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Local Records
1845
January 6. — The sub-port of Hartlepool, which, until this date, had been subordinate to Stockton, became a distinct port of the sixth class. Some rejoicing took place on the occasion. Seaham, also a sub-port of Stockton, was transferred at the same time to Sunderland. [LRL]
January 11. — A serious accident occurred at Ludworth colliery, owing to a corf, with four men in it, having been insecurely attached to the rope by which it was being drawn up. The corf slipped when about half-way up the shaft, and the men were thrown to the bottom and killed. [LRL]
January 27. — The enlargement of the north dock at Seaham Harbour having been completed, it was formally opened, in the presence of the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry and a numerous party. Great rejoicing took place in Seaham, and the Marquis's workmen were plentifully regaled during the day. [LRL]
February 7. — The owners of North Elswick colliery, Newcastle, succeeded in reaching the Beaumont seam, at a depth of 98 fathoms. [LRL]
March 8. — A slight explosion of gas occurred in St. Hilda colliery, South Shields, which set fire to a quantity of gunpowder belonging to one of the workmen. The flames then extended to the seam of coal, which became ignited, and continued to burn until the morning of the 11th, when the fire was subdued, after having done considerable damage. [LRL]
March 12. — Byers' Green colliery was opened, when the owners entertained a party of their friends, and the workmen in their employment. [LRL]
March 23. — A fire occurred in the workings of East Cramlington colliery. The stables were entirely destroyed, and nine horses were suffocated before the flames could be subdued. [LRL]
March 26. — A seam of coal, 3 feet 3 inches in thickness, was won at Bishop Middleham, at a depth of seventy fathoms. [LRL]
April. — About the beginning of this month, an excellent seam of coal was won at Ludworth colliery, at a depth of 140 fathoms. [LRL]
April 3. — Another of those calamities which from time to time occur in the colliery districts happened this evening, about six o'clock, in the West Moor Pit, near Newcastle, the property of Lord Ravensworth and Partners, which resulted in the sacrifice of ten human beings. At the time of the explosion there were twelve men and boys in the mine, two of whom survived, although severely burnt. [LRF]
April 3. — A dreadful explosion of gas occurred this evening in West Moor colliery, near Newcastle, the property of Lord Ravensworth and Partners, which resulted in the death of four men and six youths; two others, who were extricated severely burnt, fortunately recovered. The explosion arose from the sudden discharge of a large quantity of gas. [LRL]
May 13. — At a meeting of the committee of the Coal Trade of the Tyne, Wear, and Tees, held in Newcastle, it was determined to declare the Coal-Trade Regulations at an end. The regulations, which had been in operation many years, were designed to fix the quantity of coals wrought at each colliery; a fine being levied upon firms which vended more than the stipulated quantity, and others, who had not worked the fixed amount, were allowed to make up the quantity in the following year. In consequence of the pitmen's strike, the work at some collieries was quite suspended, and the "shorts," on the 31st March, were 475,973 tons, whilst at other places, where the mines had been kept in operation, the "overs" were 199,163 tons. By the fixed fine on "overs," the amount due from the latter firms was £18,789; but the committee proposed to commute this sum for £11,273, and divide it amongst the collieries having " shorts." Neither party being satisfied by this proposition, the regulations were abolished. [LRL]
May 20. — The first shipment of coals from the new colliery at Croxdale took place at Sunderland. [LRL]
August 21. — A fearful explosion occurred this afternoon, at Jarrow Colliery, the property of D. Brown, esq. Mr. Jobling, the viewer, in company with Mr. Brown, were walking towards the pit at the time when they observed an unusual amount of smoke, and on reaching the heap the accident immediately became apparent. About seventy-five men and boys were at work at the time, thirty-six of whom were employed in the Low Main Seam, where the explosion took place, and of these only one man was saved. The other men were working in the Bensham Seam, 160 feet above the others, and, owing to the air-courses being partially destroyed they suffered severely from after-damp, and three men, named James Stewart, Benjamin Robinson, Robert Fairgreave, and a boy, named Baird, died. A brave man, named Defty, an overman, also lost his life in endeavouring to rescue others. A subscription was commenced for the benefit of the sufferers and nearly £1,800 was collected. [LRF]
August 21. — An awful explosion of gas occurred this afternoon, in Jarrow colliery, the property of D. Brown, Esq. About seventy-five men and boys were at work at the time, thirty-six of whom were employed in the Low Main seam, where the explosion took place, and of these only one man was saved. The other men were working in the Bensham seam (120 feet above the other), and, owing to the air courses being partially destroyed, they suffered severely from after-damp, and three men and one boy died. Another man, named Defty, an overman, lost his life in endeavouring to rescue others. The accident was supposed to have originated from a quantity of gas having suddenly found its way into the mine. A subscription was commenced for the benefit of the sufferers, and nearly £1,700 was eventually raised. [LRL]
October. — Amongst the innumerable railways projected about this time was a double line of railway to London, to be entirely devoted to the carriage of coals. The capital was to be five millions sterling. [LRL]
November 22. — Died, at Ravensworth Castle, in her 73rd year, Maria Susannah, wife of the Right Hon. Lord Ravensworth. The whole of her ladyship’s family, with the exception of the Marchioness of Normanby, the Hon. Mrs. Villiers, and the Hon. Mrs. Bloomfield, who were residing abroad, were present on the melancholy occasion. The account of her ladyship’s death was received with sorrow throughout the entire neighbourhood, as she was well known for her amiable disposition and Christian benevolence. The deceased was the third daughter and co-heiress of John Simpson, esq., of Bradley Hall, Durham, by Lady Ann, daughter of Thomas, eighth Earl of Strathmore. and by the death of her last surviving sister, in February, 1844, she eventually became sole heiress of the extensive possessions of the ancient families of Simpson and Anderson, of Bradley. The deceased, in March, 1796, married Thomas H. Liddell, esq., afterwards a baronet, and eventually Lord Ravensworth, and she left a family of seven sons and as many daughters, most of whom she had the happiness to see connected by marriage with some of the noblest families in the kingdom. Possessed of great means of doing good, Lady Ravensworth was never known to fail in making use of them, and the almshouses built and endowed by her for the deserving poor of the Ravensworth and Eslington properties, will long remain a proof of her munificence and charity. [LRF]
December 5. — A serious boiler explosion occurred at Seghill colliery, by which two men lost their lives. [LRL]
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