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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Yorkshire (West Riding) => Topic started by: marcuswraight on Wednesday 26 May 10 15:51 BST (UK)
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My great grandfather (who was a miner) was apparently working at Cadeby Main in 1912 when there were two explosions that killed many miners. I know where to find lists of those killed, background on the disaster itself - I think there is even a Parliamentary report out there available on the internet about what happened. What I am trying to establish is whether there was a list of survivors, rescuers, the injured, and accounts from survivors about what happened from their point of view. In essence I am trying to establish whether he, indeed, was working on that day and what role - if any - he played in the aftermath. Clearly he would have lost lots of friends,and neighbours, but it is the specifics of his role I am trying to nail down. Any suggestions? Are there such lists floating about somewhere?
I'm also wondering if there are suggestions about books that were written about the disaster, either shortly afterwards or between then and now. The 100th year anniversary is coming up too...
Suggestions or pointers of any kind are very welcome. I'm a recent emigree to the US (from Devon), so need all the help I can get!
Marcus
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I you google Cadeby Main there are several websites for the colliery.
You could also try the National Mining Museum.
John
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Yeah, there's a fair bit out there - it is the stuff that's not obvious or hidden that I'm trying to nail. The sites that come up are great, and have some fantastic pictures, some have newspaper articles about the disaster (The Times's archive is great too).. perhaps even lists of those who died. But survivors, rescuers etc? Not so much!
I'm interested by your suggestion about the museum. Where is that? That's certainly worth following up...
Thanks!
Marcus
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The National Mining Museum is at the Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, WF4 4RH
They have a website and you can contact them at info AT ncm.org.uk
John
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Hi Marcus,
Lots of records and information relating to the Cadeby Disaster are kept at Doncaster Archives.
Have a look at their excellent online index at this link. :)
http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/db/APNI/results.asp?GroupBy=Category&ID=1430&Page=1
There is also some interesting bits written by Catherine Bailey in her book "Black Diamonds."
maidmarion :)
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While you are in contact with Doncaster Archives it might be worth looking at the records deposited by the late Councillor Jim McFarlane, leader 1983-85 who lived in Denaby and also did a lot of historical research on the mining industry in the immediate area.
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South Yorkshire Mining Disasters Volume 2 The Twentieth CenturyBrian Elliott
Found in: Local History Books
Series: Mining Heritage
Paperback 176 pages
ISBN: 9781845630577
Published: 19 November 2009
£12.99
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The extent and frequency of coal-mining disasters was far less during the twentieth century compared with the Victorian times, especially after the nationalisation of the industry in 1947. Legislation, inspection and knowledge of the main causes of accidents, especially concerning emissions of gas and explosions, combined to reduce the chances of major mishaps. When disasters did occur, an increasingly highly-trained and well-equipped mines rescue service came into action, saving lives, even at the expense of some of their own brave members. Yet through much of the century coal mining continued to be a highly dangerous occupation, day-to-day fatalities occurring on a regular basis; and the bigger disasters: at Maltby Main, Bentley, North Gawber and Wharncliffe Woodmoor, attracted widespread media attention, causing immense suffering to bereaved families and communities. At the time of the Cadeby disaster of 1912 when there were 88 deaths, including rescue workers and mine inspectors, there were about 2,600 collieries operated by almost 1500 independent concerns and a work-force of around 1,100,000. By the 1970s, about the time of the last disasters covered in this volume there were still 240 working pits. Brian Elliott’s book helps us to appreciate the great debt that we owe to our recent coal-mining ancestors. We should never forget them.Brian Elliott is the son of a Wharncliffe Woodmoor miner and has written extensively on coal-mining and social history. His recent books include Yorkshire Mining Veterans, South Yorkshire Mining Disasters (Vol 1) and Lord Mason. Barnsley Pit Lad to Peer. He is often consulted by the media on matters relating to local history and the history of the coal-mining history in particular, including the 1984/85 strike on which he has compiled two notable books: The Miners’ Strike Day by Day and Yorkshire’s Flying Pickets.
I have the 1st volume of this series (19th century) and it is very good.
Perhaps this new volume answers some of your questions.
Tomkin
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All this is really useful thank you.
Was any book published specifically on the disaster?
On the advice of one of the posters, I contacted the museum mentioned, and had a reply that could not help me but I will put on this board in case it is useful to others in the future.
A report was compiled by the Inspector of Mines for the disaster. An article from the Colliery Guardian lists members of the rescue party as: S. Jackson, J. Steadman, C. Fletcher, F. Storrs, E. Croxall, W. Berry, W. Dove, H. Cusworth, W. Goldmark, A. E. Rowell, J. Beech, C. Prince, Sydney Ellis, W. Humphreys, E. Evans
It was pointed out that the article is unclear as to whether these members of the rescue party were amongst those who lost their lives. The second explosion occured when the rescue was underway.
The following names are taken from the photocopy of the Inspectors Report and were called as witnesses: S. J Bridges, H. S. Whitty, J. Springthorpe, J. Farmer, W. Humphries, G. Fisher, H. Hulley, P. Murgatroyd, T. Slater, E. Dove, W. Barnbrook, G. Ackeroyd, T. S. Wallis, A. Birch, A. Farmery, B. S.Smith, J. Hill, G. H. Golding.
Unfortunately none of this actually reveals whether my great grandfather (Durant) was there - but it all adds a little to human knowledge to have this kind of information out there.
Marcus
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Just to add.. I've just had a look at the archive index too.. again, really really useful, thanks.
Marcus
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What was his full name?
Tomkin
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He was Wilfred Durant, born 7 Dec 1887 in Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire... Thanks for the pointers so far!
Marcus
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On page 19 in the book "Images of Yorkshire Coal" by Peter Williams,
are 5 small drawings. These were in a notebook found in the
pocket of Herbert Cusworth. He had gone down the pit after the 1st
explosion and was recording what he saw. The site of various bodies
& their positions, lamps and their numbers, tubs etc. He must have been
busy collecting this information when he was killed by the second explosion.
Again this doesn't answer any of your questions but adds a bit more to your
overall picture.
Tomkin
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You have probably already seen this, but I thought it
would be interesting for other members to view.
Tomkin
http://www.freewebs.com/yorkshiremain/cadebymaindisaster.htm
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Indeed, he must be the H Cusworth mentioned in the first list I put up. All this is really helpful for anyone researching this incident - so thanks for that. It all helps.
I actually did see that website you listed - also useful. Any others (the archives suggestion and your museum tip were both brilliant) always welcome.
My hunt continues!
Marcus
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Hi Marcus,
Today I bought a copy of "The South Yorkshire Mining Disasters,Volume II".
It discusses in great detail the Cadeby Incident of 1912 .
There is no mention of Wilfred Durant though.
Tomkin
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Thanks Tomkin.. even places where he is not mentioned is useful...
Something I might add - apologies if these are already on this discussion (I can't see it when adding to it).. some links that the coal museum recommended...
http://www.rotherhamweb.co.uk/cadeby/index.htm
http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/rescue/pits/Cadeby.htm
http://www.freewebs.com/yorkshiremain/cadebymaindisaster.htm
Again, all useful for people who stumble across this....
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I would suggest that you visit Doncaster Library which holds the South Yorkshire Times archive. They will be taking a local perspective on the accident and there is chance that any involvement by your ancestor will have been reported.
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Thanks Geoff12. That is a very good tip.
M
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This book will give you a different angle on the disaster - the mine owner.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Diamonds-Great-English-Dynasty/dp/0141019239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277979780&sr=1-1
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My great grandfather (who was a miner) was apparently working at Cadeby Main in 1912 when there were two explosions that killed many miners. I know where to find lists of those killed, background on the disaster itself - I think there is even a Parliamentary report out there available on the internet about what happened. What I am trying to establish is whether there was a list of survivors, rescuers, the injured, and accounts from survivors about what happened from their point of view. In essence I am trying to establish whether he, indeed, was working on that day and what role - if any - he played in the aftermath. Clearly he would have lost lots of friends,and neighbours, but it is the specifics of his role I am trying to nail down. Any suggestions? Are there such lists floating about somewhere?
I'm also wondering if there are suggestions about books that were written about the disaster, either shortly afterwards or between then and now. The 100th year anniversary is coming up too...
Suggestions or pointers of any kind are very welcome. I'm a recent emigree to the US (from Devon), so need all the help I can get!
Marcus
Hello Marcus
I had a relative who was killed in the disaster at Cadeby Colliery My Gt Grandfathers brother was also the first witness on scene I am part of a group who are raising funds in order to erect a memorial in the nearby cemetery in Denaby and also in the graveyard at Conisborough We have a book out ,all about the accident . It is well written and is displayed on the Conisborough and Denaby Main local history site
If you look up the site by James Beachill you will find a wealth of information My family involved were Both William Humphries
Please contact me if I can be of any help
Regards Robert(bob)Thomson.
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This book will give you a different angle on the disaster - the mine owner.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Diamonds-Great-English-Dynasty/dp/0141019239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277979780&sr=1-1
Hello Jaywit
Sorry to contradict you but the Fitzwilliams were the owners of a couple of local mines and were good to their workforce for the times BUT both Denaby Main Colliery and Cadeby Colliery were owned by a ruthless company who treat the miners appallingly The company knew that the mine was in danger of explosion but al but ignored the danger and sent the men below anyway as was mentioned in the Parliamentary debate afterwards
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Hi Bobold
Regarding the book Black Diamonds, I've read this and it does state that the Fitzwilliam's, with regards to the standards of the times, were good to their workforce and points out the ruthlessness of the Denaby and Cadeby main collieries.
Of course, to modern eyes, they were far from perfect and there was a lot we would today find unnaceptable.
I enjoyed the book, particularly the first half about the social upheaval of the time and the little snippets from the school books were so poignant.
Karen
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Though I find the behaviour of colliery owners and other employers revolting, we should always remember that it is impossible to judge the past by today's standards, and ensure that such behaviour never again appears in British industry.
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The good news is that The Cadeby Main Disaster Memorial group have just released a book about the tragedy. Written by James Beachill, secretary of the group.
The group have just about raised enough funds to erect a memorial to the 91 men and boys who gave their lives in the disaster.
We will be having a parade on Sunday July 8 from the site of the colliery to the cemetery in Denaby where we will have a service and unveiling of the memorial. Followed by a gala on the adjacent Cricket field We also intend to put a memorial in the nearby Conisbrough cemetery where 27 of the victims were buried
We ,The Group, would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would care to join us for the day.
My Great Grandfather's brother William Humphries was the first witness of the the incident and featured much in the inquest. His Nephew,William Humphries , the leader of the Cadeby Mines Rescue team died in the second explosion .
The work of our group has been a labour of love and I feel proud to be able to honour our ancestors in this way.
If I can be of any assistance to anyone interested in our project I am at
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