Wellington Pit, Whitehaven, Cumberland, England
THE LIST of names of all those who died in the 1910 Wellington Pit disaster makes for grim reading. The 136 victims ranged in age from 15 to 64. Left behind to mourn their loss were 85 widows and 260 children* with the average age of six.
Wednesday, the 11th of May, 1910, still represents the blackest day in the history of the Coal Mining Industry of Whitehaven.
One hundred and forty two men and boys descended the mine for that evening's shift at Wellington Pit and only six came out to tell their story. Earlier the same day, the town council had met in Whitehaven to show their sympathy with the Royal Family following the death of King Edward, but within only a few hours of their meeting the town was plunged into consternation and a terrible grief of its own.
The appalling catastrophe which followed brought desolation and despair to the homes of many of its townspeople and a degree of sorrow to the people of Britain and to mining communities throughout the world.This book was written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the disaster and help preserve the memory of those brave miners who lost their lives.
One hundred and forty two men and boys descended the mine for that evening's shift at Wellington Pit and only six came out to tell their story. Earlier the same day, the town council had met in Whitehaven to show their sympathy with the Royal Family following the death of King Edward, but within only a few hours of their meeting the town was plunged into consternation and a terrible grief of its own.
The appalling catastrophe which followed brought desolation and despair to the homes of many of its townspeople and a degree of sorrow to the people of Britain and to mining communities throughout the world.This book was written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the disaster and help preserve the memory of those brave miners who lost their lives.
Ralph Walker
1866-1910
Ralph Walker related to me through a marriage on my direct Edwards Line. Ralph and his eldest son William John Walker both died in the Pit that day. (Sorry the pictures could not be any clearer)
His wife Agnes was left with six children the youngest a daughter Alice was a few months old and was sent to live with her aunt after Agnes died.
Difficult to comprehend the sorrow in a small town where the tragedy touched the life of all who lived there.
Happier Times
Maritime Fair in 1999
4 comments:
We can't begin to understand the grief and despair that was felt in the community. I believe after each pit disaster a benevolent fund was set up to help the bereaved families.
Near my home town there was a pit disaster in 1862 where 199 men and boys were entombed, and in one household there were 13 coffins - husband, sons and brothers.
Very interesting. in 1972, 91 miners were killed in a fire in the Sunshine Mine up by Kellogg Idaho where I used to live. One of our good friends just barely make it out alive and the stories he told were amazing. Not all of those we knew made it out. Thanks for sharing this story.
Wow - so sad.
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