Explosions in the Goyt Valley.Pub

Whaley Bridge Local History

Explosions in The Goyt Valley

For those that were unaware of the fact that a gunpowder mill existed in Fernilee it was there for many years but as with lots of businesses it eventually folded due to lots of circumstances the main one being that it would be beneath 90 feet of water in the shape of the Fernilee Reservoir. Below is the famous Inkerman photo of ‘work in progress’ at the Powder Mill and below it is the start of the construction works at Fernilee by the contractors. You can see the ruins of the works that are just behind the dam wall. With the eventual construction of Errwood Reservoir and the way in which the water supply is accessed it is very doubtful if the ruins will ever appear again.

Start of the construction works at Fernilee

Inkerman photo of ‘work in progress’ at the Powder Mill

Stockport Advertiser Macclesfield Courier 27 May 1836 Saturday 4 June 1836

Dreadful Occurrence. Dreadful Accident.

We are sorry to state that an On Thursday week, about six o’clock in the morning, one of the most explosion took place at the Powder dreadful accidents which we have ever had to record, occurred at Mills, at Fernilee, this morning, Shallcross, in the County of Derby, about eight miles from Macclesfield. about seven o’clock, in the stoving house, by which two unfortunate The powder mills of Messrs Williamson, which contained at the time a ton creatures were in one moment and a half of gunpowder, blew up with a tremendous explosion. deprived of their existence. George Heaps, a married man, with a wife and four children, who was in the mill at the time, was blown a distance of six hundred yards, to his master’s farm at Taxal, in this county, Shallcross being on the border of Cheshire and Derbyshire. He was, of course, quite dead when found.

Mr Hollins, the coroner for Cheshire, held an inquest on his body the very day that the poor man’s youngest child was baptized. The persons who went in search of him when very near him observed something, which had not the most resemblance to a human body; but on going up they discovered that it was the miserable object of which they were in search.

The clothes and the hair of his head were completely burnt off him, and the body almost reduced to a cinder. One of his legs had been torn off and has not at present been found. John Heaps, a single man, and the brother of George, was found in the ruins of the mill, with his clothes and hair burnt off, but still alive.

He died, however, the day following in the greatest agony.

1 High Peak News having the fullness.’ Previous to this, some narrow- 26 November 1892 minded people would say that he was insincere in his worship, while others would call him an enthusiast, but The Late James Sayer. now his religion is brought to the test: his soul is on the verge of eternity, and his body is tortured with pain, but On May 4th 1848, a workman names James Sayer was yet he is a happy man. He was a champion in the cause burned to death at the Fernilee Powder Works, and Mr of God before, and now carries it to his latest moments. W. Srigley, who now resides at Burbage, Buxton, and is He could talk of death as being his friend, or but a an employee of the Buxton Lime Firms (Limited,) wrote passage to the skies, and now he meets it with a smile. an account of the accident and composed some lines on Nor had he lost that Holy zeal which he carried through the subject. We quote the following from the pamphlet, the world, of telling lost sinners of a dying Saviour, for which, by the way, was printed by J. Taylor. Chapel-en- when his friends were carrying him home he called le-Frith, and sold at 1d. The profits to go to the widow. aloud to the unconverted, ‘Give your hearts to God,’ Mr Srigley says: “The reason of me publishing this little and then he broke forth into singing these beautiful treatise, is because I feel much concerned on the lines:- sudden removal of that pious and devoted man, James Sayer; not that I wish to add to his virtues, for his past Would Jesus have a sinner die? life portrays that he was a man full of faith and the Holy Why hangs He then on yonder tree? Ghost, instant in season and out of season, doing all What means that strange expiring cry? that lay in his power. Sinners: He prays for you and me; Forgive them father, Oh forgive, To save poor souls out of the fire They know not that by Me they live. And snatch them from the verge of hell. He was taken home and attended by a doctor, but it But now he is no more, for on the morning of the 4th was with great ado that his friends could keep him still day of this month, when busy making powder, the mill for the great weight of glory that awaited him so took fire and burned him almost to a crosil. But when animated his soul that he cried aloud in praise and the men in the other mills saw what was done, they ran thanksgiving to God, for says an eye-witness ‘If we had to his assistance, but on entering the place they could not restrained him I believe he would have made the not proceed for the sulphur and smoke which was so very house to have rung with prayer and praise.’ But as thick and strong: but after pausing a little they he was sensible that the time of his departure was at attempted again, and found him in a corner with his hand, he entreated his wife very tenderly to give him hands lifted up crying, in a feeble tone,‘Help! Help!’ But up, as he shortly must bid her a final adieu. He survived on laying hold of his hands to rescue him, his flesh and until 9 o’clock in the evening, and then his happy spirit finger ends came off, while all his clothes were burned took its flight to flourish in perpetual bloom. Appended save the waist of his trousers; but as soon as he was to the account are lines entitled ‘The Dying Peace’ and brought out of the place, he exclaimed, ‘Thank God for ‘His Ascension to Glory.’”

Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge, New Mills & Hayfield Advertiser. 17 August 1878

Fernilee: explosion in a powder mill

An explosion occurred on Saturday at Fernilee Gunpowder Mills, worked by Messrs J.H. Williamson & Co., whereby three men, named Thomas Ryder, John Ward and Matthew Collier were severely burnt. The men were engaged in making some repairs in one of the departments, using a copper hammer, when an explosion took place, which did considerable damage to the structure.

Ryder and Ward were so severely injured that it was deemed necessary to convey them to the Stockport Infirmary, and, as Ryder is advanced in years, his case is considered the most serious. whaley bridge: Ryder, one of the unfortunate men injured by the explosion at Fernilee (as reported on page 6) died at the Manchester Infirmary on Wednesday.

The 1885 Explosion

High Peak News 14 March 1885

Explosion at the Fernilee Gunpowder Mills.

An explosion of somewhat serious character, but fortunately without any loss of life, occurred at the Fernilee Gunpowder Works on Saturday afternoon. The works which are owned by Messrs Williamson & Coy, are situated midway between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, and are in close proximity to the quiet village of Fernilee. It appears that about two o’clock a number of small powder mills used for grinding purposes were in full operation, when suddenly one of the mills exploded with terrific force smashing the roof, which was of wood, into atoms, and doing

2 some considerable damage to windows, &c. in the locality. Almost simultaneously with the explosion at the mill, two others a few yards apart were heard to “blow” up, completely demolishing the buildings and doing other damage. The workmen engaged at the mills had fortunately left the place a short time before the explosion, or the consequences might have been most serious, as a good many hands were employed at the spot.

The force of the explosion was heard some distance away, and caused many of the people living in the neighbourhood to rush out of their houses in an excited condition. How it occurred is as yet unknown.

Glossopdale Chronicle 14 March 1885

Explosion at the Fernilee Gunpowder Mills.

On Saturday last what is termed as a “blow up,” but what is no doubt an explosion on a smaller scale, occurred at about two o’clock on the works of Messrs Williamson & Co., the Fernilee Gunpowder Mills, by which happily no one was injured though damage was done to buildings and to windows in its vicinity. It appears that there were only some few men about at the time, and these were not near the mills which exploded. The works are situated in a secluded dell or valley, a few miles from Buxton, and not far from the source of the river Goyt, and consists of various buildings suitable for the purposes required, besides the offices, coopering works, steam engines, &c., and the greatest care is taken in the preparation of the explosive, so that the damages which otherwise might seem imminent are greatly lessened.

The man in charge of the mills had two or three grinding mills almost ready for clearing, and had been inspecting the lower mills at a little distance, and was on his way over the stream, intending to examine the other mills, when one of them “blew” up, and was succeeded by two others going off. Timbers flew in all directions, and the noise caused in the valley was heard some two miles off. The mills being but lightly constructed, the roof especially being made so as to lessen the effects of an explosion, were easily demolished, and easily repaired.

Consequently the mills were soon repaired and at work again, we are assured, soon after the occurrence. High Peak News Saturday 24 March 1888.

GUNPOWDER EXPLOSION NEAR BUXTON THREE PERSONS BURNED A serious explosion occurred at the Fernilee Gunpowder Mills, near Errwood Hall, a few minutes before nine o’clock on Thursday morning. In the cartridge-house a man named Whitfield, aged 24, who lives at Fernilee, and two girls named Turner, aged respectively 17 and 19, who live at Taxal, were engaged making mining cartridges, at two machines. In the box at the top of one of the machines was from 30 lbs to 40 lbs of powder, which was running through a hole in the ordinary process, into moulds, and came out at the bottom as cartridges, of which there are nine to the pound.

Without the least sign of anything having gone wrong in the machinery to cause the man and the girls to stop work the gunpowder in the box exploded with a deafening noise. The persons named were blown to the floor, and the building was completely wrecked. The cartridge-house was constructed solely of lightly-made woodwork. Its size was 16 feet by 10 feet. A portion of the roof fell about ten yards on the one side of where the house originally stood and another portion fell on an embankment on the opposite side. Each of the four sides were blown away like so much matchwood, the only part of the building remaining to all appearances, intact, was the heavy wooden floor.

Whitfield and the girls Turner were found seriously burned, principally about the face and hands. Had they not been wearing the non-inflammable clothing supplied to all the people working at the mills, they would, undoubtedly have been burned to death. Fortunately the wreckage did not take fire, and there was no difficulty in removing the injured persons. They were at once attended to as far as the skill of those on the ground would allow, and then a covered carriage was procured, and they were at once taken to Stockport Infirmary.

The place will not be disturbed in any particular until a Government Inspector has paid a visit. It cannot be conceived from what cause the gunpowder exploded, every possible means to provide against such an occurrence being adopted throughout the works. About 30 hands are employed on the works, which are well laid out, and cover an extensive area, and none of these happening to be in the vicinity of the cartridge house no doubt accounts for the fact that the number of injured is not more.

Ashton Reporter. 31 March 1888

(Addition to the above article, which is otherwise identical) The man Whitfield succumbed on Monday, and on Tuesday an inquest was held at the Infirmary. Major Cundill, Government Inspector of Explosions, attended. The evidence showed that the deceased was aware that the machine was out of order, and the Coroner pointed out that, according to the rules of the works, he ought to have stopped the machine. This neglect caused the fatality, and no other person was to blame.

3 Ashton Reporter September 8th 1888

ANOTHER EXPLOSION AT FERNILEE GUNPOWDER MILLS FATAL RESULT

On Friday morning week another lamentable affair occurred at Fernilee Gunpowder Mills, and although one life was lost as a result of the disaster, the consequences might have been far more serious. Following so quickly the explosion by which a man and a girl lost their lives a short time ago, the sad event of Friday created a good deal of excitement in the district. The mills are something akin in their construction to a common mortar mill. There is a pan into which the materials are placed which are to be ground by the revolving mill. About 60 lbs of powplaced in the pan at one time, and the material is damped with water, as in the case of mortar making. The mills are separated by stone walls, two feet in thickness, and are covered with woodwork and other light material, which will easily give way in case of an explosion.

At about ten o’clock a terrific explosion was heard, which sounded like the roar of a cannon, and was heard for two or three miles away. Directly afterwards a second report was heard, and when the attention of some persons who were working in a hayfield was drawn to the place, they saw a large quantity of material and dust flying in all directions. Of course the workpeople were much alarmed, and began to escape from the works in all directions. When the excitement had somewhat subsided it was found that Thomas Phillipson, the mechanic employed at the works, had been struck on the face by a piece of timber, which inflicted a deep gash, and seriously hurt the jawbone.

Mr John Ault, the manager, perceived a horse running along the lane near the works, and upon going to the bridge, he found that the animal, which had come to a stand, was unattended by Thomas Ford, the driver.

Upon search being made the dead body of poor Ford was found in the lane. The cart was laden with coal, and was passing to the works at the moment of the explosion. There can be no doubt the animal bolted, and that in attempting to stop it Ford was knocked down and killed. A messenger was dispatched to Whaley Bridge and as speedily as possible Dr Allan proceeded to Fernilee.

His services in Ford’s case, of course, were of no avail, but every attention was paid to Phillipson. In a short time many people were attracted to the scene to view the wreck, and on Saturday and Sunday considerable numbers flooded to the place. THE FUNERAL OF FORD

The funeral of the victim of the explosion took place on Monday, at the cemetery connected with the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Dove Holes. Prior to removing from Dove Holes, the deceased was connected with the Primitive Methodist body, but latterly he attended the Wesleyan body at Fernilee. As the deceased was well known and highly respected, a large number of relatives and friends were present, and such a cortege had not been witnessed in the village for many years. Many of the workpeople from Fernilee, as well as Mr John Ault, and some of the directors, joined the procession.

The members of the chapel choir, the teachers in the Sunday school, and many of the senior scholars attended as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. The deceased was a member of the “Mayflower” Lodge of the Ancient Order of Shepherds, and many of the brethren joined in the funeral procession. The service was conducted within the chapel in a most impressive manner by Mr John Richardson, of Whaley Bridge, and at the grave side by the Rev. W.H. Mason, of Bradwell. A goodly number of wreaths and flowers had been sent by loving friends.

High Peak News 1 April 1893

Explosion at Fernilee Gunpowder Mills.

On Friday morning last, an accident occurred at the Chilworth Gunpowder Company’s Mills, situate at Fernilee, by which two workmen were injured - one of them rather seriously. It appears that a man named Phillipson, a fitter, was engaged in his particular work when an explosion quite unexpectedly took place in the room where he was. He was burned about the face and head, and a man named Heather, another employee, was approaching the doorway leading into the room when the explosion occurred, and a piece of ignited timber that had been hurled from the roof struck him and set fire to his clothes. Medical assistance was speedily obtained. The men were both removed to their homes at Fernilee and Horwich End. Dr Allan, of Whaley Bridge, is attending the sufferers, who are progressing favourably. Buxton Advertiser 8 April 1893

The Accident at Fernilee.

We are glad to hear that the two workmen employed at the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, who were injured by an explosion there a few days since, are progressing satisfactorily.

4 High Peak News 1 April 1893

Explosion at Fernilee Gunpowder Mills.

Buxton Advertiser 8 April 1893

The Accident at Fernilee.

We are glad to hear that the two workmen employed at the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, who were injured by an explosion there a few days since, are progressing satisfactorily.

Ashton Reporter 14 August 1909 TERRIFIC EXPLOSION AT WHALEY ONE MAN KILLED AND TWO INJURED AT THE GUNPOWDER WORKS

Walking in Flames to the River.

The Whaley Bridge Wakes holidays were overshadowed by a terrible explosion which occurred on Thursday afternoon at the Fernilee gunpowder works, owned by the Chilworth Gunpowder Company.

The works are midway between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, and cover about half a mile of ground in a secluded valley.

What was the exact cause of the explosion is not known at the time of writing, nor would the officials advance any theories. The report was terrific, and could be heard as far away as Bridgemont on the New Mills side of Whaley, and nearly at Buxton. The explosion occurred in what is known as the “corning magazine,” and “corning” is one of the last processes through which the powder passes before it leaves the works. The building was practically destroyed. The roof was torn off, and the slates were hurled yards away. The lane leading to the works was strewn with them, and even branches were cut off the trees.

In charge of this magazine was George Raven, and working with him was a man named Jos. Hill, of Bridgemont.

Hill was killed outright. His skull was fractured, and he had also received a compound fracture of the leg. One arm was completely blown off, and two hours after the accident the limb had not been found.

Raven was blown through into a field close by, through the top of the building, which was open through the roof being displaced. He was not rendered unconscious, but his clothing was all in flames. He had the presence of mind to rush down to the river which runs close by, and by that means extinguished the flames. He was in a thoroughly exhausted condition, and was got out of the river by his brother, James Raven, and Job Wright.

At the time the explosion occurred, Percy Southern, a young man, was crossing a bridge which connects one part of the works with another. He was hit on the chest by some of the flying stone from the building and rendered unconscious. He was also badly burned. There were about 80 pounds of gunpowder in the magazine.

5 Dr Flint and Dr Cox, of Buxton, were shooting on the Errwood Moors, and hearing the explosion immediately went to the works, and rendered what assistance they could.

Drs Johnston and Welch, of Whaley Bridge, and the matron of Devonshire Hospital, Buxton, were early on the scene to help. The injured were taken to the Devonshire Hospital, Buxton, on the works ambulance. Both of them were suffering from frightful shock and collapse, and were in a critical condition; Raven was badly burned about the head, chest and hands, and Southern was badly scorched. When they were removed it was not known whether they had any internal injuries.

The firemen connected with the works turned out immediately after the explosion, and played with water on the other magazines, to prevent any further disaster. Fully a hundred men are employed at the works.

Joseph Hill, who was killed, was a single young fellow about 30 years of age. He was a quiet, steady-going young man, and connected with the Bridgemont Mission Room.

Raven and Southern are also single young men, and are about 20 years of age.

AN EYE-WITNESS’S STORY

The occurrence was witnessed by Mr Albert Goddard, a farmer, who said to a press representative: “I was at the top of a load of hay, and happened to be looking in that direction. It put me in mind of being at Belle Vue fireworks last night. The roof was hurled many yards in the air. You would hardly believe how high it went. Then it came down with a rattling noise.” The affair caused a very painful sensation throughout the district. An explosion occurred a dozen years or more ago at the same works, when several people were killed. Some people are of opinion that the explosion was caused by the heat. That question will be gone into at the inquest, which will probably be opened today (Friday.)

ANOTHER ACCOUNT

A terrible catastrophe occurred at the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, Fernilee, on Thursday afternoon. The manufacture of the explosive in which about a hundred men and boys are engaged is mainly carried on in a series of small buildings, and in one of these, known as the “corning” shed, Joseph Hill, aged 32 years, of Bridgemont, and George Raven, aged 26, of Fernilee, were engaged, when the building suddenly blew up. The motive power to this part of the works is supplied by a water wheel, over which the debris of the wrecked building collapsed, whilst slates and other material were scattered about for hundreds of yards. On rushing to the spot the workmen from the other buildings found Percy Southern aged 19, of Old-road, Whaley Bridge, who had been working outside the demolished shed, lying rather badly hurt and scorched from the effects of the explosion.

The work of removing the debris was quickly commenced under the direction of Mr John Ashling, the cashier, who was in charge of the works at the time, and it was a terrible task that confronted them.

Hill had been blown to pieces, and Raven had sustained shocking injuries.

Two doctors, who were in the vicinity at the time, were soon present, and shortly afterwards the injured men were attended by Doctors Johnson and Welch, and removed to the Buxton Hospital.

The work of recovering Hill’s remains occupied a considerable time.

A SECOND VICTIM

George Raven, the young man who was hurled out of the building by the force of the explosion, died in the Devonshire Hospital at Buxton on Saturday night.

His life had been despaired of from the first. The wonder was how he ever came out of the mill alive.

The deceased was 26 years of age. He had resided in Fernilee all his life, and had always worked in the mill. He was one of the representative youths of the hamlet, and a popular cricketer and footballer.

The deceased was a member of the Fernilee Reading and Recreation Room. He was a very steady-going young man, and very highly respected.

It is a sad fact that for some time past he had been the only support for his widowed mother.

The second death increased the gloom which the calamity spread over the district.

6 FUNERAL OF GEORGE RAVEN

The funeral of George Raven, the second victim of the calamity, took place on Tuesday afternoon, at the Fernilee Wesleyan burial ground, there being every evidence of respect and sympathy.

The Gunpowder Works were closed for the day, and the whole hamlet mourned with the widowed mother.

At the head of the procession walked members of the Court of Foresters, with which deceased was associated, including Bros A. Shaw, D. Sherwood, T. Redfern, G. Vaughan, James Sherwood, M. Wilson, T. Wilson, W. Wilson, J. Holmes, E. Holmes, J. Roberts, G. Clayton, Herbert Lowe, Chas Lowe, Horace Allen, John Bennett, George Lomas, W. Lomas. Over 80 of the deceased’s fellow workmen and officials at the works were present, including Messrs H.S.C. Cox (manager), Chas Smith, J.T. Mellor, J. Ashby, R.D. James, G.S. Maclean and J.W. Southern (foreman.)

The occupants of the coaches were: Mrs Raven (mother), Mr Jas Raven (brother), Miss Florence Smith (fiancée of the deceased), Miss Edith Southern, Mr & Mrs T. Salt, Mr & Mrs W. Nadin, Miss Raven, Mr John Raven, Mrs Collier, Mrs Ball, Mr Horace Allen, Miss Maggie Raven, Master George Woolcock, Mrs Lomas, Mrs Horsfield, Mrs James Raven, Miss Collier, Miss Doris Southern. George Raven

Other friends present included Miss Annie Salt, Miss Lily Collier, Mr & Mrs J. Boothby, Mr & Mrs C. West, Mr W. Lomas, Miss Hill, Mrs J. Bennett.

Mr & Mrs Gosselin Grimshaw, of Errwood Hall, the Hon Mrs Preston, of Errwood Hall, Mrs H.S. Cox and Mrs Oyarzabul also attended the interment.

The obsequies were of a most impressive character, and most of the people were moved to tears as the remains of the deceased were reverently lowered into the ground, and also during the service in the chapel.

The minister was the Rev. W. Allen, Wesleyan superintendent, who delayed his departure to Bath so that he might show his sympathy with the bereaved by conducting the last rites. The bearers were Messrs Jas Lomas, H. Southern, C. Lupton and A. Porter, friends of the deceased.

The floral tributes were very numerous and beautiful, and were sent by the following:- Mother, brother and sister Fanny, Mr A. Porter (deceased’s “old pal”), Uncle John, Uncle Jim and family, Aunt Lizzie and family, Aunt Martha, Aunt Hannah Mary and family, Masters George and Jim Maclean, Mr Victor Smith and Miss Lily Turner, Mr and Mrs E. Lomas, Mr and Mrs R. Lupton, Mr C. Lupton, Mr and Mrs John Bennett and family, Mr and Mrs James Boothby, Cousins Jim, Sydney, Lily and Mary, Mrs Lomas and family (Royal Oak), the Chilworth Gunpowder Co. Ltd., Mr E. Kraftmeier (managing director), Mr & Mrs H.S. Cox, the staff at Fernilee Gunpowder Works and Mr Willcock.

The Fernilee Flower Show and Sports should have been held on Saturday (August 21st) but have been postponed indefinitely owing to the recent sad occurrence. George Raven was a member of the committee.

When the explosion occurred Mrs A.P. Shaw, of Whitehall, was early on the scene, bringing with her a trained nurse and a supply of stimulants. Mr Gosselin Grimshaw, of Errwood Hall, was soon down in his carriage ready to render any assistance, and with him was the Rev. Father Fouchere.

It will take about three months to get everything in order again. In the meantime the works will have to be closed, after the present “covered” material has been got out. It is hoped, however, that employment will be found for the men at other works in the neighbourhood until work can again be found for them at the Gunpowder Works.

PERCY SOUTHERN’S CONDITION

From inquiries made on Thursday it was ascertained that Percy Southern, the other man who was injured, was doing very nicely, although he is not yet out of danger.

PREVIOUS DISASTERS

Considering the many and great dangers which attend the manufacture of gunpowder, and how slight a thing will

7 cause an explosion, the disasters at Fernilee have been few in number. There was one about 70 years ago, in which two brothers named Heap were killed.

About 11 years ago three magazines exploded, but happily, this occurred during the night when nobody was working. It is about 17 years ago since the last fatality occurred, and on that occasion a man and a girl were killed. There was also an accident in the 70s.

The company are most careful in the proper management of the works, and also take a great interest in the welfare of the men.

Mr H.S. Cox, of Fernilee Hall, the manager, does all that he can to make them happy and comfortable both inside and outside the works. He was away at the time of the explosion, and was most distressed when informed of it. He returned home on Friday afternoon.

FUNERAL OF MR JOSEPH HILL AT TAXAL

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon at St. James’ Church, Taxal, amidst signs of sorrow and respect. From Bridge Mont, where the deceased had resided, to Whaley Bridge and Horwich End the blinds of nearly every house and shop were drawn, whilst in the church there was a large and reverent congregation.

At the house, service was conducted by Mr J.G. Downs. A large number of the employees of the Chilworth Gunpowder Company walked in front of the hearse, whilst a good many were unable to attend because they were required to be on special watching duty at the works.

Among the employees who were present were Messrs Charles Smith (engineer), J.T. Mellor, J.W. Southern (foremen), the latter of whom is the father of Percy Southern, John Ashby (cashier), Jos. Southern, A. Shaw, Gee McBean, R.D. James, D. Sherwood, Jos. Bennett, John Mellor, J.C. Clayton, Geo. Clayton, Abraham Higginbottom, A. Heather, J. Sherwood, C. Mycock, J. Vaughan, J. Boothby, Wm Simpson, C. West, W. Hulme, A. Porter, R. Mycock, A. Jodrell, J. Braddock, H. Lowe, J. Smith, T. Ollerenshaw, J. Riley, Wm Barnes, J. Harrison, R. Beard, J. Barrow, W.E. Lamb, L. Riley, H. Heather, H. Fox, A. Hill, Wm Boothby, E. Thomas senr., E. Thomas junr., R. Mycock, F. Oyarzabal, Wm Taylor, A. Pickup and Jos. Bennett.

Following the hearse were four coaches, occupied by the chief mourners, namely: Mr Wm Hill (grandfather), Miss Mitchem, Miss Elizabeth Hill (aunt), Mr and Mrs Samuel Hill senr (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs Thomas Hill (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs Wm Hill (uncle and aunt), Mr Capewell, Mr and Mrs Samuel Hill junr (cousins), Mr and Mrs Norman Hill (cousins), Mr J.W. Kinder and Mr J.G. Downs. The bearers were Messrs S. and N. Hill, F. Bennett and W. Mellor

THE FLORAL TRIBUTES

The wreaths bore the following expressions of regret:

“In loving memory” from Uncle Will and Aunt Nelly, Plumpton. “With deepest sympathy”, Cousins Norman and Amy, Stockport. “With deepest sympathy”, Grandfather and Aunt Lizzie. “With deepest sympathy”, Cousins Sam and Maggie. There were also four wreaths each inscribed “With deepest sympathy and condolence”, from the Chilworth Gunpowder Company, Mr E. Kraftmeier, Mr and Mrs H.S. Cox, and the staff of the Company. Bunches of flowers were placed upon the grave by Mrs Wood of Newtown, New Mills and Mrs Brough of Plumpton Farm.

THE REV W. P. STAMPER’S ADDRESS

An impressive service was held in the church, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. W.P. Stamper. In the course of a short address, said that before they proceeded from the House of God to the graveside it was only right and fitting that he should address one or two remarks to them with regard to the shortness and the uncertainty of life.

Many a time had they brought before them this fact, that man knew not his time; but there were times, like the present, when the thought was brought more closely home to them when those near and dear to them had been suddenly snatched away from the home, from the circle of friends, from those amongst whom they laboured. Such was the course before them that day. There were times when they mourned those who had gone hence, because they had known the nature and character of the lives they had led.

There were many who were taken away in the midst of their sins, but he understood that their departed friend was a religious man, and that he placed his trust in God, and that being so, they believed that the God in whom he trusted

8 did not desert him. When they felt the shock of a terrible accident, like the one that took place the other day, and when they thought of the result, did they not also think of their own lives? Man’s life at the longest was described as being a span, and did it not go home to each of them how necessary it was to be in a state of preparedness? They knew that their time was short, and that sometimes the inevitable step between time and eternity must be taken. They were told “Now is the day of salvation.”

It was in this life they must make preparation for a better. A wicked man could not enjoy the glories of heaven, but they believed that a good man, when he was taken away was transplanted and translated to a better place. They must take to themselves the lesson that had been set before them of the shortness and uncertainty of life, for they knew not what a day might bring forth.

Their blessed Saviour had taught them that though they would have to endure persecution and affliction, there was a better place prepared for them. Whatever the term of their earthly existence might be, if they believed in Him they would enter into His glory and rest with Him in Paradise.

The last sad rites were administered in the presence of a large and sympathetic crowd by Mr Stamper.

The Chilworth Fire Brigade

Ashton Reporter 28 August 1909 THE WHALEY EXPLOSION A Third Victim

Shortly before eight o’clock on Tuesday morning Percy Southern, who was injured in the explosion at the Fernilee Gunpowder Works on August 12th, died at the Devonshire Hospital, Buxton, as a result of the injuries he received. This makes the third victim of the terrible calamity, the other two being Joseph Hill and George Raven. Southern was not as badly hurt as the other two, and last week hopes were entertained of his ultimate recovery. The injuries, however, combined with the fearful shock, proved fatal in spite of the best medical skill and the most careful nursing.

Percy Southern was about twenty years of age, very popular, and highly respected. He was a teacher at the Whaley Bridge Wesleyan Sunday School, and only the Sunday before the accident occurred read the lesson from the school desk. He was formerly the registrar in the school, and a popular member of the Wesleyan Circuit Club. Deceased was the son of Mr J.W. Southern, a foreman at the Powder Mill. The greatest sympathy is expressed with the family in their great trouble. The third death in connection with the explosion has made a very deep impression on all concerned with the works. This is said to be the most serious accident there has been at the works, which have been in existence three-quarters of a century or more.

9 Workers at the Powder Mill, Hill & Raven are on this photograph

Ashton Reporter 28 August 1909 THE WHALEY EXPLOSION A Third Victim

Ashton Reporter 4 September 1909 FUNERAL of Mr P. SOUTHERN of WHALEY

many people at the ceremony

The funeral of the late Mr Percy Southern, of Whaley Bridge, the third victim of the Fernilee gunpowder explosion, took place on Friday afternoon at the Fernilee Wesleyan Burial Ground. As in the case of the two previous funerals, the greatest respect and sympathy were shown, the blinds at all the cottages being drawn, and the tradesmens’ shutters half closed.

The obsequies were impressively conducted by the Rev. J. Bonsall, Wesleyan minister, of Chapel-en-le-Frith, there being a large congregation in the chapel.

There were also present a large number of employees of the Chilworth Gunpowder Co., including the following officials: Messrs J. Ashby, J.T. Mellor, A. Shaw, D. Sherwood, R.D. James, G. Macbean, G. Vaughan and J. Roberts. Deceased was a member of the Whaley Bridge Ambulance Division, which was represented by eleven members of the corps under Sup. S. Bagshaw. The Whaley Bridge Wesleyan Sunday School was represented by Messrs E. Ashby, R. Fergie and A.H. Burgess (superintendents), the “Rock” Division of the Sons of Temperance by Bro. A. Weate, G.W. P., and J.W. Lomas P.G.W.P., the Whaley Bridge Cricket Club by Mr Harold Collier (secretary) and the Whaley Bridge Post Office (deceased being the firm’s private postman) by Mr W. Scholes. Mr Gosselin-Grimshaw, of Errwood Hall, Mr T. Shuker and Mrs John Lowe attended.

10 The bearers were Corporal H. Allen, Privates J. Lomas, W. Lamb and R. Clayton of the Ambulance Brigade, and Messrs H. Morten junr., F. Wharmby, W. Harrop and O. Goddard of the Wesleyan Sunday School.

The mourners were:- Mr and Mrs J.W. Southern (father and mother), Mrs S. Jodrell and Miss E. Southern (sisters), Messrs Joseph and Ernest Southern (brothers), Miss Neate (fiancée), Mr and Mrs G. Jones, Buxton (uncle and aunt), Mr S. Goddard (uncle), Mr T. Goddard (cousin), Mrs Jos Southern (sister-in-law), Mr S. Jodrell (brother-in-law), Mrs J. Jodrell, Mrs R. Goddard, Mrs Morris, Mrs Chas Bagshaw, Mrs Hill, Mr Fred Brookes, Miss E. Corrigan, Miss J. Corrigan, Mr M. Heary, Mr J. Barnes and Mr James Southern. There were many floral tributes, including the following:- From Father, Mother, Ernest, Eliza, Polly, Stephen, Mary, Jos and Hester “In affectionate remembrance of our dear Percy;” Uncle Sam and Family, Aunt Eliza and Uncle George, Elsie; from his companions, F. Brookes, F. Wharmby, W. Harrop, F. Collier, A. Morten and H. Morten, his Cousins at Buxton, Officers and teachers of the Whaley Bridge Wesleyan Sunday School, the Chilworth Gunpowder Co., Mr E. Kraftmeir (managing director), Mr Cox (manager of the works) and Mrs Cox, Mrs Gosselin-Grimshaw and Mrs Preston, Mr and Mrs Preston, Mr and Mrs Rowley (Fernilee), Mr J. and Mrs Corrigan and Family, Mr & Mrs Herbert Burgess, Mr and Mrs Allan Heather and Family, the Post Office staff at Whaley Bridge, the Servants at Fernilee Hall, the Staff at the Fernilee Mills, artificial wreath under glass globe, Mr G.W. Little, Park House, Whaley Bridge Ambulance Division, Whaley Bridge Cricket Club, 2nd eleven, Mr T. Redfern, May and Will Neate, Mr and Mrs F. Jowle, Mr and Mrs Mellor, Mr and Mrs W. Jodrell, Lizzie, Frank and Clement Morris.

The superintendents of the Wesleyan Sunday School conducted a short service at the house, and at the graveside Bugler Haughty sounded the “Last Post”, the scene being most impressive and moving many to tears, as they thought of the many good qualities of the young man who had been laid in an untimely grave.

Messrs Collier Bros., who had charge of the previous two funerals, conducted this one also.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A special service in memory of the late Mr Percy Southern was held at Fernilee on Sunday afternoon. A procession was formed at Whaley Bridge comprising members of the “Rock” Division of the Sons of Temperance, the employees of the Chilworth Gunpowder Co., the scholars of the Whaley Bridge Wesleyan Sunday School and the Whaley Bridge Ambulance Brigade. The procession was headed by the Whaley Bridge Public Band playing hymn tunes. There was a great crowd of people at Fernilee, and it was quite impossible to accommodate them in the Wesleyan Chapel. The service was accordingly held in the burial ground adjoining at which it was estimated there were 700 people present. Many other stood on the road and it is stated there must have been at least a thousand people there, the most numerous congregation there has ever been at Fernilee. The preacher was Mr E.E. Daish, of Whaley Bridge, who made touching reference to the sad calamity and the deceased young man’s useful life. Hymns of an appropriate character were sung, and Mr Shuker ably presided at the organ. Miss Wainwright sang a solo very sweetly. The service was of a most impressive character.

The ruins of the mills before the reservoir was built

11 The ruins of the Chilworth Powder Mills, now resting beneath the waters of Fernilee reservoir

Many years later.... DEATH OF MRS RAVEN (no date)

An old and esteemed resident of Fernilee passed away on Tuesday morning in the person of Mrs. Raven, widow of Mr. J. Raven. Aged 71, Mrs. Raven had been in poor health for some time. She was particularly well known in the hamlet where she had a small shop and made teas. Her maiden name was Lomas and she spent all her long working life in this district. Mrs. Raven was associated with the Wesleyan Chapel in Fernilee. She leaves a son and daughter. One of her sons was killed in an explosion at Fernilee Gunpowder Mills. The funeral takes place to-morrow (Saturday) at Fernilee Wesleyan Chapel.

FUNERAL OF MRS RAVEN (no date)

The funeral took place on Saturday at Fernilee Wesleyan burial ground of the late Mrs. Raven of Fernilee, whose death has been noticed. Rev. A.C. Baker, superintendent minister, officiated. Mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. J. Raven (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. H. Southern (daughter and son-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Nadin (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs. Deacan, Mrs. Bleakley, Miss M. Raven, Master J. Raven (grandchildren, Mrs. Collier, Mrs. J. Horsfield, Mr. Horsfield, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Boothby, Mr. and Mrs. J. Lomas, Mr. and Mrs. West, Mrs. Powell. Bearers were Messrs. J. Lomas, W. Nadin, J. Horsfield, J. Salt. There were floral tributes from: Jim and Sophia; Maggie and Harry; sister Lizzie and family; all the grandchildren; sister Hannah Mary and nephews and nieces; Lily, Mary, Osmond and Allan; sister Annie, Jim and Florrie; Hannah, Jim and family; brother Jim, Mary and family; all at Goyt Vale; Cissie, Allan and family; all at Folds Farm; Jack, Martha and children; Mrs. Lupton and Annie; society of Fernilee Wesleyan Chapel; Mr. and Mrs F. Bagshaw, George and Fred; Mr. and Mrs. Jodrell and Vera; Mr. and Mrs. Hill; niece and nephew (Mary and Fred); David and Annie (nephew and niece); Jim and Jessie. – Messrs. Collier Bros. satisfactorily carried out the funeral arrangements.