Tragedy at Wallsend Pit: Remembering the 1821 Disaster

In 1821, a devastating explosion struck Wallsend Colliery, claiming the lives of 50 miners. The community mourned the loss, burying the victims and providing support to their families. This tragic event left a lasting impact on the region, highlighting the dangers of mining operations in the 19th century.

• Tragedy
• Wallsend Pit
• Mining Disaster
• Mourning
• Newcastle University

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1. Wallsend Pit Disaster 23 October 1821

2. What happened? At around 8am, New Belcher Seam in Wallsend Colliery exploded. It is believed to have been caused by hydrogen gas catching alight. Newspaper report on the Dreadful Explosion at the Pit at Wallsend Colliery. Rare-RB Folio 622 08 Wil-Pitman s Papers-Volume I-Page 21

3. Losses Only two out of the 56 men working in the mines escaped without injury. 50 men died in the immediate accident, two died shortly afterwards and two were severely burnt. The bodies were found in a bad state, and two were not found until the next day. Many of the victims left behind large families with seven or eight children. One of victims was also a schoolmaster, and left behind a widow and large family behind.

4. Mourning 46 of the victims were buried at Wallsend in one grave as they were all related, and the rest were buried at Ballast Hills and old Wallsend Church. Coffins were provided by the owners of the Colliery, as well as money towards the cost of the funerals for each victim. The rest of the collieries in the neighbourhood were closed to allow workmen to attend the funerals. Several thousand people showed up.

5. Newcastle University Library Explore the Possibilities ncl.ac.uk/library