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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Kent => Topic started by: indiangel on Wednesday 14 August 13 00:24 BST (UK)

Title: Sevenoaks Rail Crash 1884
Post by: indiangel on Wednesday 14 August 13 00:24 BST (UK)

Hi,

I'm looking for any information on the Sevenoaks rail crash that killed my 3 x G Granddad in 1884. I've only very recently discovered it was the cause of his death and so far all I know about it is the bare details and a photo. I've tried to look into newspaper archives as surely it would have been covered but the only stories I can find are on the British newspaper archives, with whom I don't have a subscription. I'd really like to know a bit more about the accident that sadly took his life

Any information would be much appreciated,

Thanks,

Title: Re: Sevenoaks Rail Crash 1884
Post by: barryd on Wednesday 14 August 13 02:32 BST (UK)

Not much seems to be published on this accident. So far I have found this:

7 June 1884 - A double-headed freight train (two steam locomotives coupled together for extra traction on a long freight train)  ran into the rear of another freight train at Tub's Hill station (Sevenoaks). Both crew of the first train were killed.

If this is correct your 3 x Grandfather was either the Driver or the Fireman of the first freight train.  I am assuming the Guard was not killed because he was a member of the crew too.

See link below photographs 16/17

http://www.tonbridgehistory.org.uk/photos/railways--local-area/slides/19.039.html

or page 143 on the link below

http://books.google.com/books?id=eqUALHPTD9sC&pg=PA143&lpg=PA143&dq=%22Sevenoaks+Railway+Accident+1884%22&source=bl&ots=xWR5nIpkBm&sig=8YYTGf4FbYp7WDmJVzGSIyrGseY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EtoKUqlq5NbJAczhgMAK&ved=0CEYQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=%22Sevenoaks%20Railway%20Accident%201884%22&f=false

Title: Re: Sevenoaks Rail Crash 1884
Post by: giblet on Wednesday 14 August 13 05:54 BST (UK)

The names of the 2 men killed were Ware and Jenner.

I have found a few newspaper articles on the accident so if you would like them PM me your email and i will forward them on for you  :)

Title: Re: Sevenoaks Rail Crash 1884
Post by: indiangel on Wednesday 14 August 13 10:46 BST (UK)

Thank you both so much, yes my relation was the driver, John Ware

I'll pm you my email

Title: Re: Sevenoaks Rail Crash 1884
Post by: giblet on Wednesday 14 August 13 11:01 BST (UK)

Email sent  :)

Title: Re: Sevenoaks Rail Crash 1884
Post by: barryd on Thursday 15 August 13 00:40 BST (UK)

The deaths of both Driver John Ware (37) and Fireman Mark Jenner (25) were not registered until July-September Qtr. 1884. Free BMD. Probably inquest and/or accident inquiry delayed the registration.

A family tree that you may/may not have seen

http://lavington.99k.org/genealogy/john_ware_of_lenham.htm

Title: Re: Sevenoaks Rail Crash 1884
Post by: indiangel on Thursday 15 August 13 10:48 BST (UK)

Thank you all!

That family tree is really informative, thanks!