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January 28. — The Betsy, of Sunderland, coal laden, came ashore at Seaton, and soon afterwards went to pieces. The crew were, with great difficulty, saved by the Hartlepool life-boat. [LRSN]

March 20. — In the afternoon, a number of misguided persons, principally keelmen and casters on the river Wear, assembled in a riotous manner near Sunderland, and determined to pull down the bridge which had been erected across Galley's gill, near Bishopwearmouth, for the purpose of conveying the coal-wagons belonging to Messrs. Nesham and Co. to the staiths below. They then proceeded to their work of destruction ; and having entirely pulled down the bridge, set fire to the staiths at the head of the bridge, and burnt all the machinery which was erected there for the purpose of conveying the wagons down the inclined plane to the spouts, where the coals were put on shipboard without the intervention of keels. They also pulled down one house, and unroofed several others. Matters continued thus till a late hour at night, when a party of horse arrived from Newcastle, and dispersed the mob. One man was killed by some of the falling timbers striking him. These tumultuous proceedings originated in an idea, that other similar staiths were about to be erected upon the Wear, in consequence of which, there would not be so much employment for keelmen and casters. The injury done was estimated at £6,000. [LHTB]

May 3. — A dreadful catastrophe occurred at Heaton main colliery, near Newcastle, by the breaking in of a quantity of water from the old workings, to which the pitman had unhappily approximated too closely. The workings of the colliery at this time were in one of the lower seams, at a very great depth, having a considerable dip or inclination from one side to the other, the shafts being on the lower side. The upper and neighbouring seams had formerly been wrought as a colliery, under the name of Heaton Banks, by shafts distinct from the present workings, and which shafts when the colliery was given up, were covered over with boards and earth. In the course of time these old workings had become entirely filled with water. The miners were taking precautions at the time, it appears, to let off the expected influx of water by driving a drift in a direction to perforate the old workings near Heaton Burn. At four o'clock on the fatal morning, Mr. Miller, the resident or under-viewer, visited the men engaged in this operation, and a dripping of water from the roof being pointed out to him, he gave directions that the work should be squared up ; and said he would send in the borers to ascertain whether the water proceeded from the waste of the old collieries or not. In less than a quarter of an hour after, the water began to run more freely through the chink; and the two drifters, becoming rather alarmed, sent their boy to apprize two other men who were working near them, with the state of the mine, and to acquaint all the men in the pit with their danger. The youth, probably impelled by fear, made the best of his way to the shaft, and escaped. The two workmen first mentioned, had now quitted the face of the drift, and presently after, a frightful crash, accompanied by a violent gust of wind, which extinguished the candles, warned them that an immense torrent of water was rushing into the mine ; they fled precipitately towards the working-shaft, distant about a mile ; and as the water of course flowed first down the lowest level, reached it just in time to save their lives. The two men who were working near them, the boy just mentioned, and fifteen other men and boys who were on the rolly-way, were so fortunate as to make their escape, but not till the last was up to his waist in water. Every possibility of retreat to those left behind was now cut off ; and seventy five human beings, (forty-one men and thirty-four boys) including Mr. Miller, were shut up in the workings towards the rise of the colliery, either to perish by hunger, or to die for want of respirable air. The sufferers who thus found a living grave, left twenty-four widows and seventy-seven orphans, besides Mrs. Miller, and her eight children, to deplore their untimely fate. Exertions were immediately made to reach the spot where the men were supposed to be, from some other workings, but without success, as the shafts of the old workings were choaked up by the earth, &c. which covered their mouths when deprived of the support of the water, having fallen in, dragging after it many trees which had been planted in their vicinity. Attempts were made in front of Heaton-hall, to endeavour to reach the old workings through a shaft which had not fallen in, but these also were unavailing, on account of being filled with inflammable air. Three large engines (one of one hundred and thirty horse power) were incessantly employed in endeavouring to draw the water from the pit, but without effect, as the water in the shaft amounted at first to nineteen fathoms, but it subsequently gained upon them, from which it appeared that some internal reservoir had burst into the pit. At three o'clock on Thursday, it stood at thirty fathoms. During the night the water gained upon the engines, notwithstanding they discharged 1,200 gallons per minute. The water in the lowest shaft was plumbed early on the Friday morning, when it was found to be thirty-three fathoms. In the distance between the back of Heaton and Benton-bridge, seven of the shafts belonging to the workings of an old colliery on Heaton Banks, fell in, presenting most frightful chasms. Of many of these, the surface exhibited not the least vestige, nor was their existence known in the neighbourhood. The old colliery is said to have been discontinued on account of the influx of water, which was so great, that seven engines, of the construction of that day, could not get the better of it. The first steam-engine used in this part of the country was erected at Heaton, and most probably on this colliery. From various difficulties, the bodies of these unfortunate men were not arrived at until upwards of nine months from the time of the accident. On the 6th of January 1816, the first human body of the sufferers was brought to bank, in a state of great decay, but ascertained, by the neck cloth, to be that of William Scott, between 70 and 80 years of age, who attended one of the furnaces. Of a knife which the deceased had in his pocket, the haft only (of bone) was entire, the blade being entirely corroded by the mixture of the pyrites in the mine with the water. His watch was also nearly destroyed by the same cause. It may, however, afford some speculation to the curious, that the articles of linen on the deceased were quite fresh and uninjured, but those of woollen fabric entirely destroyed. In a few weeks afterwards, the remains of the rest of these unfortunate men were found in different situations in the workings of the pit. February 20th, thirty-nine of the bodies, forming a melancholy procession, were interred in trenches in the south-east corner of Wallsend church-yard. Many of the bodies, when found, were nearly naked, and all in a state of great decay. They appeared to have all perished by starvation. They had got into a part of the pit where the water did not reach them, and had been many weeks employed in endeavouring to work their way into an old pit, by which they might have escaped. They are supposed to have failed in their attempt by the want of food to support them, as every horse in the pit was eaten to the bone. The unfortunate men had a water mark fixed up, that they might observe if it fell. One man, who is supposed to have been set to watch it, was found dead at his post. [LHTB]

June 2. — At five o'clock in the afternoon, a dreadful explosion took place in the Success pit, near Newbottle, in the county of Durham, belonging to Messrs Nesham and Co. At the time the accident happened, seventy-two men and boys were at work in the pit, and though the flame did not ascend the shaft, yet a large column of dust plainly indicated to the workmen above ground the sad catastrophe that had happened. Immediate exertions were made to save, if possible, the lives of those in the pit, in which they so far succeeded as to bring all the bodies to bank by the morning of the 4th. Very few of the bodies were disfigured, and in many life was still extant ; several of whom, shocking to relate, died the moment they breathed the fresh air! Of the seventy-two in the pit, fifteen survived, some of whom were severely hurt. Of nineteen horses in the pit, six were killed. It appeared the fire passed down the ways, destroying all that encountered its fury, until it was impeded and broken, as it is termed, by a large wagon, which it dashed to pieces, and mangled the driver and horse in a most shocking manner. After the torrent had passed by them, the men left the workings in hopes of effecting their escape ; but few, alas! were able to reach the shaft, and even some of those, overpowered by after-damp, at the very moment they hoped to have escaped, fell to rise no more! The first person that reached the surface was a little boy, six years of age. By this accident fifty-seven valuable lives were lost. [LHTB]

June 27. — On the morning of this day, Sheriff-hill colliery, near Gateshead, fired, during the time that Mr. William Fogget, the viewer, and his two brothers were down, all of whom were killed by the blast, and eight of the workmen were also suffocated by what is termed the after-damp. [LHTB]

July 31. — A shocking accident happened at Newbottle colliery, owing to the boiler of the locomotive engine bursting from being too strongly charged. It was the first trial of the machine, which was intended to draw twenty waggons, and a number of persons had assembled around it to witness its setting off. The brakesman was dashed to pieces, and another man cut in two by the fragments of the boiler, and a little boy thrown a great distance and killed. About fifty others (of whom some died) were most severely scalded and wounded. [LRS]

August 7. — A melancholy accident happened at Messrs. Nesham and Co.'s colliery, at Newbottle, in the county of Durham. The proprietors had provided a powerful steam engine, called the iron-horse, for the purpose of drawing ten or twelve coal wagons to the staith at one time ; and this being the day on which it was to be put in motion. A great number of persons belonging to the colliery had collected to see it ; but unfortunately, just as it was going off, the boiler of the machine burst. The engineman was dashed to pieces, and his mangled remains blown 114 yards ; the top of the boiler (nine feet square, weight 10 cwt) was blown 100 yards ; and the two cylinders 90 yards. A little boy was also thrown to a great distance. By this accident fifty-seven persons were killed and wounded, of whom eleven were dead on the following Sunday night. [LHTB]

September 16. — In consequence of the sudden reduction of the navy, happening at the time of the arrival of the ships from the Greenland and other trades, an immense body of seamen was at once thrown unprovided for, upon the country, and in much greater numbers than could possibly, in so short a space of time, find employment in the merchant service. Great numbers of unemployed seaman consequently accumulated at the out ports, and particularly at Shields and Sunderland, where they ill-advisedly endeavoured to obtain employment from the ship-owners, by insisting that every ship should have a complement of five men and a boy for every hundred tons register admeasurement. In order to obtain this demand, they for several weeks assembled in large bodies, and forcibly prevented the sailing of all ships, by taking out the seamen, whom they compelled to join their body, under pain of having their faces blacked and their jackets turned, and being thus exhibited through the public streets, with other contemptuous treatment. They observed the strictest discipline among themselves, and severely punished those who were guilty of any disturbance, calling the roll every morning, and fining those who were absent without leave, and a watch was set every night to patrol the streets, and clear them of those who were guilty of any disorder, so that the greatest order prevailed in Shields streets. On the above day, (Saturday) a general meeting was held upon Cullercoats sands, when about three-thousand were present, and on Wednesday the 20th, another meeting was held at the same place of the seamen from Shields, Sunderland and Blyth, consisting of about seven-thousand. These meetings had a very alarming appearance, being composed principally of men just relieved from his majesty's service ; and in consequence, HMS. Tartarus, of 20 guns arrived at Shields, on Sunday the 24th of September. On coming into the harbour the Tartarus was unfortunately driven by the strength of the tide upon the in-sand. It wanted then upwards of an hour of high water, the sailors who were keeping watch upon the sand end were of opinion that by prompt exertion, the ship might be got off at the height of the tide, without much damage, and being well aware that a number of men could save her, sent the bellman through the town to warn the sailors to assemble at the spot, who soon arrived in vast numbers, and had the happiness to see their exertions crowned with success, as the ship was got out of danger in less than an hour. On the 19th of October, the following men of war had arrived in Shield's harbour, viz. :– Tartarus 20 guns, Snake 18, Redwing 18, Hearty 18, Clinker 14, Cadmus 14, and Griper 12, all full of marines. There was also at North and South Shields, a great number of troops, both infantry and cavalry. Early on the morning of this day, the ship Renown, of South Shields, Mr. Cleugh, owner, having only two boys on board, was discovered on fire, near Mr. Laing's dock. The alarm bell was rung, the several troops of horse scoured the streets; and every class assisted in quelling the flames. As the two boys were in the half-deck asleep when the alarm was given, and the fire was in the fore-part of the ship, it was believed to be the act of incendiaries. The cables, sails, &c., on board, were entirely destroyed, and the hull of the vessel much injured. His majesty's pardon and a reward of 600 guineas were offered for the apprehension of the offenders. This day, also, one of the sailors, (a mate of a ship) having broke from the mob, was sworn in a special constable ; in an hour after, his house was broke into, door-frames and all destroyed, himself taken violently; after knocking down three or four of the ringleaders. He was made fast by the middle and hung on a gallows, at the Low lights, near the men of war ; after hanging some time, he was cut down (not much injured except in the struggle), soused in a tub of water, and then compelled to walk amongst the breakers of the king's peace. On the morning of Saturday the 21st of October, the magistrates proceeded to North Shields with all the military force. This was the day that the courage of these misguided men were to put to the test in a bad cause ; in a good one it was unnecessary. All the military and naval forces stationed at North and South Shields having been assembled under the command of Major Gen. Riall and Capt. Toker, and the military, both infantry and cavalry, being posted on the North side, a disposition was made to send to sea as many vessels with coals as could be manned ; and on the part of the refractory seamen there also appeared an intention to resist the proceedings of the king's forces. The seamen collected to the number of several thousands; but none appeared in arms. The mayor of Newcastle and the magistrates on the spot as well as those from the neighbouring sea-ports, had consultations with the military and naval commanders, with a view, that if force should prove necessary it might be used with as little bloodshed as possible. A body of marines first took possession of the bridge of boats, which formed the passage for the sailors between the north and south side of the river, and the latter being thus deprived of the means of escape, the cavalry on the north side made more of a demonstration, than of a real charge against them. This was sufficient, however, to drive them to the river side and place them entirely at the mercy of the soldiers, and accordingly they sought their safety in dispersion and flight. The commander of the forces anticipating such an event had ordered a particular look out to be kept for the committee who were known by their dress. The greatest part of them seized a boat and attempted their escape by water but were made prisoners in their flight. The king's ships now afforded a rallying point for those sailors who had been detained by the committee against their will, several availed themselves of their protection, and offered to proceed instantly to sea with any vessel that might be ready. With these men and the apprentices in the harbour, Capt. Toker was enabled to send to sea from twenty to twenty-five colliers ; and on Wednesday October 25th, the disputes between the ship owners and the seamen, were happily so far adjusted, that one hundred and fifty sail, many of which had been nine weeks in Shields harbour, proceeded to sea. [LHTB]

December 8. — As four of the workmen were employed on a stage seventy fathoms down the shaft of Nesham's main colliery, repairing the masonry, one of them came to the bank to get something he wanted; while talking to the banksman, and incautiously passing along a plank, he fell down upon the stage he had a few minutes before left, and so great was the force acquired in his fall, that three beams six inches by four, which supported the stage, were broken by the shock, and the poor fellow with his three companions were precipitated to the bottom (55 fathoms further) and all dashed to pieces. [LHTB]

December 9. — This day (Saturday) their imperial highnesses the archdukes, John and Lewis of Austria, with their suite arrived in Newcastle; soon after which, they were waited upon by the right worshipful the mayor and several of the aldermen, when the mayor requested the honour of entertaining them at the mansion-house, which their imperial highnesses declined, observed that they were sensible of the honour intended them, but, that they wished to be considered as travelling privately. On the same day they visited Shields, and Wallsend, and Percy main collieries, where they were attended by John Buddle, esq., who described to them the nature of the subterraneous workings, &c. On Sunday forenoon they attended at the Roman Catholic chapel in Newcastle; and in the afternoon paid a visit to Sunderland to see the cast-iron bridge of that town. Their imperial highnesses and suite expressed great astonishment and pleasure at the structure and ingenuity in the erection of the same, and its wonderful span. On Monday they proceeded, attended by T. H. Bigge and Joseph Lamb, esq., to Lemington, to see the iron and glass works established there. Their attention was forcibly arrested by the locomotive engine at work upon Wylam wagon-way. After partaking refreshment at Mr. Lamb's they returned, and afterwards visited the shot and white-lead works at Low Elswick, and Messrs. Hawks' iron foundry at New Greenwich. On the Tuesday morning, their imperial highnesses set off on their way to the south. [LHTB]

December 11. — A fire unfortunately took place in Sheriff-hill colliery, owing to the wooden partition which separated the upcast from the downcast shaft, taking fire from the coal lamp, which is used to cause the updraught of air necessary for the ventilation of the pit. Every exertion was used to get both men and horses out of the pit, as the destruction of the partition necessarily destroyed the circulation of air within the workings. They succeeded in getting out all but five wastemen, who unhappily perished. [LHTB]

December 30. — In consequence of a rapid thaw, accompanied with wind and rain, there was a great flood in the river Tyne, which was supposed by many persons to have done nearly as much injury, though it did not rise to so great a height, as the flood in 1771, which carried away the bridge at Newcastle. The water was at its greatest height about five o'clock on the morning of the above day (Saturday), when its appearance was particularly awful. Some idea of the force of the current may be formed from the circumstance of the Carlisle, London trader, which was lying alongside the quay at Newcastle, having torn up the cannon to which she was moored, and broken adrift. Another vessel also broke adrift from the Carlisle running foul of her, but both vessels were soon after brought up and secured. Most of the other vessels at the Quay were obliged, for security, to bring their anchors ashore and fasten them up to the Stems, in the pavement. The Quay and lower part of the Close were overflowed, and almost every cellar filled with water. The loss this way was very great, many of the cellars being full of sugars and other dry goods. A man named James Craig, and a spirited youth named John Hoggins, belonging to Newcastle, were unfortunately drowned, when humanely endeavouring to rescue Robert Lindsay and his two sons, the crew of a keel, which, about eleven o’clock on the Friday night, got fixed lengthways across the second arch from the north end of Newcastle bridge. When the cries of the keelmen had given alarm for their safety, the man and boy seized a small boat and went off to their assistance; they succeeded in rescuing the men from the keel, but, on their return, were swamped in a strong eddy. The others who were on board the boat, were saved by one means or other, but the man and boy were drowned. Great apprehensions were at one time entertained for the safety of the bridge of Newcastle, some of the arches being choaked up with keels and ice, and pieces of timber. Happily, however, the bridge stood firm. The two southern arches of the bridge at Haydon-bridge, were carried away at nine o’clock on the Friday night. In Shields harbour, some lives were lost by the upsetting of a boat, and upwards of thirty vessels drifted from their moorings, and were driven upon the Herd Sand. Several keels were also blown out to sea, with their crews, some of which were seen off Flamborough Head. The effects of the flood were severely felt by the farmers and others on both sides of the river, in the loss of horses, cows, sheep, pigs, &c. All the low grounds in the neighbourhood of Ponteland were overflowed, and many of the inhabitants were roused from their sleep by the water entering their beds. Considerable damage was done at Durham, Darlington, Sunderland, Hexham, &c. The wind corn mill of Mr. Herron, about half-a-mile to the westward of Sunderland, got amain, and taking fire, from the friction, was burnt to the ground. On the river Wear, the ships and keels were nearly all adrift, but were secured before they got to sea. Great damage was done by this storm on the banks of the rivers Tees and Wear. [LRS]

 

 

 

• LHTB — 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.
• LRS — Local Records or Historical Register of Remarkable Events by John Sykes, published in 1833 in two volumes
• LRSN — Local Records of Stockton and the Neighbourhood by Thomas Richmond. Published in one volume in 1868.