Logo Museum
Museum
Friends of Durham Mining Museum
Events Calendar
e-Books and Books for sale
Photograph Gallery
Document Archive
Master Name Index
What's new in the site
Mining
Mining History
Colliery Index
Colliery Index
UK Colliery Index
Shaft cross sections
Borings and Sinkings
List of Mines
Colliery Managers
Abandoned Seams
Colliery Maps
Company Overviews
Who's Who
Mineral Information
Managers Certificates
Educational Material
Bibliography
Statistics
Workers/Employee Lists
Notes for Family Historians
War Service information
Disasters
Disaster Reports
Names of those killed
Disasters in the 1700s
Disasters in the 1800s
Disasters in the 1900s
Memorials
Awards for Gallantry
On this day ...

Links to other sites of interest
Industrial Heritage Days Out
Former www.pitwork.net web site

Index to site

Contact and address details

Share Page with Social Media

Share on Facebook

Share with Reddit

Share on Delicious


  Washington Colliery  Index  Washington Colliery  
/ Index \

Washington Colliery


  Summary Description Disasters Names Local Collieries Credits  

Location: Washington
5½ miles [9 km] SE of Newcastle
Map Ref: (Sheet 88) NZ302567, 54° 54' 14" N, 1° 31' 44" W
Maps: Map 1860s map detailed map from the Ordnance Survey
Map 1896 map detailed map from the Ordnance Survey
Opened: bef. 1794
Closed:
Pits: A Pit
B Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ301569
C Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ306572, sinking: July 1769
Shaft  Shaft details for C Pit
D Pit
E Pit
F Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ302574 (See also Washington F Pit)
Shaft  Shaft details for F Pit
G Pit
Shaft  Shaft details for G Pit
H Pit
Shaft  Shaft details for H Pit
I Pit, locn: (Sheet 88) NZ301566, sinking: 01 Oct 1818
Shaft  Shaft details for I Pit
Owners: 1780s - W. Russell, Esq.
1850s - Washington Coal Co.
1880s - William Stobart
1890s - Washington Coal Co. Ltd.
Output: 1855 - Coal.
1860 - Coal.
1865 - Coal.
1882 - Coal.
1883 - Coal.
1888 - Coal.
1890 - Coal.
1894 - Coal: Gas.
1896 - Coal: Gas.
1900 - Coal: Gas.
Employment: 1854 - 0 [Working]
1894 - 958 (806 below, 152 surface)
1896 - 1,041 (864 below, 177 surface)
1900 - 995 (815 below, 180 surface)
Manager  Colliery Management (prior to 1970)
  Abandoned Seams  Catalogue of plans of abandoned mines for Washington Colliery
Notes:

1760 - A series of boring operations from the surface was in progress in the vicinity of Washington, proving the Main Coal Seam.

1818, Oct 01 - Commenced to sink the No. 1 Pit in Spennymoor Close, Washington New Colliery ; it was put down from the surface to the Main Coal Seam.

1901 - Sinking was commenced at Washington to reach the Harvey Seam at a depth of 720 ft. The first 120 ft. consisted largely of troublesome quicksands, which were sunk through successfully by the Poetsch freezing method-the first instance of its application in Great Britain.



  Description Summary Disasters Names Local Collieries Credits  

Description

The coal in this township [Washington] is worked by the Washington Coal Co., at which pit there are being worked the Main Coal seam, 3 feet 4 inches thick ; the Maudlin, 4 feet 7 inches to 6 feet thick ; the Low Main, 3 feet 6 inches ; and the Hutton, 3 feet 1 inch thick ; the depths of the several seams being 80, 90, 101, and 113 fathoms respectively. During the past five years great improvements have been effected in the plant, and new offices were opened in 1893. There are between 800 and 900 men and boys employed in the various departments.

Whellan's 1894 Directory of County Durham


  Disasters Summary Description Names Local Collieries Credits  

Disasters (5 or more killed)


  14th Jun 1736  5 lives lost (Show Names)
  12th Feb 1796  6 lives lost (Show Names)
  27th Feb 1798  7 lives lost (Show Names)
  20th Nov 1828  Explosion, 15 lives lost (Show Names)
  19th Aug 1851  Explosion, firedamp, ignition caused by lighted candle, 34 lives lost (Show Names)
  31st May 1867  Fall down shaft, 10 lives lost (Show Names)

  Names Summary Description Disasters Local Collieries Credits  

Names of those killed at this colliery

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

In Memoriam
  Individal page   

Allen, Ralph, 27 Sep 1889, aged 30, Waggonwayman, crushed by cage at shaft bottom

  Individal page   

Arkwright, Anthony, 14 Feb 1874, aged 14, Flatter, killed by jumping off a set of tubs in motion, Chester Ward Coroner's Inquest, place: Washington Coll., cause: accidental death at Washington F pit (DRO Ref: COR/C/2/22)

  Individal page   

Atkin, John, 23 Jun 1859, he came in contact with the waggons, and was killed on the spot

  Individal page   

Atkinson, Philip, 01 Jun 1867, aged 13, Putter, over winding [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Barron, George H., 29 Mar 1948, (accident: 24 Mar 1948), aged 28, Datal, struck by winch handle

  Individal page   

Bennett, James, 18 Mar 1898, aged 16, Landing Keeper, Bennett and four others, in defiance of the rules, got on to an empty timber tram attached to a full set as the latter was going out-bye. The tram got off the way at a curve, and Bennett's head coming in contact with a balk, he was fatally injured [Inspection made & inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Bewick, Joseph, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 46, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), married, father of Thomas and Michael [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Bewick, Michael, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 21, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), son of Joseph Bewick, brother of Thomas [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Bewick, Thomas, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 25, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), son of Joseph Bewick, brother of Michael [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Black, Thomas, 25 Jan 1905, (accident: 24 Jan 1905), aged 41, Stoneman, Buried: Washington Cemetery [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Blackburn, John, 09 Oct 1893, 5:30 p.m., 7th hour of shift, aged 50, Stoneman, After firing a shot in a stone drift, deceased began kirving again without previously examining the roof, and some stone which had been loosened by the shot fell on to him, crushing him so severely that he died [Inspection made & inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Bolton, Alexander, 04 Dec 1828, (accident: 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m.), aged 10, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Waggon Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Bowman, Thomas, 14 Jun 1736, Pitman, killed in the 1736 disaster, of Biddick, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on the 14th [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Brannon, Patrick, 01 Jun 1867, aged 40, Hewer, over winding, wife and four children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Brennan, Thomas, 07 Feb 1900, aged 21, Hewer, A road was being made through old workings, when a stone fell from between two slips. The place was well timbered, and several props were canted out by the fall. [Inspection made & inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Briggs, William, 01 Jun 1867, aged 24, Hewer, over winding, wife and one child [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Brown, Robert, 13 Jan 1904, (accident: 11 Jan 1904), aged 30, Hewer, crushed by tubs [Sunderland Echo reports: accident - 13 Jan 1904 pg 4] [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Carlton, R. W., 13 Dec 1894, 6:25 a.m., 1st hour of shift, aged 14, Screener, In attempting to cross the railway when some waggons were being shunted, he was run over [Inspection made & inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Carlton, William, 28 Apr 1897, (accident: 10 Mar 1897), aged 42, Hewer, This man lost his life by a fall of stone in the longwall face. It appears as if he had been reaching for his shovel at the face when a fall from "slips" caught him, at the same time knocking out some props. Died April 28th [Inspection made & inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Cochrane, Owen, 19 Jan 1886, aged 47, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Cogan, James, 28 Jul 1903, aged 27, Hewer, crushed by tubs [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Cohen, Peter, 26 Jan 1877, aged 19, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Cook, Thomas, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 55, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Washington Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Cowie, John, 25 May 1886, aged 39, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Coyles, John, 01 Jun 1867, aged 39, Hewer, over winding, wife and nine children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Curran, H., 01 Jun 1867, aged 38, Hewer, over winding, wife and five children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Dalton, Henry, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 33, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and two children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Davison, Abraham, 10 Nov 1898, aged 14, Driver, As Davison was running alongside the tubs to get to the limbers, he came in contact with a prop set in the middle of the flat, and fell between the tubs. It was his first day at driving at this flat, and after he had taken the "dregs" out of the tubs the pony moved away [Inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Davison, Joseph, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 16, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Usworth [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Dawson, George, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 16, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Waggon Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Dawson, Joseph, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 19, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Dobbin, Robert, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 34, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Elliott, Edward, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 16, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Usworth [More information ...]

  Individal page NEEMARC 

Elliott, James, Sep 1919, (accident: 11 Dec 1918), aged 54, Deputy

  Individal page   

Elliott, Thomas, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 43, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and two children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Eltingham, John, Aug 1824, killed by a fall of stone from the roof

  Individal page   

Eltringham, William, 22 Oct 1859, Driver, explosion [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Errington, John, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 49, Furnaceman, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and three children, died rescuing others [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Flinn, John, 07 Nov 1877, aged 21, Hewer, fall of stone in longwall working

  Individal page   

Foster, John, 23 Dec 1848, shaft accident [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Fullerton, Robert, 05 Jun 1894, 10:40 a.m., 5th hour of shift, aged 31, Engine Plane Man, A fall of stone came on to him, caused by a socket on the rope getting fast to a sheave and drawing the props out. The road and arrangements were in good order, and it is difficult to understand how the socket became jammed between the sheave and the frame, which are made with a view to prevent such an accident [Inspection made]

  Individal page   

Furness, William Isaac, 20 Dec 1904, aged 45, Jack Engineman, Part of deceased's duty was to oil the screening machinery. He came to work about 9 p.m., or an hour late and was last seen by the underkeeker getting into an empty wagon under the screens, probably with a view to examine the sheaves and a short length of shafting carrying the underside of the coal-cleaning belt. The ends of the wagon only cleared the beams of the floor above by 2 inches, and on the wagon being moved by the wagon shifter, who was unaware of deceased's position, he was crushed between one of its ends and one of the beams, Buried: Washington Cemetery

  Individal page   

Gatenby, Edwin, 23 Aug 1939, aged 62, Stoneman, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Gibson, William, 08 May 1815, aged 12, of Waggon Row, son of William and Ann Gibson, killed in the pit by the fall of a stone [date of burial], Buried: 08 May 1815 [Washington Parish Records]

  Individal page   

Gilderoy, Henry, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 9, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Washington Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Glen, Robert, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and two children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Graham, Edward, 27 Jun 1907, aged 13, Driver, [Sunderland Echo reports: accident - 27 Jun 1907], Buried: Our Lady's Catholic Church, Washington [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Gray, John, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 16, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Usworth [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Haggan, Patrick, 18 Jul 1904, (accident: 29 Jan 1904), aged 62, Hewer [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hall, Charles, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 16, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Washington Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hall, Edward, 10 May 1878, aged 46, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell (Usworth Parish Church)

  Individal page   

Hall, Peter, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 11, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Washington Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hall, William, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 44, Deputy, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and seven children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hanning, James, 09 Apr 1867, aged 37, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Hanson, Robert, 13 Jan 1875, (accident: 26 Dec 1874), aged 26, Shaftsman, arm crushed by cage

  Individal page   

Harding, James, 20 May 1884, aged 64, Wasteman, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Harkess, Robert, 06 May 1891, 8:00 a.m., 2nd hour of shift, aged 13, Rapper Boy, the empty set of tubs got off the way and jammed deceased between the tubs and a prop [Inspection made & Inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Harkness, William, 27 Feb 1890, 7:30 a.m., 2nd hour of shift, aged 44, Engineman, Killed whilst oiling parts of an engine when in motion

  Individal page   

Harrison, James, 14 Apr 1870, aged 16, Putter, crushed between tub and timber

  Individal page   

Harrison, John (snr), 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., Furnaceman, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and two children, father of John (jnr) [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Harrison, William, 14 Mar 1891, aged 67, he had been discharged from the Washington Colliery in May 1889, on the doctors certificate that he was suffering from softening of the brain, wandered to the pit, and, climbing over the fence, fell down the shaft [fatality reported during the year but not classified as a reportable accident]

  Individal page   

Hartley, Andrew, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 13, Driller, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle) [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hawks, William H., 30 Nov 1895, 7:30 a.m., 3rd hour of shift, aged 20, Putter, deceased was following his tub up an incline when the pony fell, which knocked the limmers off, and the tub running back jammed him against some props

  Individal page   

Hedley, Anthony, 14 Jun 1736, Pitman, killed in the 1736 disaster, of Biddick, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on the 14th [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Henderson, William, 26 Dec 1893, 7:00 a.m., 3rd hour of shift, aged 32, Hewer, Fall of stone. He was starting in with a new lift, and after working a short time bared a "slip" in the roof, which brought down the stone, capping two props [Inspection made & inquest attended] [Sunderland Daily Echo reports: accident - 27 Dec 1893 pg 3 col 4]

  Individal page   

Hepplewhite, John, 25 Mar 1878, aged 63, Shifter, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Hewitson, James, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 17, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Usworth [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hewitson, John, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 15, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Usworth [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hoare, Herbert, 18 Jun 1873, aged 26, Shifter, crushed by cage

  Individal page   

Hoare, Matthew, 28 Oct 1892, 11:00 a.m., 7th hour of shift, aged 59, Hewer, A set on the incline had run amain, and the men at the pit bottom waiting to ride pressed forward to see the smash, but the tubs, missing the points, ran into them [Inspection made & inquest attended]

  Individal page NEEMARC 

Holbrook, Samuel, 12 Jan 1919, (accident: 25 Nov 1917), aged 65, Shifter, received severe injuries to his back, chest, and collar bone

  Individal page   

Holmes, Thomas, 01 Mar 1798, aged 18, Pitman, killed in the 1798 disaster, of New Washington, son of John and Jane Holmes, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on 2nd March [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hooper, Nicholas, 27 Mar 1876, aged 40, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Hooper, William, 15 Apr 1873, aged 34, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Howdin, William, 28 Mar 1819, aged 17, of Usworth, killed by a fall down a staple in the Old Machine Pit Washington [date of burial], Buried: 28 Mar 1819 [Washington Parish Records]

  Individal page   

Howse, Thomas, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 16, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hughes, Henry, 04 Oct 1898, (accident: 20 Apr 1898), aged 17, Run Rider, Deceased was caught whilst attempting to jump on to the last tub of the empty set. He subsequently died from blood poisoning on October 4th [Inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Hunt, Thomas, 18 May 1870, aged 51, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Hutchinson, George, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 62, Furnaceman, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and two children, died rescuing others [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hutchinson, Henry, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 8, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Washington Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Hutchinson, J., 23 Dec 1848, shaft accident [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Jones, George, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 35, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and two children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Kearney, Patrick, 01 Jun 1867, aged 40, Hewer, over winding, wife and seven children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Kellet, Samuel, 25 Oct 1906, (accident: 04 Oct 1905), aged 58, Deputy & Chargeman, affected by gases from powder smoke [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Kelley, John, 19 May 1881, aged 42, Screenman, crushed between truck and screen framing

  Individal page   

Kirtley, John, 28 Apr 1897, aged 25, Hewer, Fall of stone. The stone fell from a slip, and was thick at one end and tapered to nothing. Another hewer was in this place about ten minutes before the accident, and he described it as being well timbered and in good working order [Inspection made & inquest attended] [Sunderland Daily Echo reports: accident - 29 Apr 1897 pg 3]

  Individal page   

Lee, John, 12 Jul 1894, 4:15 p.m., 7th hour of shift, aged 40, Hewer, Deceased was riding on the full set, contrary to rules, and for some reason did not get off when approaching the "kip," and was caught against a baulk [Inspection made]

  Individal page   

Leeman, Thomas, 09 Jun 1897, (accident: 29 May 1897), aged 61, Shifter, He and others were riding on a timber tram drawn by a pony taking some "frame work" in for an incline wheel. Deceased was caught between the roof and the tram and severely injured. He died June 9th. A man with him, with 44 years' experience, admitted they knew they were doing wrong [Inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Lloyd, T., 19 Jan 1951, aged 56, he was struck and fatally injured by a set of fiull tubs

  Individal page   

Marley, George Edward, 09 May 1952, aged 45, he was working on the face conveyor when he was caught by a fall of stone and fatally injured

  Individal page   

Marley, Peter, 06 Feb 1906, aged 35, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Marshall, John, 14 Oct 1905, (accident: 07 Mar 1905), aged 59, Hewer, Deceased sustained slight injury to his right eye on March 7th by a piece of coal flying from the pick and striking it while he was hewing; he saw a doctor at the time, who found the covering of eye had been cut, and advised him to stay at home and shade it for a few days, but deceased would not stay from work more than two days. On the 14th October, while carrying home some wood during a high wind, he died on the highway. Medical evidence, after a poet-mortem was given at the inquest, that the injury to the eye had no connection with the death, which was due to the rupture of an artery, and so the Jury found [fatality reported during the year but not classified as a reportable accident]

  Individal page   

Martin, John George, 06 Apr 1906, (accident: 05 Apr 1906), aged 30, Hewer [More information ...]

  Individal page   

McCourt, Joseph, 06 Dec 1902, (accident: 28 Nov 1902), aged 26, Screener, a small stationary engine, by means of a rope, is used to move trucks on the colliery sidings near the screens ; to get a lead on to the East line of rails the rope was placed over a guiding sheave and lay in such a position that when tightened up it had to cross the top of a pipe staple, covered with a wood frame, which projected a few inches above the ground ; the staple was 14 feet deep and 4½ feet in diameter, and there was 4 feet of water in it ; when the rope tightened up it caught the wood frame and pulled it off the staple top, and about 3.30 a.m. deceased fell into the staple ; he was got out at once, but inflammation of the lungs set in and he died a week after the accident

  Individal page   

McGlone, Thomas, 21 Oct 1895, 11:00 p.m., 2nd hour of shift, aged 29, Hewer, caught by a fall of stone in a place he had no right to be in

  Individal page   

McLaren, John (jnr), 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., Trapper, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), son of John sen. [More information ...]

  Individal page   

McLaren, John (snr), 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), married, father of John jun [More information ...]

  Individal page   

McNair, William (jnr), 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 14, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), son of William snr, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell on 21 Aug 1851 [More information ...]

  Individal page   

McNair, William (snr), 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 41, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), father of William jnr, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell on 21 Aug 1851 [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Miller, Ralph, 19 Aug 1895, 7:45 a.m., 2nd hour of shift, aged 14, Driver, on driving down a slight incline the deceased lost control of the pony, and was thrown against a prop

  Individal page   

Milner, Hiram, 01 Jun 1867, aged 51, Hewer, over winding, wife and three children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Morrowlee, Thomas, 01 Mar 1798, aged 30, Pitman, killed in the 1798 disaster, of New Washington, son of Thomas Morrowlee and Margaret his wife, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on 2nd March [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Mould, Christopher, 22 Oct 1859, Hewer, explosion [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Mould, William, 22 Oct 1859, Hewer, explosion [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Moustrey, James, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 58, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Waggon Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Mulaney, Michael, 01 Jun 1867, aged 15, Putter, over winding [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Mullen, Michael, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Nevins, William, 10 Feb 1873, aged 14, Driver, fell down a staple [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Newby, Thomas, 14 Jun 1736, Pitman, killed in the 1736 disaster, of Biddick, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on the 14th [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Patch, Jacob, 29 Dec 1862, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone, has left a wife and seven children — six daughters and a son — the eldest of whom is not more than sixteen years

  Individal page   

Pearson, James, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 14, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle) [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Pickering, George, 01 Mar 1902, aged 54, Stoneman, deceased, with another stoneman, was engaged in enlarging and re-timbering an old road in the Hutton Seam ; he appears to have undermined one of the original props set in the road, and it with a plank and another prop fell out and relieved a mass of stone from the face of the canch which fell on him

  Individal page   

Pringle, John, 08 Jan 1894, 12:30 a.m., 1st hour of shift, aged 57, Shifter, The deceased, with other men, was walking along an engine plane going to work, when a fall of stone took place, part of which caught the deceased. The roof was considered to be good [Inspection made & inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Quinn, Patrick, 15 Oct 1878, aged 13, Coupler, crushed by tubs

  Individal page   

Richardson, William, 22 Oct 1859, Horsekeeper, explosion [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Robinson, Jacob, 14 Jun 1736, Pitman, killed in the 1736 disaster, of Biddick, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on the 14th [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Robinson, William, 14 Jun 1736, Pitman, killed in the 1736 disaster, of Biddick, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on the 14th [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Robson, George, 05 Jan 1900, (accident: 02 Jan 1900), aged 36, Hewer, The deceased was working at the coal face when a stone fell away from a slip, causing injuries from which he died on 5th January.

  Individal page   

Roxburgh, James, 25 Jan 1864, (accident: 16 Jan 1864), aged 16, Coke Ovens, foot crushed by waggons, died from lock-jaw

  Individal page   

Sadler, James, 24 Sep 1868, aged 16, Putter, crushed by cage

  Individal page   

Salmon, Stephen, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 63, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Washington Row [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Scorer, James, 07 Dec 1880, aged 14, Driver, crushed by tubs on the engine plane

  Individal page   

Scott, Matthew, 31 Jul 1895, 1:30 p.m., 4th hour of shift, aged 27, Hewer, the deceased, in order to work more freely, was taking out some props out to set elsewhere, when some stone fell on him from a "hitch leader" and "slips"

  Individal page   

Shepherd, Thomas, 24 Nov 1896, aged 37, Hewer, Deceased and his marrow were working in a "broken jud." At the commencement of the shift the deputy had examined the place, and timbered it with chocks, props, and planks. After working for some time the men examined the roof and saw a "slip" across the face. They set a prop and headtree and were making room to set an end prop when the stone fell [Inquest attended]

  Individal page   

Shevills, James Edward, 17 Dec 1931, aged 39, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell (Usworth Parish Church)

  Individal page   

Simpson, Joseph, 20 Mar 1896, aged 24, Putter, He was driving a pony and sitting on the tub limmers, when the pony stepped on to a broken sleeper which was lying in the middle of the way. The broken wood got fast against one of the sleepers, and stuck into the lower part of Simpson's body [Inquest attended] [Sunderland Daily Echo reports: accident - 24 Mar 1896 pg 3; inquest - 25 Mar 1896 pg 3]

  Individal page   

Simpson, William, 14 Apr 1899, aged 43, Shifter, Died in the pit at night on 14th April, on his way from his work. Verdict, "Died from rupture of blood vessel in the lung." [fatality reported during the year but not classified as a reportable accident]

  Individal page   

Smith, John, 01 Jun 1867, aged 33, Hewer, over winding, wife and seven children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Smith, Robert, 13 Jul 1878, aged 59, Deputy, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Smith, Simon, 24 Apr 1885, aged 14, Helper Up, riding in empty tub, which got off the way and drew a fall upon him, a large stone of which broke his neck

  Individal page   

Stafford, James, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., Trapper, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), young boy [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Telford, Thomas, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 12, Trapper, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle) [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Thompson, Thomas, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 22, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Todd, Henry, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 17, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Todd, James, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 13, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Todd, John, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 23, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Todd, Jonas, 01 Jun 1867, aged 30, Hewer, over winding, wife and two children [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Todd, William, 17 Dec 1819, aged 14, of Waggoners Row, killed by the fall of a quoin out of the pit shaft Washington pit [date of burial[, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington, on 17th Dec 1819

  Individal page   

Turnbull, John, 30 Dec 1870, aged 28, Hewer, killed by a fall of stone

  Individal page   

Turnbull, William Matthew, 11 May 1869, aged 18, Fireman at bank, crushed by shaft water tub falling on him whilst at bank

  Individal page   

Urwin, Thomas (jnr), 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 36, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and six children, son of William, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell on 21 Aug 1851 [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Urwin, Thomas (snr), 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., Deputy, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and four children, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell on 21 Aug 1851 [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Urwin, William, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 68, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), father of Thomas (aged 36), Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell on 21 Aug 1851 [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Virk, William, 22 May 1883, aged 56, Engineman, struck by the crank of the ventilating engine

  Individal page   

Ward, John, 01 Mar 1798, aged 37, Pitman, killed in the 1798 disaster, of New Washington, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on 2nd March [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Watson, William, 26 Jan 1892, (accident: 21 Dec 1881, 8:00 a.m., 2nd hour of shift), aged 17, Landing Keeper, He was running alongside a pony, which was drawing eight loaded tubs, when he tripped and fell in front of the tubs, receiving a compound fracture of the thigh. Injured 21st December 1891 [Inquiries made]

  Individal page   

Whittle, Thomas, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 47, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), wife and eight children, father of William, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell on 21 Aug 1851 [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Whittle, William, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 23, Hewer, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), son of Thomas, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell on 21 Aug 1851 [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Wilson, Joseph, 01 Mar 1798, aged 13, Pitman, killed in the 1798 disaster, of New Washington, son of Thomas Wilson, Pitman, and Anne his wife late Graydon, Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington on 2nd March [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Wright, Charles, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 14, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Wright, Thomas, 19 Aug 1851, 11:30 p.m., aged 16, Putter, killed in the 1851 explosion (ignition caused by lighted candle), single [More information ...]

  Individal page   

Yates, Thomas, 20 Nov 1828, 3:00 p.m., aged 7, killed in the 1828 explosion, of Usworth [More information ...]

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

Some of the names of mining fatalities on this web site have been extracted from material deposited at the North East England Mining Archive and Research Centre (NEEMARC) — principally the records of the Durham Miners' Association and are marked with image.

More information  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
30 Nov 1850 ––––11Examined
26 May 1851 –2–––2
13 Jan 1853 ––––11riding on tubs
07 Sep 1853 ––––11riding up incline
17 Sep 1853 1––––1fall down from seam
22 Dec 1856 ––––11crush of tubs
23 Dec 1856 –––1–1fall of stone
25 Sep 1857 1––––1fell down shaft, More information ...
06 Apr 1858 3––––3fall of cradle, More information ...
22 Apr 1858 ––––11crush of tubs
21 May 1858 ––––11crush, winding engine
04 Apr 1859 1––––1death in shaft, gave wrong signals, More information ...
31 Dec 1860 ––––11killed upon engine plane
17 Aug 1861 ––––11fall from screens
02 Oct 1861 ––––11crush of tubs
14 Jan 1862 –––1–1fall of stone
01 Jul 1862 –––1–1fall of stone
01 Aug 1862 –––1–1fall of stone
05 Jan 1863 –––1–1fall of stone
10 Sep 1863 ––––11taking out timber, old staple
10 Sep 1863 –––1–1fall of stone
29 Sep 1863 –––1–1fall of stone
01 Oct 1863 ––––11withdrawing staple timber
15 Dec 1863 ––––11incline below ground
20 Mar 1865 –––1–1boy, fall of coal
23 Apr 1865 1––––1crush of tubs, cage

  Local Collieries Summary Description Disasters Names Credits  

Collieries and Pits within 5 miles (8km)

Colliery Map  a simulated map showing the immediate vicinity of Washington Colliery

Nearby Collieries  list of collieries/pits etc. near to Washington Colliery


  Summary Description Disasters Names Local Collieries Credits  

Memorial Images:

Washington Colliery WW1 Roll of Honour Washington Colliery WW1 Roll of Honour

  Credits Summary Description Disasters Names Local Collieries  

Credits

Sources:

  • NEEMARC - Ref: NUMDA/6/1/1/1, Reports of the Compensation Department, Vol I covering Sep 1918-Dec 1919
  • 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
  • 1867 Mines Inspectors Report
  • 1868 Mines Inspectors Report, Northumberland, North Durham and Cumberland District by George William Southern, H.M. Inspector of Mines
  • 1869 Mines Inspectors Report (C 124), Northumberland, North Durham and Cumberland District by George William Southern, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1870 Mines Inspectors Report (C 456) Where to find this report
  • 1873 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 1056), Northumberland, North Durham, and Cumberland District by George William Southern, 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), Newcastle-on-Tyne District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1876 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 1734), Newcastle-on-Tyne District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1877 Mines Inspectors Report (C. 2003), Newcastle District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1878 Mines Inspectors Report (C 2321), Newcastle District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines 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), Newcastle District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1883 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4078), Newcastle District by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1884 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4429), Newcastle District by James Willis, 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
  • 1888 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department
  • 1889 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6015), Newcastle District (No. 3) by James Willis, 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), Newcastle District (No. 3) by James Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1891 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6625), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1892 Mines Inspectors Report (C 6986), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1893 Mines Inspectors Report (C 7339), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, 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), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1895 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8074), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, 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), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1897 Mines Inspectors Report (C 8819), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1898 Mines Inspectors Report (C 9264), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1899 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 134), Newcastle District (No. 3) by John L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1900 List of Mines - Government report from the Mines Department
  • 1900 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 536), Newcastle District (No. 3) by John L. Hedley, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1902 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 1590), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1903 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 2119), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1904 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 2506), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1905 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 2910), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1906 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 3449), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • 1907 Mines Inspectors Report (Cd 4045), Newcastle District (No. 3) by J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines Where to find this report
  • An Account of the strata of Northumberland & Durham as proved by Borings & Sinkings, Supplement, published by the North of England Institute of Mining & Mechanical Engineers, 1910
  • An Account of the strata of Northumberland & Durham as proved by Borings & Sinkings, Volume U-Z, published by the North of England Institute of Mining & Mechanical Engineers, 1897
  • Contributions by members of the Public
  • D.M.A. Durham, General Secretary's Annual Report for 1951 [DMM Ref: L-01606 - Tom Bainbridge Collection]
  • D.M.A. Durham, General Secretary's Annual Report for 1953 [DMM Ref: L-01608 - Tom Bainbridge Collection]
  • Headstone(s) and Memorial in Our Lady's Catholic Church (R.C.), Washington
  • Headstone(s) in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Donwell
  • Headstone(s) in Holy Trinity Churchyard, Washington
  • Headstone(s) in Washington Cemetery
  • History, Topography, and Directory of the County Palatine of Durham by Francis Whellan. Second edition published in 1894.
  • Local Records or Historical Register of Remarkable Events by John Sykes, published in 1833 in two volumes
  • 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
  • Parish Records
  • Pigot & Co.'s Commercial Directory of Durham, Northumberland and Yorkshire. Published in 1834
  • Sunderland Herald
  • The Times Newspaper
  • Victoria History of the Counties of England – Durham. Published in three volumes in 1907.

  Summary Description Disasters Names Local Collieries Credits  

Related Links:

On this site
Newspaper articles Newspaper articles
Names of those killed in the 1736 disaster Names of those killed in the 1736 disaster
Names of those killed in the 1798 disaster Names of those killed in the 1798 disaster
Names of those killed in the 1828 disaster Names of those killed in the 1828 disaster
Names of those killed in the 1851 disaster Names of those killed in the 1851 disaster
Names of those killed in the 1867 disaster Names of those killed in the 1867 disaster
Article in the Transactions of the Mining Engineers Article in the Transactions of the Mining Engineers

Further Reading:

  • Durham Mining Disasters, c.1700 - 1950s by Maureen Anderson, Published by Wharncliffe Books, 2008, ISBN 1-845630-73-4
  • Banners of the Durham Coalfield, Norman Emery, 1998, Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN 0-7509-1708-3, provides a brief history of the colliery along with the history of the associated Miners Lodge Banner
  • Explosions in Coal Mines by W. N. & J. B. Atkinson, published in 1886

Further Research:

Goto Research Notes  Research Notes for Washington Colliery

mail
Mail:
Webmaster
Back
Back
Home
Home
Open Government Licence   Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Copyright © 1999-2024 by The Durham Mining Museum and its contributors
Registered Charity No: 1110608
Page last updated: 30 Sep 2023

Privacy Policy
 
Terms & Conditions
 
Search
Search
Print
Print
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z