	Haswell Colliery	Index	Haswell Colliery

Haswell Colliery

Location:	Haswell 6½ miles [10 km] E of Durham
Map Ref:	(Sheet 88) NZ373422, 54° 46' 25" N, 1° 25' 7" W
Maps:	1898 map from Reid's Handy Colliery Guide
Opened:	02 Jul 1835
Closed:	31 Dec 1896
Pits:	Engine Pit, closed: 1895
	Shaft details for Engine Pit
	Little Pit, closed: 1895
Owners:	1835 - Haswell, Shotton & Easington Coal & Coke Co.
	1836 - Haswell, Shotton & Easington Coal Co.
	1850s - Haswell Coal Co. (Messrs. Clark, Taylor, Plummer, Lambs, Maude, Laws & Bell)
Output:	1855 - Coal.
	1860 - Coal.
	1865 - Coal.
	1873 - Coal.
	1888 - Coal.
	1894 - Coal: Manufacturing, Steam.
Employment:	1854 - 0 [Working]
	1883 - 1,259
	1894 - 1,309 (1,031 below, 278 surface)
	1896 - 0 [Abandoned]
	Colliery Management (prior to 1970)
	Catalogue of plans of abandoned mines for Haswell Colliery
Notes:	1811 - One of the first sinkings to prove the existence of a coalfield underneath the overlying Magnesian Limestone was that at Haswell, carried out by Dr. William Smith about this time. Little more was done in working the hidden portion of the coalfield until another twenty-five years or so had elapsed.
	1831, Feb 28 - The Engine Pit, Haswell Colliery, was commenced and got down through 54 ft. of sand, when the pit was lost.
	1833, Jul - New Engine Pit was commenced at Haswell Colliery, and sunk down to the Hutton Seam ; bored further to below the Beaumont Seam in 1840.
	1834, Aug - About this date, the workmen employed in sinking Haswell colliery, after more than three years' labour, struck upon a fine seam of coal, at the depth of 504 feet from the surface.
	1835, Jul 02 - The first cargo of coals from Haswell colliery was shipped at Seaham, when great rejoicings took place. A public dinner was held in the afternoon, at the Lord Seaham Inn. The winning of this colliery cost nearly £100,000.
	1835, Mar 09 - The owners of Haswell colliery succeeded in winning the Hutton seam of coal, 5 feet 6 inches thick, at a depth of 930 feet from the surface. The workmen, 200 in number, were bountifully regaled on the occasion.
	1836 - About eight miles of the eastern division of the Sunderland and Durham railway was opened, by several trains of wagons laden with coal, being brought along a new branch from Haswell colliery to the main line, and conveyed thereon to Sunderland, where the coals were shipped amidst the loud huzzas of the spectators, the firing of guns and a numerous display of flags hoisted on many conspicuous places.
	1886 - Hutton seam abandoned
	1896, 31 Dec - Five Quarter, Main Coal, Low Main seams abandoned - Mineral being unprofitable to work

Description

The first attempt made to obtain coal by the Haswell Coal Company, Messrs. Clark, Taylors, Plummer, Lambs, Maude, Laws, and Bell, was in a part where the limestone is comparatively thin, being only about 36 fathoms; but beneath this was found about 20 fathoms of quicksand, abounding with feeders of water, the pressure from which impeded the operations of the sinkers, and could only be kept under by strong engine power. After an expenditure of about £60,000, it was found necessary to abandon the sinking ; the only set-off to the outlay being the value of the materials removed. Another sinking was commenced in a field of coal received in exchange from the South Hetton Coal Company, for the same area of coal belonging to the Haswell Company near South Hetton pit. Two boreholes were abandoned; one having 16 fathoms, and the other 26 fathoms of quicksand; but another, near that last mentioned, in the field received in exchange, was found to be free from this obstruction. The five-quarter seam of coal, 3 feet 6 inches thick, is at the depth of 90 fathoms from the surface; 30 fathoms further is the main coal; 16 fathoms lower, the low main, 3 feet 7 inches thick and 20 fathoms beneath it, the Hutton seam, 4 feet 4 inches (all good); being a total depth of 156 fathoms. The number of workmen employed under ground in this colliery, for the raising of 200,000 tons of coal yearly, is as follows:

Function	Men	Boys
Staff (for safety) employed in superintendence, and in properly ventilating the mine and waste, in keeping roads, setting timber, removing obstructions, and doing all things necessary for the safety of the mine and the workmen	60	13
Bargainmen, or men employed on piece work in stone drifting, cutting through troubles, &c.	12	-
In transit of coal under ground	7	126
Employed in cutting coal	210	-
Total	289	139

The first shipment of coals from the colliery took place, July 2nd, 1835; and the first waggon of coals passed over the Durham and Sunderland railway was on the 5th July, 1836, when a supply was sent to Hendon. The coals are now shipped at Sunderland, Seaham, and the Victoria Dock at Hartlepool. They are called in the market, Richmond Main, Haswell Wallsend, Plummer's Wallsend, and Easington Wallsend.

A History of the County Palatine of Durham By William Fordyce Fullarton

The Haswell Colliery was sunk in 1835, and sent the first coals to Sunderland by rail in 1837. The seams being worked are the Five Quarter, at a depth of 558 feet; Main Coal, 663 feet; Low Main, 812 feet; and the Hutton, at a depth of 1931 feet. During the last few years, from twelve to fifteen hundred persons have been employed daily at the colliery, and nearly 400,000 tons of coal are raised annually. The colliery is held on lease by the Haswell, Shotton, and Easington Coal and Coke Company Limited, who possess the coal royalties from the colliery to the sea, including the adjoining under sea coal.

One of the most fatal explosions on record in the north of England occurred in the "Little Pit" in this colliery, on the afternoon of Saturday, September 28, 1844, when no fewer than ninety five lives were lost, either by the explosion itself or by the after damp.

The Schools, erected and supported by the colliery company, have been enlarged at various times. These have accommodation for 760 boys, girls, and infants, with and average attendance of 580.

Haswell Institute was established by the colliery company in 1889, for the benefit of their workmen, and contains reading, smoking, billiard-rooms, and lecture hall. Technical classes on mining, chemistry, and cooking, as initiated by the County Council, are held here. These are supported by voluntary subscriptions, assisted by the colliery company.

The Miners' Hall, erected in 1874, contains lecture hall, capable of holding 500 persons, reading room, and library.

Whellan's 1894 Directory of County Durham

Disasters (5 or more killed)

28th

Sep

1844

Explosion, 95 lives lost (Show Names)

Those entries marked with , signify a disaster for which a memorial has been erected or for which we have images concerning the disaster, alternately their name may be mentioned on a memorial plaque. Click on the symbol next to the name to see the appropriate web page for the memorial.

Names of those killed at this colliery

Please note that this collection of names is by no means complete!

						Adey, Robert, 21 Aug 1849, aged 21, On the afternoon of 21 August, Robert Adey, 21, was waiting with several other men at the bottom of the shaft at Haswell Pit to be drawn to bank. The cage was lowered to within a yard of the bottom and Adey attempted to get in before it had reached the ground. He put his head and shoulders beneath the cage and was severely crushed; death was instant
						Alford, John, 26 Feb 1872, aged 12, Wailer, crushed by a wagon passing over his body
						Allport, William, 26 Nov 1892, 1:20 a.m., 7th hour of shift, aged 33, Hewer, crushed between top of tubs and roof while riding on engine set over the kip, contrary to rules. [More information ...]
						Anderson, William, 21 Jan 1883, aged 56, Hewer, died from congestion of the lungs. It was alleged that he had some time previously received a blow to his hip at Haswell Colliery, but the doctor could not trace any connection between the alleged accident and the cause of death [fatality reported during the year but not classified as a reportable accident]
						Armstrong, George, 28 Aug 1888, aged 35, Hewer, crushed to death by fall of a large stone
						Armstrong, Joseph William, 09 Jul 1881, aged 14, Driver, head crushed between a baulk of wood and top of tub while driving a set of tubs outbye.
						Armstrong, Thomas, 01 May 1865, aged 20, Fireman, death caused by the explosion of an underground boiler [More information ...]
						Atkinson, Frederick, 30 Jul 1878, died form injuries after being hit by a piece of timber [Sunderland Daily Echo reports: inquest - 30 Jul 1878 pg 3 col 6] [date of report]
						Banks, William, 02 Dec 1873, aged 34, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Barrass, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 10, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of William, taken down the pit for the first time to look at it, Buried: St. Lawrence Churchyard?, Pittington [More information ...]
						Barrass, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 32, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 4 children, father of John, Buried: St. Lawrence Churchyard?, Pittington [More information ...]
						Bates, John, 23 Sep 1871, (accident: 12 Jun 1871), aged 27, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Bates, Joseph, 20 Nov 1891, 12:10 p.m., 4th hour of shift, aged 40, Hewer, fall of stone in a broken jud, a shot had been previously fired which might affect the roof; it is a treacherous one. [More information ...]
						Bell, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 31, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, brother of Jonathan, Buried: Gateshead [More information ...]
						Bell, Jonathan, 28 Sep 1844, aged 28, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of George, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Bellerby, H. J., 09 Jul 1891, aged 53, Shifter, died from the effects of al alleged sprain received while lifting a tub on the way, on the 18th ult.; this was never mentioned until a day or two of his death, which medical evidence attributes to other causes.
						Bevan, John William, 29 Jan 1880, aged 14, Driver, fall of stone on tramway while passing with his tub (born 1st Sept. 1865), Buried: St. John's Churchyard, Shildon
						Black, Jacob, 16 Nov 1848, aged 13, while attempting to get on a train of laden waggons at Haswell Pit, slipped and fell between two of the waggons which ran over his legs. The accident happened on 16 November, and the inquest was held on the 18th
						Bones, William, 14 Oct 1859, aged 19, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Bottoms, Thomas, 28 Sep 1844, aged 17, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Bowell, George, 26 Feb 1869, aged 23, Wagon Chalker, run over by 15 waggons
						Briggs, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 10, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of John Briggs, grandson of Thomas Briggs, Buried: St. Lawrence Churchyard?, Pittington [More information ...]
						Briggs, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 25, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of Thomas Briggs, Buried: St. Lawrence Churchyard?, Pittington [More information ...]
						Briggs, Thomas, 28 Sep 1844, aged 61, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, Buried: St. Lawrence Churchyard?, Pittington [More information ...]
						Brown, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 17, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Brown, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 42, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Brown, John, 17 Jun 1864, aged 14, Putter, killed by a fall of stone
						Brown, John, 27 Apr 1865, aged 12, Horse Driver, kick from a horse
						Brown, Robert, 11 Jun 1875, aged 22, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Brown, Thomas, 18 Mar 1885, aged 14, Station Boy, while coming outbye he was run over by engine set
						Bryan, John, 15 May 1867, aged 13, Driver, crushed between top of tub and crown tree
						Burns, John, 14 Apr 1854, (accident: 13 Apr 1854), aged 15, Putter, he was attempting to climb on some laden coal waggons which were being drawn from the pit to the engine house, when he slipped and fell on the line, his right leg was run over by several waggons and was severely crushed and broken about the knee, he died the following morning
						Cambridge, Alexander, 11 Aug 1857, Driver, he attempted to get on some coal tubs to ride, but he fell and the tubs passed over his bowels, and a third rested on his chest. He was taken to bank and died before he could be removed from the pit heap.
						Carr, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 26, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 1 child, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Cathron, William, 20 Aug 1850, aged 14, Rolley Driver, crushed to death by some rolleys; he had somehow fallen underneath them
						Chalder, John, 14 Sep 1883, aged 40, Shifter, fall of roof while taking down some stone to repair gateway
						Charlton, John George, 22 Sep 1871, (accident: 02 Jun 1871), aged 26, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Clough, Henry, 28 Sep 1844, aged 12, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Matthew and Michael, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Clough, Matthew, 28 Sep 1844, aged 10, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Henry and Michael, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Clough, Michael, 28 Sep 1844, aged 14, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Matthew and Henry, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Collier, Thomas, 12 Sep 1871, Putter, killed by a fall of stone
						Craven, David, 18 Mar 1888, (accident: 24 Feb 1888), aged 50, Hewer, severe injuries to back by fall of stone
						Crowe, William, 28 Jun 1874, aged 27, Collierywright, crushed by cage coming down on him while repairing keps at shaft bottom
						Cummings, Cuthbert, 05 May 1852, aged 13, he was thrown out of a tub in which he was riding and his head was jammed between the tub and a prop, it was supposed he had been driving his horse too quickly
						Cummings, Richard, 07 Oct 1880, aged 42, Shifter, fall of a large stone while he was cutting bottom
						Curley, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 30, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and family, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Cutty, John, 27 Sep 1851, aged 65, Pitman, crushed head by a stone falling in the waste ~ Accidental
						Dandy, William, 25 Feb 1868, aged 13, Pony Driver, crushed by tubs
						Davison, Mark, 28 Sep 1844, aged 16, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Davison, Robert, 17 Mar 1858, aged 17, Pony putter, crushed by tubs and door
						Davison, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 26, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 3 children, Buried: Gateshead [More information ...]
						Davison, William, 01 May 1865, aged 28, Engineman, death caused by the explosion of an underground boiler [More information ...]
						Dawson, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 53, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 6 children, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Dixon, George, 22 Jun 1877, aged 17, Putter, while riding on limbers in the dark, although cautioned not to do so, his head was crushed between the tub top and a plank
						Dixon, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 15, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Dixon, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 21, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Dixon, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 16, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Dixon, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 46, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Dobson, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 50, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Dodds, Robert, 31 Oct 1873, aged 64, Wasteman, fall of stone in waste
						Donnison, Thomas, 29 Nov 1886, aged 30, Collier, fall of stone from roof of long wall face
						Douglas, John, 08 Jul 1891, 12:35 p.m., 4th hour of shift, aged 45, Hewer, sudden fall of stone while he was kirving a jud
						Douglas, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 32, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 4 children, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Dryden, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 19, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of James, Robert and Thomas, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Dryden, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 15, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of George, Robert and Thomas, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Dryden, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 17, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of George, James, and Thomas, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Dryden, Thomas, 28 Sep 1844, aged 22, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of James, Robert and George, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Elsdon, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 18, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of William, Buried: St. Lawrence Churchyard?, Pittington [More information ...]
						Elsdon, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 22, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of George, Buried: St. Lawrence Churchyard?, Pittington [More information ...]
						Errington, John, 13 Nov 1850, he was in charge of a horse and waggons near the lamp station in Haswell Pit, the horse was found running without its driver, and Errington was discovered lying dead on the waggon-way; he had been run over
						Errington, Thomas, 13 Sep 1860, Putter, head crushed between coal tub and roof
						Evans, William, 24 Jan 1890, (accident: 14 Jan 1890), aged 32, Hewer, severe injury to back by fall of stone
						Fairish, William, 27 Jul 1857, (accident: 25 Jul 1857), a cage containing two tubs of coal was being drawn up from the shaft bottom of the Engine Pit, when it arrived at bank, a boy, William Fairish, ran into the cage hole to clean it out, but at the moment he got in it became necessary to lower the cage, in order to place an empty tub in the cage at bank, and he was in consequence severely crushed. He was taken home and died on the 27th
						Farish, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 30, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Featonby, George, 18 Sep 1878, aged 36, Shifter, fall of stone on his bord while building a stone pillar
						Ferry, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 14, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of John, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Ferry, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 35, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 5 children, father of George, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Finlayson, Robert, 10 Feb 1882, aged 17, Putter, fall of stone, caused by tub getting off way and drawing a plank
						Foster, Andrew, 13 Apr 1885, aged 14, Apprentice, while assisting the sawyer to start the engine he fell between the fly wheel and pillar and was crushed
						Gibson, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 22, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of Joseph, brother of Ralph and William, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Gibson, Joseph, 28 Sep 1844, aged 50, killed in the 1844 explosion, father of John, Ralph and William, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Gibson, Ralph, 28 Sep 1844, aged 15, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of Joseph, brother of John and William, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Gibson, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 12, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of Joseph, brother of Ralph and Joseph, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Gibson, William, 30 Aug 1859, aged 19, Rolley Way Man, killed by a fall of roof
						Gilroy, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 13, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of William, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Gilroy, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 16, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of John, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Hackworth, Robert Henry, 03 Oct 1894, 7:20 p.m., 6th hour of shift, aged 29, Shaftman, While engaged in main coal haulage he, by some means, fell down the back shaft a distance of 90 yards, and was killed
						Hall, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 38, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, son also killed, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Hall, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 10, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Hall, John William, 19 Oct 1926, aged 28, he was killed when he was buried in the old pit heap at the disused Haswell Colliery, while digging for coal. Hall was working in a hole 20 feet deep, when a fall of debris occurred
						Hall, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 12, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Hall, William, 16 Jun 1875, aged 61, Shifter, killed by a fall of stone
						Handy, Stephen, 30 Sep 1861, aged 14, Coupler, crushed by tubs
						Harburn, Thomas, 17 May 1872, aged 29, Water Pumper, riding on a tub contrary to rule, the tub got off the way, and knocked a prop out, which caused the roof to fall
						Hardy, Edward, 08 May 1882, aged 59, Stoneman, while going over a fall a piece of stone fell from roof
						Harland, Henry, 18 Jan 1862, aged 15, Pony Putter, crushed by tub and roof
						Harris, William, 16 Sep 1882, aged 33, Hewer, fall of a large stone from a slip at face of place
						Harrison, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 12, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of William, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Harrison, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 13, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of John, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Hateley, William, 08 May 1871, (accident: 21 Feb 1871), aged 14, Driver, crushed by tubs
						Heatley, Edward, 27 Feb 1883, aged 56, Shifter, while riding outbye on full set of tubs, he was crushed between tub and roof on rising to kip contrary to orders
						Heppel, William, 28 Nov 1876, aged 67, Wasteman, fall of stone while putting in a pillar in Hutton Seam waste
						Heslop, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 20, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Hogg, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 20, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Holliday, Robert, 05 Apr 1893, (accident: 26 Aug 1892), aged 68, Shifter, alleged to have died from the effects of injury received on 26th August last by a fall of stone. Death was due to acute pneumonia, and not the accident
						Ingleby, William, 21 May 1889, aged 61, Shifter, fall of large stone from the roof while he was engaged building a pillar, Buried: St. Saviour's Churchyard, Shotton Colliery
						Jackson, George, 28 Apr 1868, aged 35, Deputy, crushed by stone while drawing timber [More information ...]
						Jackson, Robert, 26 Aug 1885, aged 19, Putter, head crushed between tub and side of way while coming outbye
						Jobling, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 29, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Johnson, Lancelot, 27 Nov 1868, aged 34, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Jones, David, 13 Oct 1882, (accident: 05 Oct 1882), aged 16, Incline Boy, broken leg, two sets met and the chain broke and caught him
						Jones, Richard, 20 Sep 1870, aged 18, Putter, killed by a fall of stone
						King, George, 11 Dec 1863, aged 14, Putter, killed by a fall of stone
						Kyle, James Edward, 27 Aug 1892, (accident: 10 Aug 1892, 3:00 p.m., 9th hour of shift), aged 37, Engineman, broken arm, he got it fast on screen beds, died from lock-jaw
						Laylands, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 29, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 2 children, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Lemmon, Daniel, 28 Sep 1844, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 1 child, cousin to William Routledge, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Lloyd, John, 19 Jun 1877, (accident: 15 Jun 1877), aged 19, Onsetter, severe injury to head by fall of a brick down the shaft. Had been making repairs at top of pit, and had improperly keyed the walling; the cap or shield was also left off at bottom, or it might have prevented the accident
						Lloyd, Patrick, 19 Jan 1874, aged 48, Shifter, killed by a fall of stone
						MacGreavey, John, 22 Jan 1868, aged 13, Driver, crushed by tub of plates which was upset upon him by horse taking fright
						Markey, Patrick, 15 May 1887, (accident: 13 May 1887), aged 20, Shifter, received a blow on the abdomen with a crown tree while following his work, inflammation set in and he died
						Mather, George, 28 May 1874, aged 24, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone, Buried: St. Saviour's Churchyard, Shotton Colliery
						Mather, Henry, 28 Sep 1844, aged 19, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Maughan, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 23, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						McCabe, Patrick, 04 Dec 1871, aged 14, Putter, crushed by tubs
						McIntyre, James, 24 Jul 1889, (accident: 12 Jul 1888), aged 37, Hewer, died to-day from injuries to back by a fall of stone
						Middleton, William, 08 Mar 1848, he had taken the wrong side where the laden waggons were coming down, and not being able to get out of the way in time, was knocked down and four of them passed over him, by which he was killed on the spot
						Moffatt, Joseph, 28 Sep 1844, aged 25, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Moody, Thomas, 28 Sep 1844, aged 25, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Muncaster, Thomas, 07 Sep 1882, aged 67, Shifter, fall of stone, while lowering way he had undermined a prop, which gave way and brought down a frame of stone
						Murton, John, 18 Oct 1870, aged 16, Putter, dislocated his neck by running against a prop
						Nesbitt, John, 24 Sep 1884, aged 23, Screener, crushed between wagons while removing them from screens
						Newton, Edward, 16 Feb 1887, aged 21, Fireman, was run over by trucks while shunting on the railway near to the colliery., Buried: St. Saviour's Churchyard, Shotton Colliery
						Nicholson, Edward, 28 Sep 1844, aged 19, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Nicholson, John, 05 Sep 1877, aged 53, Shiftman, while descending the upcast pit in a tub placed in the cage with another man, an empty tub fell from the surface, about 256 yards, breaking through the cage top and killing him instantly
						Nicholson, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 11, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Nicholson, Thomas, 28 Sep 1844, aged 16, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Nicholson, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 18, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Noble, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 40, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 4 children, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						O'Harro, George, 28 Oct 1884, aged 17, Putter, head jammed between two tubs by putters
						Oldham, William, 16 Jan 1882, aged 30, Hewer, fall of coal while in the act of kirving.
						Ovington, John, 28 Aug 1872, aged 21, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone
						Padley, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 28, killed in the 1844 explosion [More information ...]
						Parkinson, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 28, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Peachey, William, 22 May 1890, aged 36, Stoneman, while lighting a shot he gave it too short a match and the charge exploded before he got clear, Buried: St. Saviour's Churchyard, Shotton Colliery [More information ...]
						Pearse, James, 24 Jul 1862, Hewer, fall of stone in low main seam
						Perryman, J. W. A., 05 May 1875, aged 13, Trapper, crushed between wagons at bank
						Potts, Thomas, Sep 1834, a spar fell down the shaft and killed him on the spot [Sunderland Herald reports: accident - 27 Sep 1834 pg 2 col 4]
						Race, Thomas, 24 May 1891, 11:00 a.m., 5th hour of shift, aged 45, Engineman, scalded to death by the bursting of a shut-off steam valve while turning the steam on at the shaft after repairs to the engine [More information ...]
						Ranson, Robert, 06 May 1896, (accident: 21 Apr 1896), aged 53, Shifter, foot injured by a fall of stone
						Richardson, Benjamin, 13 Sep 1850, aged 65, Labourer, he was employed at the switches connecting Haswell Colliery waggon way with the Hartlepool line, was riding on a train of waggons when he was thrown off, he was run over and severely injured; he was taken home, but died the same night
						Richardson, Elliot, 28 Sep 1844, aged 38, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and family, father of John, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Richardson, George, 28 Sep 1844, aged 29, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 1 child, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Richardson, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 41, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 4 children, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Richardson, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 14, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of Elliot, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Roberts, James, 27 Feb 1879, aged 18, Putter, in sliding over a tub he drew a prop, which brought down a heavy fall of roof
						Robinson, Peter, 28 Sep 1844, aged 24, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Robson, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 10, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Rosecamp, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 33, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 4 children, brother of William, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Rosecamp, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 22, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, brother of Robert, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Routledge, Joseph, 10 Aug 1841, Deputy Overman, explosion of inflammable gas, his son was killed in the 1844 explosion
						Routledge, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 18, killed in the 1844 explosion, cousin to Daniel Lemmon, father was burnt to death in the same colliery previously, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Rowell, John, 15 Apr 1888, (accident: 11 Apr 1888), aged 18, Screenman, severely crushed between two trucks near small coal screens
						Salkeld, James, 08 Jul 1870, (accident: 20 Jun 1870), Screen Boy, fall of screens
						Sanderson, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 40, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 2 children [More information ...]
						Sanderson, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 24, killed in the 1844 explosion, married, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Sill, William, 29 Apr 1866, aged 28, Plugman &c., in shaft, head gearing and rope breaking
						Simms, John, 24 Nov 1877, aged 27, Collier, fall of a quantity of stone from roof over a plank
						Simpson, John, 20 Nov 1865, aged 60, Labourer, crushed by wagons near the pit
						Skiffington, Mark, 10 Nov 1876, (accident: 27 Oct 1876), aged 8, Wailer, leg broken while attempting to get on a wagon while in motion
						Smith, John, 12 Jul 1858, aged 15, Horse Driver, crushed by tubs against fallen timber
						Smurthwaite, John, 13 Jul 1853, aged 42, Pitman, killed by a fall of stone
						Spooner, James, 25 Nov 1893, 4:30 a.m., 3rd hour of shift, aged 32, Hewer, Sudden fall of roof while he was at work.
						Spooner, Thomas, 11 Jul 1895, 4:00 a.m., 7th hour of shift, aged 14, Driver, coming outbye his pony drew a prop by slipping, which caused a large fall of stone
						Stoker, George, 19 Oct 1888, (accident: 18 Oct 1888), aged 61, Joiner, severe internal injuries by falling from a ladder, afterwards a balk of wood fell on him
						Stoker, John, 10 Feb 1883, (accident: 03 Feb 1883), aged 31, Hewer, injury to side while helping putter away with tub
						Surtees, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 16, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of William, cousin of Ralph, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Surtees, Ralph, 28 Sep 1844, aged 19, killed in the 1844 explosion, cousin of John and William, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Surtees, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 12, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of John, cousin of Ralph, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Swan, Michael, 22 Aug 1884, aged 23, Horse Driver, while looking over the apparatus fence the tub came down, and, catching his neck, killed him
						Tate, George, 01 May 1865, aged 38, Boiler Minder, death caused by the explosion of an underground boiler [More information ...]
						Taylor, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 21, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Gateshead [More information ...]
						Teasdale, Christopher, 28 Sep 1844, aged 21, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of John and Stephen, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Teasdale, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 19, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Christopher and Stephen, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Teasdale, Stephen, 1840, aged 41, Onsetter, fell down the shaft [approximate date]
						Teasdale, Stephen, 28 Sep 1844, aged 17, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of John and Christopher, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Teesdale, Stephen, 26 Apr 1840, aged 42, parish burial records - 'killed in the pit' [Date of burial]
						Thirlaway, Michael, 28 Sep 1844, aged 18, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Thompson, Wanless, 28 Sep 1844, aged 55, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and large family, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Thurlaway, Michael, 28 Sep 1844, aged 18, killed in the 1844 explosion [More information ...]
						Turnbull, James, 28 Sep 1844, aged 12, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Thomas, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Turnbull, Thomas, 28 Sep 1844, aged 22, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of James, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Usher, William, 08 Feb 1853, aged 30, run over by waggons
						Walls, Charles, 03 Apr 1886, aged 28, Hewer, fall of coal while taking off side on a horse road, met with a breaker
						Ward, Hans, 28 Sep 1844, aged 30, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 5 children, pregnant with the 6th, Buried: St. Mary's Churchyard?, Easington [More information ...]
						Watson, Shipley, 15 May 1878, aged 44, Deputy, fall of a large piece of stone while drawing a set of chocks out of a broken jud in Low Main Seam
						Wheatman, Henry, 28 Sep 1844, aged 42, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 1 child, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Wheatman, William, 28 Sep 1844, aged 14, killed in the 1844 explosion, son or nephew of Henry Wheatman, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Whitfield, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 10, killed in the 1844 explosion, son of John Whitfield, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Whitfield, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 31, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Whittingham, T., 01 May 1865, aged 15, Hooker On, death caused by the explosion of an underground boiler [More information ...]
						Wigglesworth, Edward, 07 May 1889, aged 30, Deputy, fall of stone while shifting back a prop which prevented the tubs passing
						Wild, William, 19 Dec 1868, aged 50, Deputy, killed by a fall of stone [More information ...]
						Williams, John, 04 Jul 1882, aged 27, Hewer, fall of stone while working on face of his place
						Williamson, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 34, Deputy, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Robert, wife and 6 children, pregnant with the 7th, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Williamson, Robert, 28 Sep 1844, aged 19, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of John, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Willis, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 12, killed in the 1844 explosion, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Willis, John, 28 Sep 1844, aged 20, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Thomas, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Willis, Thomas, 28 Sep 1844, aged 18, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of John, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Wilson, Matthew, 20 Oct 1842, aged 16, The jury at an inquest held on 20 October heard how 16 year old Matthew Wilson was working in the Little Pit, Haswell Colliery, when his horse ran away and he was thrown from the limmers of a waggon on which he was riding, contrary to orders, and crushed between the waggon and the side of the pit. He was taken home where he died the following day, [date of inquest]
						Wilson, William, 16 Sep 1842, aged 16, Rolley Driver, On 16 September, William Wilson, a 16 year old rolley driver at the Little Pit, Haswell Colliery was waiting for his rolley to be unloaded at the bottom of the shaft, when "a horse attached to another rolley laden with coals thirty yards away took fright and ran towards him." Wilson and his brother attempted to stop the horse, but he fell on the railway where the horse struck him with its feet, and then the rolley ran over his head killing him instantly. At the inquest, a deodand of one shilling was made on the horse, rolley and lading. A deodand was a sum of money forfeited to the Crown.
						Wilson, William, 22 Dec 1876, aged 20, Putter, fall of roof while hewing coal off wall side contrary to orders, Buried: St. Saviour's Churchyard, Shotton Colliery
						Wolf, Richard, 21 May 1846, (accident: 20 May 1846), aged 12, He was critically injured when driving a set of rolley waggons in Haswell Pit on 20 May. He had kicked his horse to urge it on and somehow got his foot entangled in the reins, causing him to be thrown across the rolley-way. One of the waggons ran over him, breaking his right thigh and inflicting severe internal injuries from which he died the next day
						Wolfe, Joseph, 28 Sep 1844, aged 25, killed in the 1844 explosion, wife and 1 child, brother of Peter, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Wolfe, Peter, 28 Sep 1844, aged 20, killed in the 1844 explosion, brother of Joseph, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton [More information ...]
						Young, John, 22 Jun 1864, aged 13, Horse Driver, killed by wagons on branches

						215 names found

If you know of any fatalities missing from the above list then please contact us with the details and we will add them to our database.

Those names marked with , were killed in a disaster for which a memorial has been erected or for which we have images concerning the disaster, alternately their name may be mentioned on a memorial plaque. Click on the symbol next to the name to see the appropriate web page for the memorial.

Those names marked with , have a web page providing individual details of the accident, the page may also include a photograph of the deceased. Click on the symbol next to the name to see the web page.

Some of the names of mining fatalities on this web site have been kindly provided by Jim Grainger from his research into early newspapers (primarily the Durham Advertiser and Durham Chronicle) and are marked with .

more information on some of the fatalities shown above

The following unnamed fatalities are listed in the Mines Inspectors Reports, once again this collection is not complete!

Date							Inspectors Remarks
23 Jun 1851	–	–	–	1	–	1
29 Sep 1851	–	–	1	–	–	1
25 Aug 1852	–	–	–	–	1	1	Apparatus at bank
20 Feb 1857	–	–	–	1	–	1	fall of stone

Collieries and Pits within 5 miles (8km)

a simulated map showing the immediate vicinity of Haswell Colliery

list of collieries/pits etc. near to Haswell Colliery

Gallery Images:

Memorial Images:

Memorial: 1844 Haswell Colliery Disaster

Credits

Sources:

1854 List of mines by T. Y. Hall, published in Vol II (1853-4) of the Transactions of the North of England Institute of Mining Engineers
1858 Mines Inspectors Report, Southern District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1859 Mines Inspectors Report, Southern District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1860 Mines Inspectors Report, Southern District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1861 Mines Inspectors Report, Southern District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1862 Mines Inspectors Report, Southern District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1863 Mines Inspectors Report, Southern District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1864 Mines Inspectors Report, Southern District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1865 Mines Inspectors Report, South Durham District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1866 Mines Inspectors Report
1867 Mines Inspectors Report
1868 Mines Inspectors Report, South Durham District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines
1869 Mines Inspectors Report (C 124), South Durham District by John J. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1870 Mines Inspectors Report (C 456) Where to find this report
1871 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 653), South Durham, Westmoreland, and Cleveland District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1872 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 840), South Durham, Westmoreland, and Cleveland District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1873-4 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department
1873 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 1056), South Durham, Westmoreland, and Cleveland District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1874 Mines Inspectors Report (C 1216) Where to find this report
1875 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 1499), Durham by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1876 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 1734), Durham by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1877 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 2003), Durham District by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1878 Mines Inspectors Report (C 2321), Durham District by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1879 Mines Inspectors Report (C 2604) Where to find this report
1880 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department
1880 Mines Inspectors Report (C 2903) Where to find this report
1881 Mines Inspectors Report (C 3241)
1881 Mines Inspectors Report (C 3241), Durham District by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1882 Mines Inspectors Report (C 3621) Where to find this report
1883 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4078), Durham District by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1884 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4429), Durham District by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1885 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4760) Where to find this report
1886 Mines Inspectors Report (C 5090) Where to find this report
1887 Mines Inspectors Report (C 5450) Where to find this report
1888 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department
1888 Mines Inspectors Report (C 5779), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1889 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6015), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1890 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department
1890 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6346), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1891 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6625), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1892 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6986), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1893 Mines Inspectors Report (C 7339), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1894 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department
1894 Mines Inspectors Report (C 7667), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1895 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8074), Durham District (No. 4) by Thomas Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
1896 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department, also available online at Peak District Mines Historical Society Ltd
1896 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8450), Durham District (No. 4) by R. D. Bain, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
A History of the County Palatine of Durham, Volume II, By William Fordyce Fullarton & Co. 1857
An Account of the strata of Northumberland & Durham as proved by Borings & Sinkings, Volume F-K, published by the North of England Institute of Mining & Mechanical Engineers, 1885
Banners of the Durham Coalfield, Norman Emery, 1998, Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN 0-7509-1708-3
Coalminers of Durham, Norman Emery, 1992, Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN 0-7509-0710-X
Contributions by members of the Public
Headstone(s) in Holy Trinity Churchyard, South Hetton
Headstone(s) in St. John's Churchyard, Shildon
Headstone(s) in St. Lawrence Churchyard, Pittington
Headstone(s) in St. Mary's Churchyard, Easington Village
Headstone(s) in St. Saviour's Churchyard, Shotton
History, Topography, and Directory of the County Palatine of Durham by Francis Whellan. Second edition published in 1894.
Local Historian's Table Book of Remarkable Occurrences Connected with the Counties of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northumberland and Durham by M.A. Richardson. Published in five volumes in 1844.
Local Records or Historical Register of Remarkable Events by John Latimer, published in 1857
Mineral Statistics for 1855 (Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, and of the Museum of Practical Geology), compiled by Robert Hunt, F.R.S.
Mineral Statistics for 1860 (Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, and of the Museum of Practical Geology), compiled by Robert Hunt, F.R.S.
Mineral Statistics for 1865 (Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, and of the Museum of Practical Geology), compiled by Robert Hunt, F.R.S.
Mineral Statistics for 1869 (Memoirs of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, and of the Museum of Practical Geology), compiled by Robert Hunt, F.R.S.
Mineral Statistics for 1883 - Government report from the Mines Department (C 4058), published in 1884 — includes List of Mines and Mineral Works
Mineral Statistics for 1884 - Government report from the Mines Department (C 4430), published in 1885 — includes List of Mines and Openworks
Parish Records
Sunderland Daily Echo
Sunderland Herald
Victoria History of the Counties of England – Durham. Published in three volumes in 1907.

Pictures:

Colliery picture supplied by Bob Bowerbank

Further Research:

Research Notes for Haswell Colliery

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