, Rolly-way men, Onsetter &c. who thrown out of the Loop at the ingate of the Jany. 1815 were in the direct Road to the Shaft – about 20 Seam 17 Fa. from the Bottom. A Sinker killed at Rainton – the in all. Jany. 12: 1815 Will. Hall and Jas. Greenwell Men were sitting round the Fire ‘till a shot Names &c. of Sufferers Hewers, killed in the A Pit, Hebburn by the was fired, – a Stone was thrown up the Pit Flat Rope breaking at a Splice when they were which fractured this man’s Scull as he sat 1. Wm. Miller Under Viewer going down upon it. This accident was oc- at the Fire. 2. John Thew Deputy Overman asioned by the mal construction of the Splice Jany. 1815 3. Shipley Mitchinson Jany. 1815 A Boy killed at Fawdon Two Men killed at Fatfield 4. Heny. Dixon Wastemen Colliery, by a Coal falling down the Pit – off Colliery by a Fall of Stone – in a Goaf where 5. A[wr]thn. Dixon a Corf. they were working the Pillars. 6. Robt. Richardson A Man killed in the Sinking Pit May 3rd. 1815 7. John Bainbridge at Collingwood-main, by the Sledge Horse with The Water from Heaton old Waste 8. Lant. Nicholson Borers the Corf and, Sledge falling down the Pit burst into, one of the exploring Drifts this 9. Geo. Laws They were Sinking the Pit from the high- Morning, so suddenly, and with such rapidi- 10. Ra: Widderington Jr. main to the Bensham Seam, and stowing ty, that the Workmen had not time to escape 11. Geo: Robinson Kecker the Stones in the former – after the Corf and 75 Men, and Boys were unfortunately 12. Wm. Stott Furnacekeeper was struck, the Horse turned restive, and ran drowned, or shut up in the Workings. None 13. Walter Stobs 14. Edwd. Gibson Rolly way Men 15. Ra. Widderington Snr. 16. Heny. Do. Shifters 17. John Gibson [Bud-30] over
7 8 9 18.John Gordon 49. Thos. Thompson May 6th. 1815 – Gibson, Waggon Driver 19. Richd. Gibson 50. Auth. Southern Jr. killed at the Drummond Staple – E Pit new 20. Will: Southern 51. Robert Do. Washington – he was setting on the bottom 21. John Redhead 52. John Frames of the Stap: when a Stone fell out of the Shaft 22. Jas. Dodds 53. Will Hall Wall, near the low-main Coal Thill, and fractur- 23. Will: Scott 54. Ra. Do. ed his Scull. 24. Edwd. Robson 55. Robt. Steel June 2: 1815 25. Andw. Brayson 56. Walter Stabo Junr. The Pit Newbottle Colliery fired 26. Geo: Dawson 57. Thos. Lumsden Putters, Rolly Drivers in the Hutton Seam, when 57 Men and Boys 27. Auth. Dixon Jr. Hewers 58. Christr. Gray and Trappers. were killed by Fire, or died by Suffocation 28. Will: Dixon 59. Th. Do. 29. David Urwin 60. Thos. Todd 30. Geo: Steel 61. Geo: Gordon 31. John Reay 62. John Watson 32. Will: Thompson 63. James Dodds 33. Will. Renwicks 64. Thos. Miller 34. John Ditto 65. Nich. Do. 35. Mw. Johnson 66. Wm. King 36. John Mesbit 67. Mich. Wilson 37. Will: Graham 68. Wm. Graham 38. S. Dodds 69. Th. Watson 39. Jas. Gardner 70. John Do. 40. Mw. Gibson 71. John Pratt 41. Robt. English 72. Will: Elliott 42. Edwd. Gibson 73. Robt. Do. 43. Nich. Gibson 74. John Thompson 44. Thos. Gardner 75. Jackl. C[wi]tis 45. Wm. Garner Putters 46. Chas. Do. 47. Geo. Thew 48. Will: Do. [Bud-30]
10 11 12 June 13th. 1815 – Brown a Trapper killed They were working the Pillars in the So. E. [Plan of Accident Location] ex- at Willington – two Hewers brought him up the tremity of the Colliery, and a Goaf having fallen Pit upon their Knees, and in the act of landing during the night of the 26th. Which brought a him at the top, by some means or other the quantity of Water down, out of the Workings of Bankmen and them let him fall down the Pit. the Five quarter Seam. The Water came down Same Day Brown a Rolly Driver so rapidly as to stop the Air Course in the killed at Willington by the full Rollies run- E. Mothergate. ning over him. On going down the Pit at calling June 26th. 1815 William Comby, Hewer, course of the 27th. John Scott the Overman killed by a fall of Stone in Collingwood-main discovered the Air Course to be stopped, and Colliery. Went inby with a Steel Mill to discover the June 27: 1815 – The following People were Cause – stopping the Men at the Shaft. killed by Fire in the Isabella Pit Sheriff-hill He soon found out what had happened Colliery – Low-main Seam. and sesed a stenting a, in the N. wall of the 1. Wm. Foggett – Viewer East mothergate. He then ordered all the 2. Robt. Foggett – under Viewer men to go to bank again, and sent for Mr. 3. Geo: Foggett – Deputy Overman Foggett. 4. John Scott – Overman When Mr. Foggett arrived he went inby with 5. Nich. Codling – Deputy the Parties above named, and Geo: Ledger, 6. Geo: Richardson – Do. a Boy, about 16 year’s old. They went nearly 7. James Young – Do. to the Stenting a, with the Candles, when Mr. 8. Will. Wind – Wasteman 9. Geo. Wind – Hewer 10. Hew. Barker – Wood-leader
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13 14 15 Foggett returned, and eased the Stopping in the was over, he crept up the Mothergate to the June 30th. 1815 – Ch. Charlton, Hewer, killed Stenting b, and sent John Scott to trace the tail Stentg, where Mr. Foggett had eased the at Willington by fall of a side Wafer of of the Water inby – Scott went with a Steel Stopping, and throught that he felt a little fresh Coal and Stone. Mill, and took W. Wind Geo: Richardson, and Air but soon lost his Senses. July 1st. 1815. William Curry, Hewer, killed Hugh Barker with him. He called several times of Geo: Wind but in the C, Pit Lambton, by a Fall of Stone. After Scott and his party had been gone got no answer –heard several of them groan. July 1815 Goodchilds Bank at Sunderland a while Mr. Foggett ordered Geo: Ledger to go He was neither burnt nor contused, he was stopped Payment. & call them back again. He went a Pillar down merely scorched a little by the heated Air, and July 20: 1815 Mowbray’s Bank – Durham the Mothergaye but not seeing them he stopped received as light cut in the Arm. He lay nearly Stopped. and looked back, he then saw Mr. Foggrtt and 10 hours in the after damp. All the rest except July 21: 1815 a heavy run upon all the his party sitting; a little to the W. of the Stentg. Nich. Codling and Geo: Foggett were dread- Newcastle Banks. where they had eased the Stopping – with their fully burnt and mangled. July 22nd. 1815. Saturday – The Run upon Candles stuck upon the Wall Side. He presently It is pretty clear that this Fire happened the Newcastle Banks continued. Loraine’s sawvery distinctly the Fire take place at their from the Foulness backing out of the W. Heads. were out for about an Hour, but having Candles after the Air was taken off the Workings by received a supply of Bank of England Notes – Robt. Foggett’s he thinks – it stood burning easing the Stoppings, a, b, If the Candles had by the Coach, went on again. for a short time, and then exploded. He was been taken no father than the Crane, the standing ancle deep in Water, and threw him- accident would not have happened. self down in it as soon as he saw her Fire. After she fired, and before the explosion took place, he heard Mr. Foggett call of his Brother Robert. There was only one Rumble – as soon as it [Bud-30]
16 17 18 – Saturday 29th. July 1815 – were broken at a great distance. Air weighs 523 Grains P. cubic Foot t 1 The Run uon the Newcastle Banks The Top of the Boiler, weighing 9 Cw . – about 1 /5 Oz. Averdupois. entirely subsided through the course of this was blown to the distance of 114 yards – A cubic Foot of Water weighs 1000 oz. Week. Sharp the Engineer was blown further than – is about 840 times heavier than Air – Monday 31 July 1815 – the Boiler Top – his Body was most shockingly When the temperature of the Air is The Locomotive Engine, called the Steam Mutilated. 53o, and the Barometer stands at 29¼ In. Horse at Nesham’s Colliery was destroyed this Augt. 1815 Killed by falling it is 836 times lighter than Water – Sir morng. by the bursting of the Boiler. down the Pit at Coxlodge Geo. Shuckburgh. By this accident 57 People we killed and Augt 19th. 1815 William Hepple, and Reed maimed – were killed on the spot and killed by Fire in the William Pit Whit[haven] died in a few days afterwards Augt. 21: 1815 Ramsay, Hewer, killed Amongst the Number scalded and maimed in Elswick Colliery. He was hewing in the were Mr. Nesham, Mr. John Robinson, & Mr. Broken, and a Side Waifer fell and crushed Ed. Steel, & Mr. Watson Viewers. him to death before he could be gotten from It was a new Boiler, and the Engine under it. had not started, there is no certain account of the pitch of the steam, but it is supposed to have been upwards of 80 lbs. to the Inch. The explosion was very loud – it was heard at above two Miles distance, and several Winds. [Bud-30]
19 20 21 – Friday 1st Sep. 1815 – It continued to descend gradually ‘till the – it was 6 feet wide – 6 feet deep, and 18 feet Mr. Sadler ascended in his Ballon at Anchor struck the Ground, between Monk long. It was sunk 3 feet deep in the Earth ½ past 3 o’clock P.M. from the Bowling Seaton, and Whitley Park; but one of the and the Gas was carried by a Tin Tub – 8 In. Green in Newcastle. Flukes of the Anchor breaking the Baloon bounded Diam. thro’ two Casks of Water, to a Silk In about 6 min. he was upwards on, dragging the Carr after it ‘till stopped Tube, or Bag which was connected with the of a Mile high, and the Wind blowing by the Stone Wall at the Lane near to Whitley Neck of the Baloon. A constant supply strong from the West, he landed at Whitley Park; when several of the Quarrymen &c. of fresh water was thrown into the purifying Park in 14 min. more – being 20 min. up coming up Mr. Sadler was taken safely from Casks at a proper Level. in all. the Carr, ‘though much exhausted by the During the process of filling Water It was a brisk Gale when he went dragging of the Car & effects of the was constantly applied by a Mop to the off and an Eddy Wind being formed by the Gas which he was obliged to disengage outside of the Tin Tubes surrounding Buildings, the Baloon rolled as quickly as he could to avoid being The object of passing the Gas thro’ and jerked so much as to break two of the carried into the Sea from which he was the water was to cool it, and to condense Chords out of the six, by which the Carr was distant only 170 or 180 yards when the Baloon the Steam which rose with it, from the appended. This disconnected him a good was finally Secured Heat occasioned by the effervescence in the deal, but he got all matters adjusted again The Baloon was 34 feet Diameter – 38 ft. Cistern. The Acid was put in, in small in a few minutes. high and could rise with 1 Cwt. quantities at a time, and the filling of The Baloon was at its greatest The process of filling the Baloon elevation between Walls-end and Willington
22 23 24 the Baloon occupied fully 3 Hours. – Wednesday 13th. Sep: 1815 – Coak John Ellis, Overman, killed at Ox-close Colliery Mr. Dixon’s Coal, near Glasgow produces [Diagram of Filling of Ballon] by falling out of the Loop when riding the 8 Cwt. of Coak from a Ton of Coal. Shaft. a, inverted Syphon by which the acid is intro- – Tuesday 26th. Sep: 1815 – duced. Robert Young, Wood-leader, killed by a Stone b,b,b, Tin Tubes which convey the Gas falling upon him in Percy Pit – William Hunter 25 surcessing thro’ the Cask, c, c, Deputy had his Thigh broken at the same time [Pages 25 to 28 Newspaper Cuttings - d,d, Plates of Tin perforated with small Holes – Friday 31st. Octr. 1815 – (1) Mr. Sadler Ballon ascent from Bowling by which the Gas is modified, and a more Robert Rickardson, Shifter killed in Green, Newcastle, 1st Sep. 1815. regular discharge ensured the Dresden Incline, B Pit Hebburn (2) Newcastle Courant - Account of Beaujonc e,e, Waste Pipes by which the water is kept Colliery by the falling of a Side Waifer Colliery Explosion, near Leige, Franch, 28th at a proper Level in the Casks – his scull was crushed to attoms Feb, 1812.] f,f, Inverted Tubs thro’ the Bottoms of which – Tuesday 31st. Octr. 1815 – the Tin Tubes are secured with Clay. Jefferson – putter – killed at Jarrow by falling from the Seam in the deep Pit to the bottom [Bud-30]
[Diagram of Filling of Ballon]
29 30 31 – Friday 3d. Nov: 1815 – – Sunday 22d. Octr. 1815 – – Saturday 9th. Dec: 1815 – Fra: Dixon, hewer, had his Scull fractd. The Seamen of Newcastle, Sunderland, Blyth Accompanied the Austrian Arch Dukes John by a steel mill falling down the B, Pit, were reduced to a state of subordination, and and Lewis from Newcastle to Percy-main Hebbn. Upon him. He was getting into the loop returned to their duty this day, by the in- Colliery and Shields. at the bottom to side, and a loop full of terposition of the civil & military powers John is about 5..9 Lewis about 5..8 both men was getting in at the top – one of the after having stopped for upwards of two slender delicate looking men – John of a fair men had a steel mill in his hand the belt months. No lives were lost in the whole complexion with brown hair, a little bald on of which broke when it fell down the Pit affair. the Crown. Louis large dark Eyes, dark and fractured Dixon’s Scull. He died on – Nov 15th. 1815 – complexion, and black hair. Both of grave the 10th. Nov. Ingleby and killed at Walbottle deportment, apparently under 40 years of age – Friday 10th. Nov: 1815 – Colliery, they were coming up the Pit against John is by much the most lively and apparently A Fire took place at Killingworth Colliery two men going down, and the brakeman the most intelligent. He shewed a great taste this morng. when Wheeler a stout lad running the machine too quickly, the men going and considerable knowledge of mechanics. was killed Grene a hewer was so severely down knocked them out of the loop. He enquired the Stratification of our contused and burnt that he died next day – Tuesday 28th. Nov: 1815 – Coal district, the number of Seams &c. &c. another person was also severely burnt William Southern, Brakman, killed at paid great attention to the double powered the Geo: Pit Willington, by falling down pumping Engine on the Howdon Pit, and the Pit. He was waiting on, and it was satisfied himself completely respecting the supposed that he had slipped his foot, or that operation of the diagonal Spear, V Bob, and the horse had pushed him down. No the several sets of pumps. He enquired person saw him fall. [Bud-30]
32 33 34 the power of the Engine, the diameter of two Arch Dukes – Friday 8th. Dec: 1815 – the Cylinder, the number of Boilers, and the Baron Sr. Julian a General A man was killed yesterday in the Margt. quantity of Water drawn P. minute. Secretary Pit Newbottle Colliery while riding the Shaft by He made a great number of Notes & Count Wayna – Interpreter a Stone falling out of the Shaft, and four and Sketches, and was communicative; but Fischer – Physician men were employed this morning on a round
35 36 37 horses could be saved; but the undermentioned themselves in the best possible manner on – Friday 29th. Dec: 1815 – being Wastemen, were in a remote part of the this occasion – by their skill, and perse- A sudden thaw, with a high wind took waste, and could not be warned of their dan- vering intripedity the lives of all except the place this evening, which occasioned the ger. They had apparently staid to finish their wastemen were saved; and they made every greatest Flood in the Tyne since 1771. a Keel Shift, and coming out as usual, the nearest possible exertion to save them also. sunk at the 2d. Arch from the N. side immedia- way to the Shaft, with the last of the Air – Monday 18th. Dec: 1815 – tely above the bridge, which from the Arches got entangled in the smoke which had backed A hewer burnt so severely at Townley-main being obstructed with drift ice &c. was again in against the Air for about 100 yards, and Colliery, that he died in a few hours. great danger. were suffocated before they could reach the Thos. Turner, Furnace keeper, killed at In endeavouring to save the people out of the bottom of the Pit. the old Pit Cowpen – he was riding and Keel by the Boat from the Steam packet, a man The bodies were not found ‘till when very near the top, a link of the chain and a Boy were unfortunately drowned by the the night of the 18th. Dec. and were not gave way at the weld & he fell to the swamping of the boat – the Keelmen were above 80 yards from the Shaft. bottom. The other furnace keeper went down saved. Almost all the timber in the river Th. Wilson – 1 Widow 6 Children immediately before – it is supposed that the was washed away & an immense loss sustain- Wm. Swaddle – 1 do. – 3 do. wife p[rg] link had given way some time before and ed a great quantity of Sheep & Cattle & several Mw. Southern – 1 do. – 3 do. remained undiscovered ‘till the accident Pigs & horses were also drowned. Emanl. Richardson 1 do. – 5 Happened. Several Keels were driven to Sea – one Wm. Anderson – young man of them with her Crew on board, – they were 4 17 picked up off Whitby on Sunday. Geo: Cooper Underviewer A great number of Ships broke from John Patten Overman Conducted their moorings, many were driven on Shore John Appleby Geo: Bell Deputy Richardson Lowery Banksn. [Bud-30]
38 39 40 and several to Sea. Jany. 1816 – Tuesday 26th. March 1816 – David Wheldon Deputy killed at Richd. Frizwell and killed at Urwin, hewer, killed, in Olivers way Manor Walls-end by a Stone falling Manor Walls-end Colliery was Howdon Pit, by the falling of a Goaf upon him while setting a prop. topping down and from some cause which They were just finishing the jud when has never been explained fell off the rope the Goal began to work suddenly and when only a short way down the Pit, and before the men could get out of the Goaf, falling upon Frizwell who was riding with fell & killed Urwin on the spot another man in the loop of the opposite Forster was covered all over but his rope, knocked him of[f] the loop & head & was left for some time in a they were both killed. most critical situation as no one durst Feb. 1816 venture in, to his assistance until the James Richardson – half marrow, and working of the goaf subsided. David Miller Headsman, killed at Manor – April 29th. 1816 – Walls-end. They were going down the John Tweddle Rolly driver killed in the De- Pit when the rope slipped, or getting in- laval Pit, Benwell, by a Stone falling upon tangled in the vertical planes, they were him as he was taking the traces off the Rolly shaken off the rope in the Shaft and at the Crane. It was a thin leaf and falling killed upon his head while he was stooping killed him on the spot. [Bud-30]
41 42 43 – Thursday 23d. May 1816 – the two troops of Dragoons, after inquiring into – Friday 14th. June 1816 – The Rainton Pitmen stopped this morng. & the cause of their dissatisfaction and finding Bellerby, Putter, killed by a side wafer laid off Neshhams and Lambton’s men. They it not well founded; he ordered the pitmen to at the Crane in the B Pit Hebburn Colliery alledge that they cannot earn wages to main- return to their work on Mondy. morng. – Thursday 4th. July 1816 – promising tain their families. protection to such as shall return peaceably to Cooke’s Bank at Sunderland stopped payment – Friday 24th. May 1816 – their work, and threatening to punish the refrac- this morning, in consequence of an Extent for The riotous Pitmen proceeded to the North tory. A great number promised to go to £150,000 being entered by the Banking House of the Wear this morng. and laid off Fatfield work and 8 of the refractory were committed to of Bruce, Simpson & Fre[m]of London. Washington, Ox-close, Leefield, Ouston, and prison. – Friday 5th. July 1816 – Mount Moor Collieries – they were very turbu- – Monday 27th. May 1816 – In consequence of the stoppage of Cooke’s lent in their behaviour. Most of the Collieries on the Wear went to Bank yesterday a very severe run took place After having done as above the mob work – partially this mg. but a great many on all the Newcastle banks this morng. and in assembled on Sheddon’s hill in the afternoon; of the men continued in a state of insubordi-. a very short time Batson’s house were out & but the Magistrates having sent to N. Castle nation Loraine’s nearly so. for two Troops of Dragoons, one at Houghton – Friday 31st. May. 1816 – – Satdy. 6th. July 1816 – le- Spring they dispersed without proceeding to It was not ‘till this day that order could be Batson’s bank could not change it’s Notes and the Tyne as intended. said to have been restored on the Wear; and Loraine’s paid partially, Lambton’s & the old – Sa. 25th. May 1816 – that entirely owing to the perseverance of Mr. Bank changes all the Notes which were pre- Mr. Nesf[ield] met dissatisfied Pitmen at Nesfield – 50 men in all have been committed sented to them, and gained the confidence of Biddick Haugh this mg. he was attended by since the commencement of the Stop. the public. – July 1816 – Loraine’s Bank stopped payment, and gave notice of their intention to decline the business [Bud-30]
44 45 46. – Friday 16th. Augt. 1816 – Friday 11th. Octr. 1816 – Tuesday 15th. April 1817 – The North Briton Coach was overturned this A general meeting of Coal Owners, held at Geo: Henderson and Th: Dawson killed by the Eveng. at Sherif-hill – 100 yards North from the assembly Rooms Newcastle this day, voted a Fire in the Houghton Gate Pit Lumley Colliery. Common by which Robinson wife of Robinson present of Plate of 1000 Gns. value to Sr. H. The Pithad been laid off Coal work for some En.wright at Byker-hill was so severely hurt that Davy as a mark of respect for his invention of time and they went down to travel the So. West she died two days afterwards. Several other the safety Lamp. Will: Brandling attempted to Waste where no Foulness had ever been seen. persons were severly hurt. claim the merit of the invention for Geo: They went with Candles & it seems that they – Wed: 28th. Augt. 1816 – Stephenson; but made no impression on the had been fired on at a fall near the face of the Tim: Dotchen, Overman, at Heaton Colliery meeting – his behaviour was far from gentle- Workings. They did not return in proper time killed in a Goaf when Drawing props – H. Corby manly on the occasion. when the other wastemen went in search of and W. Patterson his assistants had a narrow Spots on the Sun first discovered by Th: them, and discovered that a Fire had taken Escape. Harriot, an English Mathematician, in place; but from some stoppings being blown – Tuesday 3d. Sep: 1816 – December 1810. out they could not get to the Face of the John Skipsey, Deputy Overman, killed at So. Workings. The bodies were found next day Shields Colliery when drawing props. when it appeared they had been killed on the – Sep: 20th. 1816 – spot – they were very much burnt, altho’ Willm. Capling, Onsetter killed in the Isabella it had not been a large fire. Pit, Sh-hill Colliery – he was cleaning the rings in the Shaft and Fell out of the Corf. [Bud-30]
47 48 Thermometrical Observations Atmos. Bottom In the Atmos. Bottom In the 1814 of Pit Workings 1817 of Pit Workings Dec:12 at top of B, Pit Hebb 44o 80o 67o May 22 At Surface of Howdon Pit 44o 55o D.C. 64o U.C. 1817 May 12th. At surface of river 45 5o’clock A.M In the Engine Chamber Lisbon 6 o’clock A.M. 110o Water Erbb Tide – 44 raining In the workings out of the Air Course Rain 64o At Surface Atmos. 5 4 11o’clock .A.M At the top of Percy Pit – – 48o 56 D.C. Water Flud Tide – 48 Fair Weather At 8 o’clock A.M. fair but gloomy . At top of B, Pit Hebb. – 54 64 UC 70 In At May 20th. At top of Beaumont Delaval Pit 72 out of [at] Benwell Colliery – – – – – – 47 o 50o D.C. 62 May 16 C Pit Walls-end 5 A.M. – 38o 52oD.C. 67o 23d. At top of E Pit W-end Coll 46o 70 U.C. 72 Engine Water as discharged 56o Thick Fog At 5 o’clock A.M. fair but gloomy 19th. At Surface of River – – – 38o 5 o’clock A.M 21st. at top of B Pit Washintn. 42o 48 D.C. 64o Water Flood Tide – – – 44o Sun up June 2d. At Surface of River – – 48o At Surface – – – – – 47o 1o’clock P.M Water F Tide – – – – 46 5 o’clock A.M. Water Flood – – – 47o Sun up – At Surface of Water – – 52 Top of the B Pit Hebb – 37o Water – – – – – – – 48 4 o’clock P.M. Bottom of do. last of Air – – – 72o – At top of B Pit Hebb. – – 47o 72 [ ]C. 72o In the first of air – – – 62o Do. – Jarrow Pit – – 50o 62 D.C. 72o Water in 1st. of do. – – – 58o 9 At Surface of River – – 48o At the extremity of works. – – – – – – 72 Water – – – – – – – 52 5 A.M. In Dresden back Heads. At Surface of River – – 60 where heated by En: Flue – – – – – – 116 Water – – – – – – – 54 4 P.M. At top of Jarrow Pit – – 47 9 o’clock – Top of A Pit Hebburn – – 54o 68 U.C. 72o – Bottom – first of air – – – – 61 A.M. July 9 Top of Howdon Pit – – – 54 64 D.C. 21 Do. of B Pit Hebburn – – 60 74 – At Surface of River – – 58 Water – – – – – – – 54 [Bud-30]
49 50 Thermometrical Observations Medium temperature of the Atmosphere Atmos. Bottom In the taken at Jesmond by Mr. James Losh 1817 of Pit Workings 1812 – – 47o 1816 – – 45 o 7 7 July 27 Surface of River – – – 52 1813 – – 48 /12 1817 – – 47 /12 7 7 Water – – – – – 50 1814 – – 46 /12 1818 – – 48 /12 o o 7 C Pit Hebburn Top – – – 58 58 68 1815 – – 48 /12 Augt. 18 Surface of River – – – 5 0o Water – – – – – 52 4 o’clock A.M. Top of B Pit Hebburn – – 56 76 74o 27 Surface of River – – – 52 Water – – – – – 50 5 o’clock A.M. Top of A Pit Hebburn – – 54o 68o Sep. 1 Surface of River – – – 53 o Water – – – – – – – 50 Top of B Pit Hebb. – – – 52 72o 15 Surface of River – – – 48 Water – – – – – 48 1818 Top of B Pit Hebb. – – – 50 72o Jany. 12 Surface of River – – – 38 o Water – – – – – 36 – – – 70o Feby. 9 Surface of River – – – 3 7 Water – – – – – 36 Water amongst drift Ice 30 5 A.M. B Pit Hebburn – – – – – 71o 70 At Surface of River – – – 38 Water in drift Ice – – 32 11 A.M. [Bud-30]
51 52 53 Tuesday 27th. May 1817 – Monday 30 June 1817 – to the eastward as it was impelled by the Hewer, Killed at Elswick by An explosion took place at the Row wind. This phenomenon lasted about four his Top. Pit Harraton Colliery about 11 o’clock this minutes and was succeeded by a column – Sa. 31: May 1817 – morning by which 36 men and boys were Killed of thick black smoke which continued for Robt. Pigg – Swinburn, Hewers and 3 and two more died in a short time after about a minute longer, when the whole was Lads Killed at So. Shields by being thrown being brought out of the Pit. gradually dissipated in the Atmosphere. This out of the loop in going down the Pit. I happened to be coming from London cloud consisted of small Coals and Dust It seems that the Peck Corf had been in the mail Coach and was on Chester So. thrown out of the Pit, which fell in showers sent down on the opposite rope, by which moor at the moment the accident happened. in the adjoining fields. it is supposed some of the brattice deals were I saw the explosion, or rather the eruption No explosion was heard by the pulled loose at the top and falling very distinctly from the top of the Coach. people at the top of the Pit; but merely across the Shaft formed a sort of scaffold In the first place a column of thick black a hissing noise like the Steam clack of an upon which the above named persons struck smoke the diam: of the Shaft, shot up Engine. as they were going down and were thrown into the air to the height of about 50 faths. On arriving at Chester I took a out of the loops & off the top. Two other the top of the column then spread into horse and reached the Pit in less than a boys were on the top at the time but the shape of a mushroom or umbrella & quarter of an hour fortunately kept their hold. Kept extending as it was fed with fresh Just as I got to the Pit a man most matter by the stalk, until it reached an severely burnt was brot. up by Mr. R a Smith enormous size. By degrees the stalk and and others who had got the Gin rope ready with under part of the head assumed a light the greatest alacrity, and they very soon after- grey colour, and finally cut itself off from wards sent up four others viz. three boys and the top of the Pit, and floated gently away Geo: Jackson the Onsetter, who did not seem to be materially injured; one of the Boys, John [Bud-30]
54 55 56 Watson was also very little injured. They like- to the North of the Pit, his body and arms attached remained in the Shaft; and as soon as wise sent up the dead body of a boy which they fell on an ash heap 30 yards further North; but the all was tranquil that the top of the Pit could found near to the bottom of the Pit from which the head which was not found ‘till next day was be approached, an endeavour was made to they could only proceed a few yards, on thrown into a Corn field 50 yards East from the lower down this rope to the bottom with a view account of the afterdamp being so very strong. Pit. to give some of the survivors – whose feeble A great number of people now began At the moment when the accident, hap- cries were heard – a chance of getting hold of to assemble from the neighbouring Collieries pened the boy had hold of his fathers hand at it; but from the leaver of the brake being broken and freely offered their services to go down; but the bottom of the Pit, who with the other hand and other things deranged the machine went no progress could be made but step by step was chalking on a Corf – upon his board, amain & the Rope fell down the Pit, by which which as deal stoppings could be put in to carry the was placed in a small recess cut in the wall there is but too much reason to believe that a Air into the works. The brisk stoppings and side – his body being partly within it – when boy was Killed. [pencil X] trap doors being blown down. the explosion forced him into the recess and In the course of two hours a systematic Little or no injury was done to the blew the boy to the Surface. plan for gaining access to the sufferers was Shaft; but the pullies were blown off the Shaft There was no previous intimation of this organized and the business proceeded as frame and the rope with empty Corf was catastrophe; the Brakeman heard a noise like expediantly a possible. By 3 o’clock some a thrown out of the Pit to some distance. The gust of wind and on putting his head out of the bodies were found from the searches and body of a young man – Allan – & a boy Jack- brake house window to look down the pit, was mangled state of which no hope remained of son – son of the Onsetter – were blown out of instantly blinded by a cloud of dust &c. he ran- finding any of the sufferers alive, even if the air the Pit to some distance. The Body of Allan out immediately when one of the pullies fell had been fit for respiration. lay on the way 15 yards from the Pit, a down beside him. He observed the ropes to be While the search for the bodies of the head was thrown into the hedge on the E. twisting and greatly agitated, and one of them sufferers was going on. I set about investi- side of the wagg: way, 40 yards from the with the empty Corf was blown out of the Pit. gating the cause of the accident, and in the Pit. the Legs and thighs of the Boy fell 4 yards The rope to which the full Corf was first place interrogated Geo: Hall the Overman, as to the state of the Pit &c. in the morning [Bud-30]
57 58 59 This Pit had only commenced the working of to the use of them before. Christopher Cowen the Davys all the morning ‘till 9 o’clock, when the pillars in the Hutton Seam a few weeks ago and Thomas Richardson were hewing in the John Moody came to loose them. and in the first course of Judds were just finished innermost Jud next the last of the air; and Geo: When Moody came into the place he and the second course beginning. On going thro’ Hall took them into it, in the far narrow Bd. said “he would not use a Davy, as he thought the workings yesterday morng. (Sunday) all the South and let them see it fire in the Davy, there was no danger, and he could not see Goaves in the first course of judds, but one had which entirely reconciled them to their use. Hall so well better with a Candle.” Cowen and fallen. No foulness however had come off and remained in the pit all the morning as usual & Richardson remonstrated with him against the ventilation was as good as usual, and all did not observe any change in the state of using a Candle, telling him that the Overman’s the working places perfectly clean. As he had the air when he was relieved by John Taylor orders were pre^
60 61 where Moody was working – to the Shaft, and Thomas Baker – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 25 years his body was found within 5 or 6 yards of the Edwd. Baker Sons of Edwd. Baker – – – – – – – – – – – 15 face of the Jud, most dreadfully scorched – Wm. Harvy left a Widow – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 24 apparently worse than any of the rest; and the John Moody – who caused the accident – – – – – – – – – 20 body of John Taylor was found about 30 yards Thos. Chisholm – left a widow – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 20 short of it, much burnt and contused, so that in Jas. Dickinson – son of Jas. Robt. Dickenson – – – – – – – 10 all probability Taylor had never reached him. Ra. Allan – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 18 The following persons perished on this James Allan Sons of James – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 15 occasion Robt. Allan – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –12 Mich.Hills Sr Widower – – Grandfather – – – aged 66 years Wm. Browell left a widow. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 22 John Hills Senr. – – – – Son of Mich: – – – – – – 43 Ra. Browell Brother to Wm. Supported his mother – – – – – 9 Mich.Hills – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 12 Thos. Grundy – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 54 [Rahd.] Hills Sons of John Hills – – – – – – – – – 10 John Taylor – widow and child – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 25 Thos. Hills – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 8 John Wheatley Ditto – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 55 Geo: Hills Son of Wm. Haill – – – – – – – – – – 8 Geo: Jackson son of Wm. Jackson onsetter blown to bank – 7 Robt. Hills – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10 Alexr. Short – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 18 Mich.Hills Sons of M. Hills Junr. – – – – – – – – 8 John Short Sons of Alexr. Short – – – – – – – – – – – – 16 Geo: Hills – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 7 Ra. Short – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 10 Pearson Hills Illegitimate child brot. up by old Hills 25 38. Ra. Jobling – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 9 Job Royally – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 14 Survivors viz. James Royally Sons of Job Royally – – – – – – 8 Geo: Jackson Onsetter aged 25 John Emmery Son of Geo: Emmery – – – – – – – 13 Geo: Fenwick – – – – – – – – 12 Wm. Gallilee – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 20 John Watson – – – – – – – – 12 Thos. Gallilee Sons of Geo: Gallilee – – – – – – 1655 All the Bodies found by 2 o’clock John Weardale – left a widow – – – – – – – – – – 28 on Tuesday Morng. The 1st. July; but three were John Cowen Son of Thos. Cowen – – – – – – – – 10 left at the bottom of the Pit – to be brought Geo: Stephenson – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 18 up and inspected by the Coroner’s Jury, which James Stephenson Sons of Alexr. Stephenson – 16 [Bud-30]
62 63 64 Met at 11 o’clock in the forenoon; but after persons went to travel the Air Course. viz. endeavouring to get back again. [George] Melvin viewing the bodies adjourned ‘till 11 o’clock on Jas. Noble Deputy Overman endeavoured to bring away his son, as did Geo: Wed: morng. the 2d. July, in order to obtain the John Melvin Blakey his brother, as they were still alive; but evidence of Christr. Cowen, and Thomas Robt. Blakey they were obliged to leave them, and Thos. Richardson who were out of the way on a visit Wm. Anderson Blakey, Geo: Melvin, and Thos. Hepburn took to their friends; but whose depositions were They went down the new Pit, at 2 o’clock, so ill that they were left, and the other four got deemed indispensable. being the most convenient way to get into the out with the utmost difficulty in the most exhau- – Wed: 2d. July 1817 – Row Pit main Coal Air Course, and expected to sted state imaginable, about 9 o’clock at Night. The Coroner’s jury after a full hearing of get through to the Row Pit by 5 o’clock; but It was now evident that the people evidence, brought in their Verdict “Killed not arriving their friends were alarmed for their could not be gotten out, until the afterdamp by an explosion occasioned by using a Candle safety, and Thos. Blakey, Geo: Melvin, Thos. was expelled or mixed off with a larger cur- instead of a Davy Lamp contrary to orders Hepburn Jas. Noble, Wm. Noble, Geo: Blakey rent of fresh Air. With this view the return given” and Wm. Cummins went down the new Pit to to the new Pit Furnace was closed, and the In the afternoon while the most of the seek them. separating doors set open, in expectation of the Overmen & Mr. Th. Smith were attending the They went thro’ the separating doors first of the Air from the downcast side of funeral, the men belonging to the new Pit in the So. Headways from the new Pit – main the new Pit, taking in thro’ them into the took it into their heads that the Air Course in Coal – into the air Course from the Row Pit Row Pit waste; but unfortunately the reverse the Row Pit – High-main should be travelled and travelled 5 Pillars W. and two or three was the case, and the Air drew strongly thro’ before they ought to go to work, altho’ it winnings so. when they met with some of the to the new Pit, instead of going from it. – had no communication whatever with the new former party – still alive; but in an in- this plan was therefore relinquished. pit’s workings, except by a pair of separating sensible state. A little before this time they It was then determined to shut Doors. However to satisfy them the following felt themselves affected by the afterdamp, and off the Hutton Seam in the row Pit (except now found that no time to be lost in a small scale) by covering over the top of [Bud-30]
65 66 67 the Staple, and throw the whole of the cur- 6 o’clock the dead Bodies of John Melvin, – Monday 18th. Augt. 1817 – Robt. rent of Air, at once, through the main Coal Blakey, Will: Anderson and Jas. Noble were Stokoe, who was employed in barrowing waste where the people were lying. This opera- found; but Thos. Crisp who was farthest in, was out the Small Coals from under the Skreens tion could not be carried into effect ‘till 2 o’clock still alive; but in a very weak state. was burnt to death, at the Pit, Cox- P. M. on Thursday the 3 July, when we were en- Both Geo: Melvin and Thos. Crisp died during lodge Colliery, in the burning Heap of small abled to go in search of the people; but our pro- the night. Coals. He was crossing the top of the small gress was much impeded by the strength of the Coal heap which it seems had been burnt hol- after-damp and a large fall in the 5th. Pillar W. low and the crust giving way under his feet he from the separating Doors – in the row Pit was instantly engulphed. A large body of Waste. flame and smoke issued immediately from After much exertion a passage was made the place, and no trace whatever was ever over the fall, and immediately beyond it lay the afterwards seen of him body of Thos. Blakey – quite stiff as if it had – Monday 25th. Augt. 1817 – been long dead. The groans of another person Clement, Rolly Driver Killed in the were soon afterwards heard, and on going on a West Pit, Howdon, by the Rollies running over little Geo: Melvin was found in a state of in- him. He was riding on the fore end of sensibility – a little further on the body of the Rollies, and in going down a steep part Thos. Hepburn was found, having to all appear- of the way had fallen off – he was Killed ance been dead for many hours. on the spot. The afterdamp still continued very strong notwithstanding the powerful air course which was forced through the high-main waste. The search was continued, and by [Bud-30]
68 69 70 June 8: 1817 Following people were burnt Sa: 13 Sep. 1817 Will: Russell Esqr. of Branspeth Castle in 1. Will. Wilkinson, Dep. Overman – Severely John Allen rolly driver, killed in the Howdon the Co. of Durham died in his 83d. Year. 2. Wm. Jewitt – wood Leader – Do. Pit, by the Rollies running over him – it was – July 10: 1817 – 3. Wm. Scott – Do. – Slightly supposed that he had been riding on the fore- Hugh Second Duke of Northumberland died 4. Wm. Stanley – Hewer – Severely end of the rollies, and that he had fallen off in the Year of his age. His Grace died 5. Saml. Hood – Do. – Do. – no person saw him fall. at Northumberland House. 6. Thomas Hope Do. – Do. – Satdy. 4 Octr. 1817 – – Thursday 25 Sep: 1817 – 7. Jos. Liddle – D – Do. Thomas Atkinson, Skreener, at the 3d.Pit Long- A fire took place in the Rolling-hill District 8. James Britton Do. – Slightly Benton Colliery killed by falling down the Pit. It Jarrow Colliery this morng. by the Foulness from 9. James Richardson Do. – Do. is not known how this accident happened, as no the Goaves, backing thro’ a bearing-down door 10. Jos Greenwell Do. – Do. person saw Atkinson go near the Pit. Some- against the Air, and firing at the Candle of 11. Jno. Smith – Do. – Do. thing had gonewrong about the machine Brake, one of the hewers in the adjoining Board, which 12. Heny. Mustard Do. – Do. the Bankmen went to assist in putting it right, was only just turned out of the Headways 13. Jos. Brown – Trapper – Severely and the Skreers went to the main fire; but Course 14. – Angus – Do. – Slightly never missed Atkinson ‘till the Onsetter called William Wilkinson Deputy Overman was re- Little injury was done to the Pit, altho’ up the Pit to tell them that he had fallen down. paring the door at the time with a Davy, but the main Doors at the Shaft were thrown – Tuesday 7 Octr. 1817 – did not think it necessary for the men to open by the concussion. James Brown, Trapper, – burnt at Jarrow on work with them. By this accident the – Friday 26 Sep: 1817 – the 25th. Ulto: died this day Wm. Wilkinson died early this morng. and – Friday 10 Octr. 1817 – Saml. Hood died in the course of the day. Jos. Liddle, Hewer, burnt at Jarrow on the 25th. Ulto. died this morng. [Bud-30]
71 72 73 Octr. 22: 1817 expected to recover. was held at the assembly Rooms N.Castle William Stanley, Hewer, burnt at Jarrow on the – Nov. 3 : 1817 – this day, when strong resolutions were 25th.ulto. died. Robert Wilson, John Clark, & Jas. Dixon, Boys passed expressive of the Trades disap- Friday 24 Octr. 1817 killed at Collingwood-main, by the fall of a stone probation of the Resolutions of the William Car[ish], Deputy Overman, killed in 1st. Nov. 1817 meeting of Mr. Stephensons friends on the high Pit, Heaton Colliery, when drawing props – A meeting of the friends of Mr. G. Stephenson the 1st. Inst. and declaring their opinion by the fall of a Stone. was held at the assembly rooms N.Castle that Sr. H. Davy is the sole inventor of Monday 27 Octr. 1817 C.J. Brandling Esqr. In the chair, when the Safety Lamp. William Halt, Trapper, killed in the King Pit, resolutions highly injurious to the scien- Nov 1817 yard Coal Seam Sheriff-hill Colliery by the tific fame of Sr. Hump. Davy, respecting Information respecting Gas Lights Rollies running over him – he had fallen asleep his invention of the Safety Lamp & in- from Th. Grimshaw on the way. volving the consistency of the Coal Trade 4 Cubic Feet of Gas P. hour lights an Monday 3: Nov. 1817 who had presented Sr. Humphrey with Argan’s Lamp. John Waddle, Putter, killed by falling down the a service of plate as a mark of gra- 96 or 100 Cubic feet of Gas supplies a th 3 Percy-main Pit. He was standing on the Settle- titude for the same, on the 11 . Ulto: Lamp 6 hours, which is equal to 600 – /8 In. boards when the men were going down at Mon: 27th. Nov: 1817 pipes for single Lights calling course & fell into the Pit no body knew Th: Clasper, Hewer, killed at Jarrow 1 lb. of Coal equal to 3 feet of Gas how –it is supposed that he had been half by a fall of Stone, in the Pit. 1 Foot of Gas equals to 1 Mould Candle asleep. Wed: 26 Nov: 1817 Hour min. Nov: 3 : 1817 A general meeting of the Coal Trade of 6 in the lb. for 1 .. 20 John Turnbull, Deputy Overman, burnt to 1 lb. of Coal equals to one Mould Candle death at Ouston Colliery – three other persons so for 4 Hours. much burnt at the same time that they are not [Bud-30]
74 75 76 Price of Copper Pipes viz. Dimensions of a Wear Water Keel. Table shewing the power required to draw an 3 d /8 In. – 5 . P. Foot Feet In. empty & loaden Waggon, on the Level, and up ½ In. – 7d. Do. Extreme Length – – – – – – – – 44 ..10 Up different acclivities – founded on an retrial 5 d o r /8 In. – 9 . D . Ditto – Breadth – – – – – – – –22 .. 6 experiment by M . John Grimshaw of Fatfield in Sheet Copper No. 20 – 16 oz. P. superficial Length of Hold – – – – – – – – – 24 .. 8 1817. Foot. Breadth of Do. After – – – – – 16 .. 4 Empty Chaldron Waggon, weighs, 2586 lbs. Ditto – – – – – Fore – – – – – –16 ..10 Rise in the yard Ditto – – – – – Middle – – – – –18 .. 6 – Inch,0, ¼ , ½, ¾, 1,1¼, 1½,1¾, 2 Depth from Gunwale to Top Power required– lbs,10, 25,40,55,70,85,100,115,130 of Keelson – – – – – 2 .. 6 2¼ In. rise P. yard, requires 145 lbs Keelson – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 8 Plank – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 ..1½ Loaded Chaldron Waggon weighing, 8522 lbs. Timber– – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 7 Rise in the yard 1 3 5 7 Plank – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 ..2½ – Inch,0 , /8, ¼ , /8 , ½ , /8 , ¾ , /8 , Keel – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 6 Power required, lbs,50,80,110,140,170,200,230,260, From the Gunwale to the surface of the 1 water, when light – – 2 F..10 In. 1 , 1 /8 Ditto Loaden – – – – 1 .. 9 290,320 Breadth of Stern – – – – – – – – 7 .. 9 N.B. A horse id equal to 20 lbs. From the Fore part of the Hold This must mean the force applied by an to the Stem – – – – – – – 9 .. 2 Horse, when drawing From Hold to the Gunwale at In Germany the work of an Horse, or an the Stern of the Vessel 11 .. 0 horse’s power, is 100 lbs, at velocity of 4 ft. Draught of Water, Loaden – – – 3 .. 6 P. second, perpendicular. All German measure. Ditto – – – – – – Light – – – – – 1 .. 9 The Horse to continue his Labour 12 Hours P. Day. Prof. Gerstour. [Bud-30]
77 78 79 Specicgravity [Page Blank] Thursday 18 Dec: 1817 Sp-gravity of Walls-end Coal, taken Dec:30:1817 A Fire took place in the Plain Pit Rainton 1 – – 1186 Colliery, Hutton Seam, this morng. when the 2 – – 1184 Very dry Overman was going thro’ the workings, by which 3 – – 1287 Twenty Six people lost their lives – 24 by the 4 – – 1264 Taken from the Coal Heap accident & 2 afterwards by suffocation, in endea- 4921 vouring to save the Sufferers. 1230 Average The cause of this accident is not known – two Deputy Overmen were down all 1 – – 1186 3 – – 1287 night, timbering the workings &c. and came 2 – – 1184 4 – – 1264 out at Calling-course, when the Overmen & 2370 2551 Deputies went down – they reported the Pit Average 1185 Average 1275 to be in a good state, ecxept that a Band or two in the innermost W. Sheth looked Very dry Candle Coal – 1184 thickish. Shortly afterwards, before the Hewers Whin from Metal Coal Post Jarrow Colliery 2740 got inbye – indeed before they were all down the Pit, the accident happened. Jarrow Metal Coal Post – 2475 Vein Stone Caleracous The Son of the Overman – who was Colly. Black Band – 2322 Sand Stone with Zink his Father’s Deputy was found in the Board Heworth Do. – 2545 ore from a Trouble in the going Headway’s Course – very much in the Roof, 2606. burnt & from appearance the Fire had Coal from Figucon in Portugal – 1393. [Bud-30]
80 82 83 happened at his Candle. Wed: 4th. Mar: 1818 June 6th. 1818 Ten of the sufferers were burnt, they Thomas Coxon, Overman, Killed in the East William, a Boy killed by a full Waggon had mostly died of suffocation. Pit Jarrow Colliery by a Stone falling upon running over his head at the on-Gate of The Pit did not explode – the Fire him when drawing props Cullercoats Staith – N. Shields. was partial & confined to the interior of the Mar: 1818 May 30th. 1818 workings. William Story, Deputy Overman, Killed in the John Charlton, Pitman, killed at Backworth The sufferers were the Overmen, Depu- E Pit Heaton Colliery by a side Wafer, he He was baring the Quarry with two other ties, Cranemen &c. who went first inbye with went through a working jud into the ad- men – they had 6 feet^
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84 85 86 Monday 13th. July 1818 Monday 27th. Augt.July 1818 Wednesday 5th. Augt. 1818 William Waddle, Shifter, killed in the A Pit Mr.. Mohs of Fryberg & Count Breunner A Fire occurred in the G Pit Walls-end Hebburn Colly. by a side wafer falling upon from Hungery spent the day with me Colliery this afternoon by which J[ohn] Wagget him. He was not killed on the spot, but The former is the late professor Werner’s Hewer, Thos. Elliott & Ra. Nesbit, Drivers, was so dreadfully mangled that he died successor – as professor of Mineralogy were killed. And William Reay, hewer in a few hours. at Fryberg. The latter is a young Noble- was so dreadfully burnt that he only Satdy. 1st. Augt. 1818 man of independent fortune. survived 26 Hours. The Grand Duke Michael & Suite came They are upon a scientific Tour William Reay gave the following to Newcastle. I attended the Grand Duke thro’ Great Britain – they have been account of this accident. and Generals and 3 or 4 Months in Edinbro’ attending the They were working in a pair of Dr. Hamel, to Heaton Colliery, where they classes there and are very well informed exploring Drifts, which were advanced about were very much amused with what they agreeable men. They speak English fluently 200 yards into the former crept Waste saw particularly the drawing of an Horse The Professor is rather in the decline of the C, Pit. A constant & copious up the Pit. of life – the Count is a young man of discharge of inflammable Air had always The Grand Duke is a tall well two or three & twenty. prevailed in these drifts, in consequence of looking young man, and appears to be They were down the Pit at which nothing but Davys had ever been good humoured; but he does not seem Percy-main & Backworth and were much used. On the morning of the accident to have any taste for scientific subjects pleased with all they saw the Drifts were much in their ordinary nor to be inquisitive about any thing he They were introduced to me by State – the inflammable Air frequently saw – he appeared just to be travelling to Mrr. Jardin of Edinbro’. burning within the Lamps, so as to heat see sights for amusement. the Gauze Cylinder red hot. Reay’s Lamp wanted fresh oil, he sent the boy Nesbit [Bud-30]
87 88 89 out to the Crane to get it replenished; and Blade, or the point of an Awl – through Sunday 27th. Sep: 1818 on his return when within about 20 yds. of the which the Explosion had passed. Roger Buddle, Underground Horsekeeper, face he observed the foulness to be burning Whether this injury might have killed in the G Pit Walls-end Colliery this furiously within the Gauze Cylinder of the been occasioned by the Boy’s falling & Striking morning. He was going down the Ladders Davy. He called to the Boy to run forward the Lamp against the corner of the Tram-way in the 8 faths. Stapel – between the Pits with it (thinking he could manage it better plate, or from some other cause is not and by some means slipped his hold & himself) the lad immediately began to run known; but certain it is that great vio- fell by which he was so much hurt that but had only proceeded a few Steps, when lence had been done to it before the he only survived two hours. he fell, and the Explosion instantly took Fire as all the other Lamps 4 in Number Thursday 1st. Octr. 1818 place. were found in a perfect state. Two young men & two Boys killed at On taking up the Davy the They were all locked, and the Killingworth Colliery. 2 of them were riding following day, the gauze Cylinder was Lamp-keeper declared that they were all in the Loop with a boy on their knees, when slightly bulged in, on one side of the in perfect state when they went out of within a short distance of the top, the Seam – close down to the Brass Collar, his hands that morng. The other Lamps loop slipped – owing it was supposed to the Copper ring, on the inside of the were all found in the same state he it’s not being put properly into the hook Gauze Cylinder, which holds it tight against had sent them out in. The Gauze Cylinder – they fell down the Shaft, and killed the inside of the Brass Collar was very of this unfortunate Lamp was new the a boy in the bottom much twisted & indented; and a small Day preceding the accident. Friday 2d. Octr. 1818 aperture was formed, on the outside of the This is the first & only acci- John Croudace, Hewer, Killed, in the C, gauze Cylinder and between it & the brass dent which has happened from the Pit, Hebburn Colliery, by a fall of Stone Collar – large enough to admit a Pen-knife Davy Lamp. Monday 4th. Octr. 1818 John Potts, Carpenter, Killed at the new [Bud-30]
90 91 92 Engine – at the top of the Ouse-burn bank Wed: Nov: 1818 and seemed much pleased with what he saw on Kenton Wagg-way. They were just The Arch Duke, Maximilian of RussiaAustria We netted a Poney – let it down & drew it going to start the Engine, and Potts was and Suite came to see Heaton & Walls-end up the A Pit again to shew him the manner greasing some of the wheels – He called to Collieries. The Duke is affable in his manners of putting Horses down a Pit. He also saw the Engine Man, to put the En: into and well informed – he seems most acquainted some Men & Boys go down. gear, when the Engine instantly moving one with the Science of Geology, and is very com- He seems to be a Man of huma- of the arms of the fly wheel ^
93 94 95 Monday 1st. Feb: 1819 March 1819 Monday 19th. July 1819 Ra: Harbottle, an old Man, nearly 80 years Saml. Cooper Senr. of Percy-main About 6 O’clock this evening, an explosion of age killed on Backworth waggon-way informs me that when he was a boy of inflammable air took place in one He was filling his Cart with Coals in at St. Anthony’s Colliery, in the year division of the workings in the King Pit Easrdon Lane – his horse standing on 1776 they had a Wooden Waggon, or Sheriff-hill Colliery, Beaumont Seam the wagg way. A Waggon was coming Rolly-way underground in the Farewel which unfortunately proved fatal to two down the way – loaden with Planks, when Pit, which he thinks might have then Men, and Thirty three Boys, who happened the Horse taking fright ran away full been in use for a year or two to be in that part of the Mine. This event speed. The old man being alarmed This Way was laid by Mr. Allen occurred only half an hour before the Pit went to get his horse out of the way and his Waggons carried six, 20 peck was to have finished its Days work other but was caught by the Waggon before Corves each – the Corves stood two wise the loss of Lives would in all proba- he could accomplish it: and was so dread- a breast on the Waggons which were bility have been more extensive. fully bruised that he expired in ten drawn by a single Horse. The following is the substance of the minutes. Henry Coxon was Overman of the information on this subject as stated March 1819 Pit at the time, and was killed by Fire in the depositions of those examined before Putter Killed by falling down along with three other persons the same Adam Askew Esqr. one of his Majesty’s the Low-main Coal Stap: in the E Pit Wash- year. ington new Colliery. Mr. Allen with his Brother & Nephew and 3 other persons were killed by Fire in the same Pit, the fallowing year. [Bud-30]
96 97 98 Justices of the Peace for the County of of the Coal in their extremities for the a safe working state and was then under Durham who attended in Consequence of purpose of Diluting the Inflammable the Care of Mr. John Isley the Back the Office of Coroner for Chester-ward being air as it issues from the fissures of the Overman. At Eleven O’clock in the forenoon at this time Vacant. This Pit has always Coal. This was the more necessary for Mr. John Patton the Chief Overman was been subject to a considerable discharge of as it was requisite that the workmen relieved by Isley he declares that the never Inflammable Air from the Coal in the should blast the Coal with gunpowder saw the workings in a safe state nor left face of the Workings which rendered it ne- the use of the Davy Lamp was rendered un- them with more satisfaction. The catastrophe cessary at all times to have a powerful avoidable. That division in which this acci- which occurred was therefore totally unex- & well regulated ventilation, the ventilation dent happened was of limited extent as it pected, and every person who knew the has always been found fully adequate to only contained 17 Boards or working galleries state of the workings was at a loss how its purpose in keeping the Pit in a safe and the ventilation was so arranged that to account for it Mr. Jno. Appleby the working state; but at the same time 2 Sheth Doors which for the sake of making Viewer with all the Overman, Wastemen it could not be withdrawn from the them as complete as possible, were constructed &c. flew to the spot the moment they Heard smallest Branches of the Workings and fitted up in the same manner as Main of the accident & on gaining access to that without their S[pudily] becoming charged of Frame Doors which had the effect of ven- Division of the workings where it happened with inflammable Air. On this account tilating 12 out of the 17 Boards. they found the two Sheth Doors before all the galleries of the Mine were bratti- Two hours previous to the accident mentioned were removed from their Places ced so as to dash a powerful current the Pit was ascertained to have been in but did not observe any traces of the of atmospherical Air against the Face Boys whose duty it was to keep them. [Bud-30]
99 100 101 In the Course of their search for these This opinion is in a great Measure conf[irm]ed Twelve of the unhappy sufferers were sufferers they found the bodies of these from the circumstance of the Body of Jno. Buried in Gateshead Church Yard, and two Boys at a distance of 250 Yds. from Isley the Overman being found uninjured fifteen more at St. Edmonds Chapel their Doors in a situation where it was by the Fire in the 15th. Board which is on Thursday Evening, Fourteen of the not possible they could have been carried beyond where the derangement of the Venti- latter were Buried in one Grave. by the force of the Explosion, and exam- lation arising from the neglect of the The Melancholy occasion drew ining the workings nothing could be dis- 2 Sheth Doors extended; and if he had together a large Concourse of Spectators covered to lead to the supposition that been engaged there for some length of time the remainder of the Sufferers were Bur- any sudden and overpowering discharge which is most probable, he could not be ried at Heworth and Lamesley. of Inflammable Air had taken Place. at all conscious that any thing was wrong. The only way in which the Cause of A further confirmation of this opinion is this accident can be accounted for is that the greatest force of Fire had evi- that the Boys had left their Doors open dently been the Boards the Ventilation by which the Current of Air had been with of which depended on those two Boards Doors drawn for such a length of time from the Upwards of 20 Men and Boys were in First 12 Boards of the District in Question other parts of the Mine when the acci- as to allow them to be charged with dent happened but fortunately excaped inflammable Air to the Firing Point a few only having been slightly injured by the concussion and afterdamp. [Bud-30]
[Diagram of Quarry Seam Section]
102 103 104 July 1823 Stone Quarries at Portland They carry from 4½ to 6 Tons at a load. £ s d Island. In the Winter they go 3 times a Day, and 4 Quarrying – – – 0..10..0 [Diagram of Seam Section] times a day in Summer. Leading – – – – 0.. 1..6½ Feet In going down from the Quarries a large Shipping – – – 0.. 1..3 This is the only Broken Stone and Stone is dragged behind the Cart by a chain £0..12..6½ P. Ton part of the Stone Rubbish – – – – 17 to assist the Shaft Horse in holding back. I could not learn what quarry Rent the wrot. at present Best Stone – – – – – 15 The Stones are loaded into Boats of 7 to masters paid, nor how much they paid for 9 Tons Burden from the Wharf, by Sheer Legs the spoil of Ground. Neither could I learn the Has not been wrot. Coarse Stone with and Capstains 5 fat Blocks. They are selling price of the Stone. for some time irregular Beds of Flint 7 then taken off to the Vessels in the Roads & Mr. Pitt of Kingdom Hall paid 13/- P. Ton for hoisted out of the Boats by the Ships tackles the coarse part of the Stone which was not Coarse Stone in very This operation costs 1/ 3 P. Ton s d fit for fine buildings. He put it into the irregular Beds with Supposing the 6 Horses to cost P. day – 18..0 foundations of a Bridge. Strata of Flint in- 50 2 Drivers – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 6..0 The only thing which I observed particularly termixed – – – – – 1.. 4..0 in the quarrymen’s mode of working was their Wear & tear of Cart, Trapping &c. – – 0.. 2..0 placing 2 thin pieces of sheet Iron, in the grove Strong blue Clay thickness £1.. 6..0 of the Block they were going to cut, between unknown. The average load may be stated at 5 Tons & which they placed the wedges and 3½ trips a Day is 17½ Tons; but as the The Quarry men have 10/- P. Ton for baring the work is frequently interrupted by bad weather Quarries and winning the Stones – casting out it can only be stated at 17 Tons the coarse parts and broaching the Blocks and 26 = 1/ 6½ P. Ton squaring them. 17 The Stones are conveyed to the Wharf on Strong Carts drawn by 6 Horses each – driven by two Men [Bud-30]
105 An Account of weight, during waste &c. of Coals, from the different Collieries and Seams, as stated underneath. Collieries Seams Weight Time Cinders Weight of Ashes Weight of Pr. Cent of Burning Remai- Cinders Remain- Ashes Waste 1 Peck ing remaining ing remaining of Ashes lbs oz ft in Gills lbs oz Gills lbs oz lbs Team Low main 33 9 13 25 16 3 4 4 0 11 2.055 Derwent crook Low main 33 0 13 15 32 5 1 3¼ 0 10 1.894 Sheriff hill Beaumont 33 12 13 25 20 4 4 6 1 7½ 4.351 (Black Boy) Main Coal 35 9 12 20 24 4 10 4¼ 1 5½ 3.778 Dixon’s Eden main Ditto 35 3 14 0 28 4 10 3 0 14 2.486 Engine Pit Dixons Norwood Ditto 34 10 12 0 24 4 9 3 0 12 2.166 Butter Knowl Ditto 32 0 13 30 18 3 8 2½ 0 9 1.758 Etherly Ditto 32 9 14 25 28 5 14 3¼ 0 13 2.495 Cockfield Fell Ditto 33 1 17 23 24 5 2½ 5 1 5 3.970 Ferry hill Ditto 35 14 16 44 24 4 8 4½ 1 9 4.355 weight Backworth High main 3 st 6 lb 8 55 5 0 1 12 3.645 B Pit 3 6 Do Engine level Ditto 3 6 9 5 4 10 0 11 1.432 Do West water level Ditto 3 6 8 0 5 0 0 12 1.562 Do East water level Ditto 3 6 9 45 3 2 0 10 1.302 Do A Pit best Coals Ditto 3 6 8 15 3 11 0 8 1.042 Do B Pit worstCoals Ditto 3 6 9 10 4 2 1 8 3.125 Earsden Drifts Ditto 3 6 7 55 5 8 0 12 1.562 Ditto Ditto 3 6 7 30 4 0 0 11 1.432 Ditto Ditto 3 6 8 0 3 12 0 8 1.042 Holywell Drifts Ditto 3 6 6 30 4 8 0 10 1.302 Ditto Top Coal Ditto 3 6 12 10 4 4 1 0 2.083 Ditto Ditto 3 6 7 5 4 0 0 11 1.132 [Bud-30]
107 Collieries Seams Weight Time Cinders Weight of Ashes Weight of Pr. Cent of Burning Remai- Cinders Remain- Ashes Waste Coals ing remaining ing remaining of Ashes Stones lbs ft in Gills lbs oz Gills lbs oz lbs Wallsend Bensham 3 6 10 0 4 1 2 1 4.297 Fawdon 3 6 7 45 4 12 0 10 1.302 Whitley 3 6 8 45 4 8 1 3 2.474 Ditto 3 6 10 30 4 7 1 2 2.343 Shilbottle 3 6 12 15 2 13 2 0 4.166 Wylam 3 6 9 45 6 8 1 6 2.864 Wallbottle 3 6 8 5 3 2 1 6 2.864 Cramlington 3 6 8 10 2 5 1 4 2.604
107 108 1825 May 19th. Examined Brunells’ large Cassoon great degree of lateral Pressure, that it will sinking at the intended Tunnel Rotherhithe not sink to the required depth. It is 50 ft. Diam outside. The Sides are Brick built with Roman Cement, 3½ feet [Pages 109 to 112 are Blank] thick. The Brick work id placed upon a Cast Iron Shoe, about 3ft high very well constructed The first length or portion of the Cassoon is 50 ft and 30 ft is to be added to it, the whole length intended being 80 feet. It is now Sunk 26 ft through Gravel, and is just enter- ing into a bed of Strong blue Clay. So far it has gone very well, and has kept it’s position correctly, but it is to be re- marked that it has not yet sustained any lateral pressure. It has sunk without dif- ficulty by it’s own weight, and the weight of a 4 Horse Engine placed upon it to draw the Water. It is plastered all round the outside with Roman Cement, but is not particularly smooth nor has it been greased, nor any pains taken to lessen the friction on the outside of the shell. My opinion is that if it has to pass through any adhesive Clay, or encounter any
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