Phillip Scothern 1835 - 1882

Phillip Scothern 1835 - 1882

Phillip Scothern is the Father of Sarah Scothern.

He was Married to Mary A Scothern at North Wingfield Church 19 may 1856:

 
He was Born in 1835 Lambley,Nottinghamshire

He Died in The Parkhouse Pit Disaster, Clay Cross, Derbyshire

Memorial for the disaster stands at Clay Cross:

 More details of the disaster can be found here:

http://www.claycross.org.uk/

His Marriage to Mary is recorded here:

 He Appears in the 1861 Census:

He also Appears in the 1871 Census:

The Last Census he Appears on is in 1881, 1 year before his death:

Extracts from Local Papers regarding the Pit Disaster:

Derbyshire Times.

Saturday 11th. November 1882

Page 3 Col. 4-5

Terrible Colliery Explosion at Clay Cross.

Loss of Forty-Five Lives.

Exciting Scenes.

Clay Cross was visited on Tuesday last by a disaster which has not its parallel in the mining annals of the County of Derby.

By this disaster the lives of more than forty men and boys were sacrificed, many who prior to that day were happy wives have been rendered widows, a large number of children have been rendered homeless and countless sorrow and suffering has been inflicted upon numerous families. For shortly after 10 o'clock on that dull November morning an explosion of gas occurred in the Number Seven or Parkhouse Pit of the Clay Cross Coal and Iron Company, situated at Danesmoor near Clay Cross. At the time of the explosion some 50 men and boys were in the workings of the pit, about 40 men having been drawn up therefrom but a few minutes previously. Nearly all these 50 individuals lost their lives by such explosion. And if there can be any cause for congratulation in connection with so terrible a catastrophe, it is contained in the fact that whereas 200 men are generally employed in this pit, Tuesday being an "off" day less than half that number went down into the pit. Had all these been therein at the time of the explosion the death toll would have been far larger than it is. The Parkhouse Pit was ventilated by means of two cupolas and such was the current of air passing through it, and such was the high belief entertained of the perfect ventilation of the pit, together with the belief that there was no gas in the locality, that the colliers were allowed to use naked lights in the pit. Of course the real cause of the explosion will not be known until after the official enquiry which will be duly held, but there can be but little doubt that it was caused by an explosion of gas, and that the unfortunate men whose names are hereafter given, have lost their lives either from burns or from the evil effects of the after damp. There had never previously been an explosion in the Parkhouse Pit, but in the year 1865 - eight lives were lost in the No. 4 Pit of the Clay Cross Company. Beyond this the Company's pits have been particularly free from occurrences of this kind. It need hardly be stated that the catastrophe has caused the greatest excitement not only in Clay Cross, but throughout the county, and the Parkhouse shaft bank, the gearing of which bears but too prominent signs of the force of the explosion has been visited by countless people. No. 8 pit, from whence the exploring parties who have been gallantly led, and who have performed some exceedingly difficult work have descended, has also become a centre of attraction.

The main shaft of the colliery is situated at Danesmoor, two miles from Clay Cross, and is 185 yards deep. There is also access to the pit from another shaft (No. 8) which is near Clay Cross and is about a mile and a half from the other shaft. The ventilation and other arrangements were on the best principles and this is the first explosion that has occurred at this pit, though it was opened in May 1874.

The total number of hands employed was 250, and nearly 200 of them were coal-getters.

At a quarter past ten on Tuesday morning a dull heavy report was heard, followed by a shock as of an earthquake. A volume of smoke, dust, dirt, etc., was vomited from the pit mouth, 

Parkhouse Pit Disaster - 7th November 1882

 The Derbyshire Times reports of the disaster, DT-1 to DT-4.

The Times, London carried reports on the disaster, as per date.

Memorial

This monument is in memory of the forty five men and boys who lost their lives in an explosion at Park House Pit Clay Cross November 7^th 1882 and was erected by their fellow workmen and the public 1884

Samuel Barker Edward Barker Phineas Barker John Buckberry Thomas Berry Elias Bowler Thomas Birkin William Briggs Henry Beeson Aaron Beeson John Beeson Thomas Chappel Emmanuel Clark William Clark Richard Dunn

Joseph Dunn William Dunn James Edwards John Fowler Thomas Goaley John Holmes George Hewitt Joseph Hewitt Thomas Hewitt William Martin George Mitchel James Parker Michael Parkin Joseph Phipps Owen Richards

William Renshaw William Slinn James Smith Phillip Scothern Joseph Stone Joseph Stone Jacob Stone James Sims John Stanley William Shelton William Squires Richard Taylor Richard Taylor William Vicars Joseph Walters

Parkhouse funeral card
Say not, they passed from life to death
Their day was night and night was day,
Where earth's black darkness held its away; and this to cease
Was passing up from death to life
Where night is day,-day without night;
In everlasting heaven'ly light, to rest in peace.

This article appeared in the Derbyshire Times dated 8 November 1882 and is reproduced here with the permission of the Editor, Derbyshire Times.

DREADFUL COLLIERY EXPLOSION AT CLAY CROSS

THIRTY-NINE LIVES LOST

GREAT EXCITEMENT

Yesterday (Tuesday) morning about 10 a.m. an alarming explosion took place at the Parkhouse, or No. 7 Pit belonging to the Clay Cross Coal and Iron Company.

The main shaft of the colliery is situated at Danesmoor, two miles from Clay Cross, and is 185 yards deep. There was also access to the pit from another shaft (No. 8) which is near Clay Cross and about a mile and a half from the other shaft. The ventilation and other arrangements were on the best principles and this is the first explosion that has occurred at this pit, though it opened in May 1874.

The total number of hands employed was 250, and nearly 200 of them coal getters.

At a quarter past ten on Tuesday morning a dull heavy report was heard, followed by a shook as of an earthquake. A volume of smoke, dust, dirt, &c., was vomited from the pit mouth, and the head gear was completely destroyed by the force of the explosion. The noise was so great that it was heard some miles round, and the ominous sound at once brought a large crowd of eager, excited people to the scene.

H.M. Inspector of Mines, T. W. Evans, Esq., was informed by telegram, and the news was also conveyed to Mr. Stokes, the assistant Inspector.

The officials of the colliery were at once summoned to the pit, and after consultation decided to descend by the shaft nearest Clay Cross, as the Danesmoor shaft (where the explosion occurred) was impracticable.

The first exploring party consisted of Mr Croudace (manager), Mr George Dunn (head underviewer), Mr Joseph Booth, Joseph Foster, Philip Vardy, J. Dunn and several experience men. Drs. Chawner and Pegler, also descend with them. Mr George Dunn's conduct is especially deserving of commendation, as he knew that four of hi sons were in the pit, and might have been excused if he had felt unable to undertake a service od such anxiety under the circumstances.

The explorers were for some time in great danger from the foul air and flaming blasts that were flying about the workings. About two o'clock the ventilation had very much improved and about three o'clock no traces of fire remained. The first two who ascended after the explosion were Samuel Stoppard and William Spetch. The explorers were all brought to the bank before nine o'clock, uninjured though much exhausted by their labours, and breathing the gas and foul air. Another exploring party went down the pit at 11 p.m. Up to 1a.m. this morning no bodies had been brought out of the pit, but the number missing is thirty-nine most of whom are believed to have perished. Arrangements have been made to convey the bodies when recovered to the Queen's Head, to await the inquest.

Dr. D'Arcy rendered good service in sending down refreshments, clothing and other things likely to be needed by the medical men who accompanied the exploring party.

The names of those who remain in the pit, and who it is feared are dead, are as follows:—

William Slinn, bricklayer, Alton, single

William Squires, bricklayer, Alton, married

Thomas Barry, or Wheeldon, bricklayer, Tupton, married

John Holmes, Clay Cross, married

Joseph Mitchell, Clay Cross, single

Richard Taylor, Danesmoor, Married

William Briggs, Pilsley, married

Michael Parkin, Danesmoor, married

William Martin, pumping engine minder, Clay Cross, a boy

Thomas Goaler, Clay Cross, married

Thomas Chappell, Clay Cross, single

Elias Bowler, Danesmoor, married

James Smith, Clay Cross, married

Emanuel Clarke, Danesmoor, married

Joseph Frost, Higham, single

James Parker, Clay Cross, married

Joseph Dunn, Danesmoor, married

Henry Beeston, Danesmoor, married

Philip Scothern, Woolley Moor, married

John Beeson, son of Henry Beeson, Danesmoor

Richard Dunn, Danesmoor, (uncle to Joseph Dunn also dead), married

Joseph Stone, Danesmoor, married

William Renshaw, Danesmoor, married

William Vickers, Danesmoor, single

George Hewitt  Danesmoor, widower

George Hewitt jun., son of the above

Thomas Hewitt, also son of George Hewitt

William Clarke, single man, son of Emanuel Clarke, Danesmoor (also killed)

Aaron Beeson, another son of Henry Beeson (also killed)

Joseph Walters, married, wife and four children, Danesmoor

Joseph Stone, (stallman), Danesmoor, wife and four children

James Sims (stallman) Danesmoor, married, wife and five children

Edward Baker, a lad, Danesmoor

William Brevitt, bricklayer

Samuel Barker, Danesmoor, wife and five children (father of Edward Barker, also killed)

Joseph Phipps (fireman), Danesmoor, single man

The men who were brought up alive, but most seriously injured, either from the effects of the explosion or the after-damp were:—

George Dunn jun., son of the underviewer; badly burnt

Robert Dunn; very seriously burnt

Wm. Dunn; severely scorched

Unaccounted, believed to be dead:—

Owen Richards : married

James Edwards

John Stanley : married

John Buckberry : married

Joseph Stones : married

James Simms

Emanuel Clarke, and his son William

Elias Bowler

Samuel Parker and his son

Edward Thomas Birkin

James Smith

Joseph Walters

William Selton

Up to the present all operations are at a stand and it is fully believed that all in the pit are dead.

Twelve of the thirty men whose lives there is every reason to believe have been lost are married, and several of them leave large families. Two or three are but young married man. James Parker having been only few months a husband. On Monday his foot was injured by a corve running over it, but he insisted upon descending the pit on Tuesday morning to complete some work in the neighbourhood of No. 7 shaft with George Dunn, Jun., who was his companion at work. Instances are not wanting in which men were, by trivial matters, prevented from descending the shaft, and thus escaped injury or death. Below we give a list of the men who had not been brought out of the pit late last night. The bodies of several had been removed from the workings where they had met their fate to the bottom of No. 8 shaft, ready to be brought to the top, and there is, unfortunately, little ground for hope that any of the poor fellows who still are bracketed amongst the missing can have survived the shock of the explosion and the deadly after-damp.

The following men took part in the several exploring expeditions which visited the different working in the course of the day:—J. Parker, C. Bloor, B. Bloor, R. Allen, Reaney. W. Holland, C. Coleman, Yates, W. Sambury, H. Blakemoor, E. Pollard, W. Royden, E. Roberts, S. Wood, J. Taylor, D. Lee, F. Mason, S. Shelton, Jos. Stone, ER. Burdett, — Davison (Morton), — Ealington (Morton), P. Vardy, (Whitworth), Samuel Roberts, Wm. Buxton, Thomas Palfryman, George Knowles, — Hague, John Blower, John Rowe (deputy), D. D'Arcy, Charles Buxton, Richard Taylor, William Wilkinson, James Riley, William Buxton, George Shelton, Samuel Stones, John Pettett, William Marsden, Ed. Guest, John Asn (furnaceman), Mr Clare (manager), E. Askew, Arthur Clarke, Thomas Turvey, W. Wane, George Bentley, Robert Cooke, Thomas Smith, William Cooke, John Wright, Ed. Robinson, Mr Sankey, — Stonghton, — Maltby, — Mann, Alfred Spencer, John Wardle, E. Ellis, E. Morphus, W. Mee, James Short, W. Tyler, jun., John Redwood, Ralph Hunter, Thomas Holland, A. Chapman, sen., H. Clayton, W. Buxton, W. Glover, Richard Swan, Richard Wilson, Samuel Beeston, George Hewitt, A. Hunter, John White, W Buckland, W Hayes, John Spencer, W Snales (Morton), John Bowler (Morton), Wm. Bower, Geo, Fearn, James Shaw, Wm. Skelton.

Amongst the miners who descended the pit to work, and suffered either from the explosion itself or the after-damp, were Richard Wilson, William Lloyd, E. Burdett, William Chadwick, William Bunting, William Spetch, Samuel Bunting, John Nuttall, Charles Buxton, John Smith, senior, Samuel Stoppard, Thomas Wyman, Daniel Farnsworth, Aaron Toplis, Thomas Buckland, George Turner, James Brailsford, William Clarke, William Lowe, Samuel Shimwell, William Williams, Charles Colley, William Jacques, John Cooke, S. Burton, Wm. Birley.

The Sheffield Independent referring to the case of Mr George Dunn and his sons says:—A pleasing feature standing out in bold relief in connection with the gloomy story is the heroism which the disaster evoked. There is perhaps hardly any more dangerous duty than that of descending into a pit in which an explosion has just taken place. On Tuesday there were scores at all times ever willing to volunteer their services to take their lives in their hands as it were, to assist in the work of rescuing those who could be saved. There were few who displayed greater heroism and also few who suffered more from the disaster, than the underviewer Mr George Dunn, of Park House. There were four members of his family in the mine when the accident occurred. His brother Richard Dunn was killed, and his eldest son, Joseph Dunn met with a like fate. It was also believed, during a great part of the day, that his other three sons were beyond hope, and the poor parents was held in the greatest suspense. He went down the pit among the first batch of explorers, and was about the last to leave the mine in the evening: having worked with the greatest assiduity for over ten hours, and shown unflinching bravery in venturing into dangerous parts of the works. He was one of the first to reach his two sons (Robert and William), and it was, no doubt, an immense relief to find that they were alive. He had them removed from the gaffer's cabin, which was in ruins, to the bottom of Pit No.8, and they were brought to the pit bank about seven o'clock in the evening. William, who was the first that was brought up, could be heard crying piteously a considerable time before the cage arrived at the top, and whilst being removed to a carriage moaned very much, as if undergoing terrible pain. The other son, Robert, who was brought up a few minutes later, showed hardly any signs of life, and it was stated that he was insensible. Both were badly burnt, and also severely injured by the fall of the gaffer's cabin, and on Tuesday evening they were reported to be in a critical condition. George Dunn, Junr., who as has been stated, was also in the pit, was brought up about half past two in the afternoon, the three brothers being, in fact, the last three persons brought to the bank of those who were down when the explosion occurred.

The same authority also describes the movement of the first exploring party:—"Our party, which went down very soon after the explosion took place, consisted of Mr George Dunn (the under-viewer), Mr Brailsford, Mr Downing and two others whose names I do not recollect. We tried several times to make our way in the direction of pit No. 7, but we had often to return to the main road leading from No. 8 pit. The after-damp was so powerful in parts that we had either to retire or wait a while. After much delay, occasioned both by the accumulation of gas and the disarrangement of the road, we managed to make our way as far as the stables, which are within 70 or 80 yards of the bottom of pit No 27 [7]. In the course of the journey we was [saw] in all about fifteen bodies, the last we saw being close to the bottom of pit No 7. I have no doubt there are a great many bodies further on, but the after-damp was so powerful to allow us to go to them. I don't believe that there are any alive in the workings that have not been discovered. Of the bodies that I saw there were eleven laying on the main road, and all were more or less disfigured by the fire. At the same time, I don't supposed that they were poisoned by the inhalation of the after-damp. Among the bodies I saw were those of two bricklayers, Slinn and Wheeldon, and also that of their attendant. They were among the debris of the new engine house, which they were erecting. I also saw the bodies of Joseph Dunn, Michael Parker, Edward Parker, Henry Beeson, John Beeson, Richard Dunn, and Joseph Phipps. These bodies were laying in all directions, most of them with their heads downwards, as if they had tried to bury themselves in the dust. Close to Henry Beeson there was a pony standing. It had its hair signed, but still it was alive. We went to the stables and we saw three or four ponies—I am not quite sure of the number—alive, but badly burnt. We should have brought these away, but we could not possibly do so. I understand that an attempt will be made tonight (Wednesday to get all the animals that are not dead out of the pit, or at any rate to a place of safety and comfort. There was one dead pony in the stable. I looked at the watch of one of the dead men and found it going all right. It was then half-past three in the afternoon. We laid the bodies out in order. When we found them they were heaped up in all directions. Some had evidently been blown with great force against the sidings, whilsh others were covered with rubbish and bind. Th gaffer's cabin, which is close to the bottom of pit No. 7 was a complete ruin. In the debris was found the body of James Parker and laying close by were the two sons of Mr Dunn (the underviewer). they seemed as if they were asleep, but on examining them we found that they were alive, and they have since been brought out of the pit. The main road was in many places rendered almost impassable by the destruction of the fittings and the fall of the roof and sidings, and I believe it will take all night to make it sufficiently clear to get the bodies away in the morning. I understand that the volunteers which are going down to-night intend getting a little farther than the stables, as there are, I have no doubt, several bodies in that direction. As to where the explosion originated, it is impossible to say, and indeed, when the pit has been cleared of gas and thoroughly examined, I think it will be found difficult to get at the root of the matter. the person who is responsible for the accident was, in all probability, one of the first sacrificed.

Continuation of the articles that appeared in the Derbyshire Times  dated 8 November 1882 and is reproduced here with the permission of the Editor, Derbyshire Times.

THE SCENE ON THE PIT BANK.

Hundreds of women and children were anxiously waiting for intelligence as to the fate of their relatives and friends, but for some time great uncertainty prevailed, and the sickening suspense was for a time almost worse to bear than the certainty.

Many of the crowd volunteered to descend in place of those of the exploring parties who had become exhausted.

A contemporary says:—Mr Dickinson, the over-ground manager, remained patiently at his post at the pit-head, had issued some very judicious orders, the carrying out of which materially furthered the operations at the bottom of the shaft. Soon after three o'clock Mr Croudace, the certified manager, who had  been one of the most heroic in penetrating the workings in the hope of saving life, was rendered almost helpless by the after-damp, and had to be assisted out of the pit. David Handford, one of the explorers, was brought up the shaft about the same time, very much exhausted, and after being taken to the cabin was removed home. Wm. Holland, another explorer, who is engaged at the pit as a night deputy, then came up in the cage, and was not able to walk without assistance, so weak had he been rendered by the noxious gas. Not long afterwards William Shakespeare and Jedediah Orme, two others of the exploring party, were also obliged to cease their efforts: indeed, nearly every time the cage ascended, it contained some miner who a short time before had bravely and hopefully volunteered to render help, only to come back helpless after his fight with the after-damp.

Shortly before four o'clock considerable excitement was caused amongst the crowd on the pit bank by the report that voices had been heard at the bottom of the Parkhouse shaft. One of the employees of the Company stated that when near the mouth of the pit he had heard some one shouting, and bending over the shattered masonry and displaced woodwork, he distinctly heard a man shout "Hulloa." He listened intently, hoping to hear the shout repeated, and again he heard the man crying out "Hulloa." He then shouted back, and asked, "Are you all right?" "Yes" replied the person at the bottom of the shaft, "we are all right. we have come from the workings. We have no lights. We want lights" Owing to a fear of a second explosion, it was not considered wise to attempt to lower lights down this shaft, and a messenger was sent to No 8 shaft at once to inform Mr Dickinson that a voice had been heard at the bottom of Parkhouse. It was even stated that it sounded like the voice of Wheeldon, one of the bricklayers. Mr Dickinson communicated the fact to Mr George Howe, the engineer, who at once descended No 8 Shaft and told one of the exploring parties that it was believed some of the men were still alive, and that redoubled efforts to rescue the imprisoned miners  must be made.

Scarcely had he gone on this mission when one of the searchers came up the shaft with a hurried message that brandy and stretchers were at once needed. And he added, "Tell Mrs Dunn that her sons Joseph and Robert, are alive. They are being nursed at the pit bottom by their father." "That's a good job," and "thank God," were the ejaculations that came from several persons on the crowd at the welcome news, for it was known that Mrs Dunn had had four sons on the pit, one of whom had been previously brought out of the workings injured.

Continuation of the articles that appeared in the Derbyshire Times  dated 8 November 1882 and is reproduced here with the permission of the Editor, Derbyshire Times.

TO DAY'S PARTICULARS.

INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MISSING MEN

From the particulars which we have been enabled to glean this morning it would appear that the number of missing men—all of whom are unfortunately, almost certain to be dead is 44 and not 30 as at first supposed. The full list of the missing men is as follows:—

James Parker, married, Clay Cross,

Joseph Dunn, married, Danesmoor,

Henry Beeson, married, Danesmoor,

Philip Scothern, married, Wooley moor,

John Beeston, single, Danesmoor,

Richard Dunn, married, Danesmoor,

Joseph Stone, married, Danesmoor,

Jacob Stone, married, Danesmoor,

William Renshaw, married, Danesmoor,

William Vickers, single, Danesmoor,

George Hewitt, widower, Danesmoor,

Thomas Hewitt, single, Danesmoor,

George Hewitt, jun., single, Danesmoor,

Michael Parkin, married, Danesmoor,

John Holmes, married, Clay Cross,

Geo. Mitchell, single, Clay Cross,

Richard Taylor, married, Danesmoor,

Wm. Briggs, married, Pilsley,

Wm. Martin, boy, Clay Cross,

Tom Goaler, married, Clay Cross,

James Smith, married, Clay Cross,

Tom Chappell, single, Clay Cross,

Aaron Beeson, single, Danesmoor,

Wm. Slinn, single, Alton,

Wm. Squires, single, Clay Cross,

Thos. Berry, or Wheeldon, married, Tupton,

S Barker, a lad, Danesmoor,

Owen Richards, married, Danesmoor,

James Edwards, married, Danesmoor,

John Stanley, married, Clay Cross

John Buckberry, married, Danesmoor,

Joseph Stone, married, Danesmoor,

James Simms, married, Danesmoor,

Emanuel Clark, married, Danesmoor,

Ellias Bowler, married, Danesmoor,

Edward Barker, and his son Edward

Thomas Birkin, married, Clay Cross,

James Smith, married, Clay Cross,

Joseph Walters, Danesmoor,

William Shelton, single, Danesmoor,

Joseph Marlow, married, Danesmoor,

William Clark, single, Danesmoor,

R. Taylor, married, Clay Cross.

At eleven o'clock on Tuesday night an exploring party led by Mr Laverick, of the Riddings colliery, Mr Mills (Messrs Coke and Mills), Chesterfield, and Mr Heaton, of the Staveley Coal and Iron Company, went down the shaft and proceeded along the workings. In many places the archings had given way through the force of the explosion and the roadway was blocked by timber and consequently it was with the greatest difficulty that the party made their way. They, however, discovered fifteen dead bodies and in these cases death had evidently resulted from after-damp, the bodies being but little burnt. At eight o'clock this morning another party headed by Mr Parker, of No 2 Pit and Mr C. Blore and Mr W. Blore, of Tupton, went down and made considerable progress in the workings. Soon after ten o'clock, Mr J. P. Jackson, manager of the Clay Cross Company arrived at No 8 Pit and after a short interview with Superintendent Coupe—who together with several of his men was on the spot during the day—Mr. Jackson proceeded to Park House and there saw Mr. Humble, of Staveley, Mr. Howe, Mr. Clare and other officials of the Company. A consultation took place between these gentlemen, and various suggestions were considered relative to the bringing of the bodies out of the pit. A telegram was received from Mr. T. Evans, Her Majesty's Inspector, stating that he would arrive at Clay Cross about half-past two, and that he would be followed by Mr A. H. Stokes, Her Majesty's Assistant for this district. It was after due consideration, decided that inasmuch as the Parkhouse shaft was so damaged that it would take a very long time to repair it, the bodies should be taken up the No 8 shaft and be removed from thence to the Queen's Head Inn. It was arranged that this work should commence at half-past two o'clock and whilst the plans of the officials are liable to alteration it is probable that such a course would be proceeded with. Mr C. G. Busby the coroner for the district having been informed of the occurrence will decide when he will open the inquest. At the opening, evidence of the formal identification of the bodies will be taken and then, doubtless the inquiry into the cause of this sad catastrophe will be adjourned to a date suitable to all parties, the dead bodies being interred meanwhile. As might naturally be suspected the explosion and its dreadful consequences forms the sole topic of conversation in the district.

The Bank of No 8 pit has been thronged throughout this morning by people anxious to obtain tidings of their missing relatives and the drawn down blinds in many houses in Danesmoor and Clay Cross bear silent testimony to the sorrow and suffering which has been caused in so many houses by the most terrible colliery explosion that has yet occurred in this locality. The Parkhouse shaft is also visited by large numbers of persons.

Continuation of the articles that appeared in the Derbyshire Times  dated 8 November 1882 and is reproduced here with the permission of the Editor, Derbyshire Times.

(Press Association Telegrams.)

The Press Association says:—It is now believed thirty-nine lives have been lost in the colliery explosion of yesterday (Tuesday). During the night operations have been almost entirely suspended, but at eleven o'clock today a number of miners volunteered to descend the pit to clear the road and facilitate the removal of bodies, fifteen of which have been recovered. It is impossible to say where the explosion originated.

The cause of the catastrophe at the Clay Cross pit is still a mystery. The number of men unaccounted for is stated at thirty-nine, but up to midnight no bodies have been brought up.

THE PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED, AND THE CLAY CROSS COLLIERY ACCIDENT

Yesterday, as soon as the news was received by telegram in London of the above deplorable accident, the Directors by their Secretary immediately forwarded a cheque for £50 to the Superintendent for this district, Mr S Boden, Stonegravels. There are a number of policies taken out by miners employed by the Clay Cross Company, and Mr Boden was instructed to proceed at once to Clay Cross to assure the suffers that the Prudential Assurance Company would immediately recognise all just claims, and that he was authorised to afford any temporary relief required—for which purpose the £50 was sent.

Transcription from ‘The Times’ newspaper dated Wednesday 8^th November 1882.

COLLIERY EXPLOSION.

            Shortly after 10 o’clock yesterday morning a terrible explosion resulting, it is feared, in the loss of 30 lives, occurred at the Parkhouse Pit, situate near Claycross, Derbyshire, and belonging to the Claycross Coal and Iron Company. The pit, which was opened in 1864, has been free from disasters of the kind up to the present. The scene of the explosion was No. 7 shaft, which is sunk to a depth of 185 yards. Since the opening of this shaft another has been sunk for the convenience of the men at a point near Claycross, the total extent of the whole workings being about 1¾ mile, running north and south. Close to the pit bottom the working “dip” very much. The main workings are situated near No. 7 shaft, the coal being worked, to use a collier’s term “on end.” There are usually in the pit 250 men and boys, 199 being coal getters. Thirty-six horses are also employed in the underground workings. Yesterday was regarded as a play day among the men, and on this account only 90 men descended the shaft at 7 o’clock. According to the arrangements made, most of them were to return at 10 o’clock. Eight men usually ascend or descend in the cage at a time, and at 10 o’clock nearly 40 men returned to the surface. At a quarter past 10 Mr. William Johnson, a clerk employed on the bank at No. 7 shaft, who was sitting in his office at the time, was startled by a tremendous report. A dense volume of smoke issued from the mouth of the shaft, while bricks and wood were shot into the air. Some repairs were being done at the No. 7 shaft under the superintendence of George Dunn, jun., in the absence, through illness, of his father, who is the underground manager. James Elliott, the engineman, was at the engine at the time of the explosion, he had just sent a carpenter, John Barker, to repair a wagon, some distance off. Joseph Stephenson, a banksman, was standing near the pit mouth waiting for the cage to come up, when he was blown into a gullet where wagons are loaded, six yards off and five yards deep. He was very badly injured by the fall, and is now lying in the company’s hospital at Claycross in a critical state. Barker was talking with Stephenson when the explosion occurred, and had both arms broken. Elliott, who was uninjured, says the noise of the explosion resembled that of bursting of a cannon. Much of the glass in the offices and neighbouring buildings was broken, and the wire-ropes and signalling wires round the shaft mouth were all twisted. Mr. Croudace, the certificated manager, promptly arrived at No. 8 pit, where he was joined by Mr. Clare, the general manager, Mr. George Howe, Head engineer, Mr. Dickinson, an underground official, and Mr. Wilkinson, cashier. Communication by No. 7 shaft was, of course, cut off, and arrangements were made for liberating the imprisoned miners by descending from No. 8 pit. Mr. George Dunn, sen., the underground manager, who had been confined to his bed since last Thursday, despite his weakness, descended the shaft with Mr. Croudace. By this time hundreds of people had gathered about the pit, and many pressed forward to render assistance. Among the earliest arrivals were Dr. Chawner and Dr. Pegler, of Claycross, who descended the shaft. Mr Knowles, certificated manager, and Mr. Butler Haigh, certified manager of Alma Colliery, North Wingfield, and others were promptly on the spot. Dr. D’Arcy remained at the shaft’s mouth to look after the injured as they were brought up. Cage after cage descended with volunteer explorers, whose task was difficult and dangerous, as when they returned to the surface they were suffering severely from the effects of after-damp. At this time it was supposed there were 40 or 50 in the pit. George Dunn, who managed during his father’s illness, was among the first to be brought up. He was terribly burnt about the face; his hair, eyebrows, and whiskers were singed off. Joseph Shimwell, who was in the pit when the calamity occurred, found Dunn lying unconscious, and stopped to assist him, till they were met by several of the explorers. Dunn would undoubtedly have perished but for the timely help of Shimwell. Patrick Leville, who was working in the dip till 10 o’clock yesterday morning, states that when he left thee pit he could not carry a naked light, as the current of air was so strong. Leveille, who came up with the last batch, thought there would be no men working where the explosion occurred. He left eight at the bottom of the shaft. One of the first to be brought up after the disaster was Samuel Stoppard, who was suffering from after-damp. About 11 o’clock William Jacques and John Cook were rescued, and found to be very slightly injured. They were working down the “incline,” about half a mile from No. 7 shaft. They saw an unusual light, and Jacques remarked that there must be an explosion of gas somewhere. As they made their way along they found “archings,” bricks, and barrows scattered about. Halfway up the incline they saw John Holmes, better known as “Tarrier,” lying on the ground, apparently lifeless. A little further along they saw Holmes’s companion, Philip Scothern, lying face downwards, and he also appeared to be dead. Aaron Toplis, Joseph Foster, and Joseph Buckland were also rescued during the morning, and were found to be suffering from after-damp. The first exploring party, consisting of Mr. Croudace, Mr. George Dunn, sen., Mr. Joseph Booth, Joseph Foster, and Jedadiah Orme, descended half an hour after the explosion. The ventilation at the time was very bad, and several of the explorers had to be brought up. Mr. George Howe, the head engineer at No. 7 pit, succeeded in getting very near the shaft of this pit in the afternoon, and found that the ventilation was being rapidly restored and no signs of any further explosion. Charles Colley, who escaped from the “Dips,” says that when he came out he heard one of Mr. Dunn’s sons, a lad of 15, crying for help from the cabin close to No 7 put, but he could not render him any assistance. This boy, however, was rescued during the afternoon. His brother Robert was also brought up wrapped in a blanket. He was still alive, though motionless. Another brother, William, with an uncle, remains in the pit. Henry Blakemore, who came up at half-past 3 o’clock, states that he fell over Holmes’s body, and also discovered that of Henry Beeson, both of whom are believed to be dead. About 4 o’clock one of the young men employed by the company, who was near No. 7 shaft, thought he heard someone calling, and climbing over the barricading, listened for some time. At last he heard a faint “Hallo.” He asked, “Are you all right?” and the reply came, “We are all right; we have come from the workings; we want lights.” In the result it was made known that the brothers William Dunn and Robert Dunn had been found. It was not until two hours had elapsed that they could be brought up. Their uncle and the fourth brother, Joseph, still remains in the pit. With the exception of the three brothers Dunn, who are very seriously burnt, the others rescued were chiefly affected by after-damp, and recovered sufficiently to walk home with assistance. When the exploring party was drawn up late last evening there remained below 30 colliers and bricklayers, who, it is feared, have all perished. The following is a list of those known to be in the workings: Colliers.―James Parker, married, Claycross; Joseph Dunn, married, Danesmoor; Henry Beeson, Married, Danesmoor; Philip Scothern, married, Woolleymoor; John Beeson, single, Danesmoor; Richard Dunn, married, Danesmoor; Joseph Stone, married, Danesmoor; Jacob Stone, married, Danesmoor; William Renshaw, married, Danesmoor; William Vickers, single, Danesmoor; George Hewitt, widower, Danesmoor; Thomas Hewitt, single, Danesmoor; George Hewitt, jun., single, Danesmoor; Michael Parkin, married, Danesmoor; John Holmes, married, Claycross; Joseph Mitchell, single, Claycross; Richard Taylor, married, Danesmoor; William Briggs, married, Pilsley; William Martin, boy, Claycross; Tom Goaler, married, Claycross; James Smith, married, Claycross; Tom Chappell, single, Claycross, Elias Bowler, married, Danesmoor; Emmanuel Clarke, married, Danesmoor; Jospeh Frost, single, Higham. Bricklayers.―William Slinn, single, Alton; William Squires, married, Alton; Thomas Berry or Wheeldon, married, Tupton; Brovitt, bricklayer, residence not stated; Barker, a lad, residence not stated. Injured.―Joseph Stephenson, banksman; John Barker, carpenter; George Dunn, collier; William Dunn, collier; Robert Dunn, collier. Naked lights, with Glenny’s patent safety-lamps, were used in the pit.

Transcription from ‘The Times’ newspaper dated Thursday 9^th November 1882.

THE CLAY CROSS COLLIERY EXPLOSION.

It was ascertained yesterday that 44 lives have been lost by the disastrous colliery explosion in the Parkhouse pit, near Claycross. About midnight on Tuesday an exploring party went down the shaft to make a thorough examination of the workings and to bring the bodies to the surface. Owing to the mass of wreckage strewn about the way, it was impossible to get near the banks where the majority of the bodies were believed to be lying, and a gang of men was specially organized to clear the road. In the result they reach No. 7 shaft, where several bodies were found. Others were discovered in the roadway a little further on, making altogether 15 bodies discovered by this exploring party. None of the deceased were seriously burnt, death having been caused by the after-damp. Later in the morning it was ascertained that 23 other bodies were in the pit. The greatest damage has taken place on the north side of the Parkhouse shaft. During the afternoon Mr. Evans, the Government Inspector of Mines for the district, and Mr. Stokes, assistant inspector, arrived from Derby, and made an examination of the pit. Mr. Evans received a telegram from the Home Secretary asking for full particulars of the explosion, and in the course of a few hours he sent a reply. Up to yesterday evening 15 bodies had been brought to the bottom of the shaft ready for removal; and it was expected that the remaining 28 or 29 would be removed during the night. William Dunn, the youth who was brought from the pit on Tuesday evening, died yesterday. Stephenson, who was standing at the pit-bank when the explosion took place and was blown down a gullet, lies in a very precarious state. One of the explorers who went down the shaft of No. 8 at midnight on Tuesday, with a party of ten, says:―
“After descending we proceeded down the incline, and near the old junction came upon the dead bodies of Richard Dunn, Tom Chappell and the boy Beeson. All were very disfigured about the face. From this point we went on until we reached a portion of the pit known as the ‘Three wells Holes,’ a spot which is, perhaps 150 or 200 yards distant from the bottom of No. 7. Here we came upon five more bodies―those of Michael Parkin, the two bricklayers (Slinn and Squires), Joseph Dunn, and Joseph Stone. Some of the men were lying on their backs, others on the side. After staying to arrange the bodies decently, to await the arrival of the men whose duty it was to remove them to the bottom of No. 8 shaft, we went further to the bottom of the shaft at No. 7, where we came upon two more corpses lying close together. We found here an indescribable scene of wreck, and saw that all the gearing was destroyed. Further in the workings we expected to find more bodies, but as our search in this district was unsuccessful, we proceeded to the south side of ‘dips,’ a long distance from No. 8 shaft, and here we discovered four more dead bodies―those of Philip Scothern, John Holmes, Emmanuel Clarke, and the son of the last-named.”
The narrator goes on to say that he was well acquainted with the pit, and never knew any great amount of gas to be found in it. Some of the bodies were fully two miles from No. 8 shaft, and it is improbable that they can be got to the surface until early this morning.
The cause of the catastrophe has not yet been ascertained. The Parkhouse pit has been deemed one of the safest in the district, and several men chose to work in it for this reason. The underground manager, Mr. Dunn, who was one of the first exporers after the expolsion, is still suffering from choke damp, and is compelled to keep his bed. He is very seriously unwell. The following is a complete list of the killed: ― Samuel Barker, Danesmoor, and Edward Barker, his son; John Buckberry, married, Claycross; Charles Bowler, married, Danesmoor; Edward Thomas Birkin, married, Danesmoor; Samuel Birkin, son of the above; Thomas Birkin, married, Claycross; William Briggs, married, Pilsley; Henry Beeson, widower, Danesmoor, and Aaron Beeson and John Beeson, his sons; Thomas Chappell, single, Danesmoor; Emmanuel Clarke. Married Danesmoor, and William Clarke, his son; Joseph Dunn, married, Danesmoor; Richard Dunn, married, Danesmoor, and Willian Dunn, boy, Claycross; James Edwards, married, Danesmoor; Thomas Goaler, married Claycross; John Holmes, married, Claycross; George Hewitt, married, Danesmoor, Joseph Hewitt and Thomas Hewitt, his sons; Joseph Marlow, married, Danesmoor; William Martin, a boy engaged at the pumping engine; George Mitchell, married, Claycross; James Parker, married, Claycross; Michael Parkin, married, Danesmoor; Joseph Phipps, married, Danesmoor; Owen Richard, married, Danesmoor; William Renshaw, married, Danesmoor; William Slinn, married Alton; James Smith, married, Claycross, Philip Scothern, married, Woolleymoor; Joseph Stone (No.2), Danesmoor; Jacob Stone, married, Danesmoor; Joseph Stone, married, Danesmoor; James Simms, married, Danesmoor; John Stanley, married Claycross, William Sheldon, single, Danesmoor; William Squires, single, Claycross; Richard Taylor, married, Claycross, Richard Taylor, married, Danesoor; William Vickers, single, Danesmoor; Thomas Wheeldon, married, Tupton. The inquest will be opened to-day before Mr. Coroner Busby, of Chesterfield.

Transcription from ‘The Times’ newspaper dated 2nd December 1882

THE CLAY CROSS EXPLOSION.

    The inquest on the bodies of the men killed by the colliery explosion at Clay Cross was concluded yesterday. Mr. J. E. Barker, of Sheffield, was present on behalf of the Clay Cross Company, and the Government inspectors of the district were also present. Mr. Busby, the coroner, in summing up, said all the scientific witnesses agreed in their opinion that naked lights might be used in comparative safety in such pits as that where the explosion took place; but the occurrence of this calamity would no doubt tend to the adoption of safety lamps in the pit, and probably in a good many other pits in the neighbourhood. The inquiry had elicited the important fact that even in mines which appeared to be almost entirely free from gas sudden out-bursts might occur and naked lights might fire the gas, and produce the disastrous result which had happened in this colliery. He asked the jury to consider in which part of the mine the explosion originated; whether they believed the explosion to have been the result of accident; whether it was caused by any negligence or carelessness; and whether they believed due precautions were taken to insure the safety of the mine.

    The jury, after more than an hour's retirement, returned a verdict that the 45 men were killed by an explosion which probably originated in the third flat of the Parkhouse pit. They were agreed that there had not been any negligence or carelessness on the part of the Clay Cross Company or the officials. They believed proper precautions were taken for the ventilation of the pit and that the explosion occurred by a sudden influx of gas, for which no one was to blame. They were also of opinion that safety lamps should be used in the deep parts of the mine. They expressed their deep sympathy with the bereaved.

    Mr. Barker, on behalf of the Clay Cross Company, said the verdict of the jury as to the use of safety lamps had been already anticipated by the company.

• A Report to both Houses of Parliament.
• By Arnold Morley M.P.
• November 7th. 1882.

On this date at 10am. An explosion of gas took place resulting in the death of forty five men and boys. The colliery was working the Blackshale seam which was four feet six inches thick with two three inch thick dirt bands with a white sandstone floor with clay and stove. The system of coal getting was the longwall with stalls. Working lights were candles, naked lights were used throughout the mines except where gas was met and then safety lamps were issued. The mine was in an area where most of the collieries worked with candles on account of the comparative rare occurrence of gas and Parkhouse had the reputation of being one of the safest collieries in the district.

The pit was ventilated by a furnace eight and a half feet and monthly checks were carried out on the amount of air flow in areas of the mine and recorded, the furnace was at the foot of the shaft. The working shift was, in summer 6am.-2.45pm, and in winter 7am-3.45pm. Prior to the explosion there had been reports of small explosions at the pit without loss of life or injury. Prior to these explosions there had been an explosion at the companies Number Four Main Tupton colliery culminating in the loss of eight lives.

The barometer had fallen in the morning giving rise to a build up of (firedamp) methane which has gone undetected by either the night shift or day shift deputy. The methane gas was ignited causing an explosion which was so severe it blew the headstocks off. Those who were not killed by the explosion were suffocated by the after damp (A mixture of noxious eases containing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) after the explosion. The furnace was blown out and the ventilation ceased.

It is not known where the exact point of the explosion was but it is suspected that either a rift n the roof at number one flat with a build up of gas in it (methane being lighter than air) ignited by a naked light as it mixed with air. Or layering of gas in number thirty two stall on number three flat followed by a subsequent and smaller explosion in eighty five gate, the latter being the most likely There were twenty six horses in the area of the explosion and the colliery was later entered from Flaxpiece mine nearby to recover the bodies.

The subsequent report on the disaster concluded that there had been no negligence by the Clay Cross company or its officials and in its findings it suggested, more and widespread use of safety lamps, more than one inspection for gas on each shift and better ventilation other than by a furnace.