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The Amble and District Mining Memorial
| Acklington | Broomhill | Hauxley | Longframlington |
| Newburgh | Newton | Radcliffe | Shilbottle |
| Togston | Whittle | Other Collieries |
| BROOMHILL COLLIERY | |
| ALSOP Thomas | 1915 |
| ANDERSON Norman | 1952 |
| BATES Thomas | 1903 |
| BRADFORD Roger | 1871 |
| BROWN William S. | 1946 |
| CLARK James Alfred | 1890 |
| CONNELL John | 1924 |
| DODDS William | 1910 |
| DONALDSON Margaret | 1919 |
| DOUGLAS Alexander S | 1945 |
| EDWARDS Stephen | 1876 |
| ELDER Robert | 1925 |
| FORESTER Alexander | 1931 |
| FORESTER George | 1915 |
| GARDNER George Spink | 1907 |
| GASS Thomas | 1878 |
| GILLON Charles | 1904 |
| GRAHAM Henry Ernest | 1908 |
| GRAY Thomas | 1907 |
| HALL Thomas Walter | 1908 |
| HARBOTTLE George | 1914 |
| HARVEY William | 1933 |
| HOLLAND Joseph | 1898 |
| JOHNSON David | 1911 |
| JORDAN James | 1854 |
| KNOX Joseph W | 1928 |
| LOGAN Richard | 1927 |
| LUKE William | 1936 |
| MABON William | 1884 |
| MARDON William Thos. | 1937 |
| MAY Edward | 1885 |
| MACKENZIE George | 1899 |
| MOODY Thomas | 1935 |
| MOORE John | 1858 |
| MORTON John | 1942 |
| MOSSMAN William | 1937 |
| MURRAY George | 1901 |
| NESBIT William | 1891 |
| NEWTON David | 1925 |
| NICHOL Thos. Dunlop | 1914 |
| PATTON John Bradford | 1916 |
| PIERPOINT Harold F | 1940 |
| PRINGLE James | 1934 |
| PURVIS John | 1874 |
| PURVIS Robert | 1908 |
| REDPATH George | 1928 |
| RICHARDSON James | 1874 |
| ROBERTSON Robert | 1898 |
| ROBINSON Robert | 1905 |
| SELFE Wm. John Hiller | 1906 |
| SEWELL John | 1855 |
| SIMM John | 1858 |
| SIMMS Wm. Robertson | 1872 |
| SIMPSON John George | 1891 |
| SLATER George Robert | 1931 |
| SMAILES Robert Cowell | 1891 |
| SMAILES William | 1915 |
| SMART William James | 1897 |
| SMITH John | 1915 |
| STEWART John George | 1926 |
| STEWART Robert D | 1924 |
| STRUTT George Sidney | 1939 |
| SWANSON James | 1915 |
| SWINNEY Thos. Spowart | 1930 |
| TAIT George | 1897 |
| TATE William | 1894 |
| TAYLOR Edward | 1885 |
| TAYLOR Thomas | 1946 |
| THOMPSON George | 1927 |
| THOMPSON George | 1932 |
| TINKLER John George | 1904 |
| TROBE George | 1946 |
| TULLY Robert | 1891 |
| TURNBULL James | 1928 |
| TURNBULL John | 1905 |
| WAUGH John | 1930 |
| WHITE John Lewis | 1918 |
| WIGHT George | 1927 |
| WILKINSON William | 1928 |
| WILSON Edward | 1902 |
| WILSON John | 1913 |
| WILSON Joseph | 1864 |
| WRIGHT Andrew | 1940 |
| WRIGHT Isaac | 1894 |
| 84 | |
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Thomas Alsop Died 8 November 1915 |
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| Stoneman, aged 67 years, of
Radcliffe. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 10 November “killed at Broomhill Colliery” (Grave Plot 114 J) |
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| At the 1911 census Thomas was living at 9 Newburgh Row, Radcliffe. He was a married man, born in Yorkshire, the father of 10 children. He gave his occupation as a stoneman. Newcastle Journal 10 November 1915: “A serious accident occurred at Broomhill Colliery, resulting in one man being killed and another seriously injured. It appears that while the two men named Thomas Alsop and J. Jobson were working in the pit, a fall of stone broke a large beam in two. The beam fell between the two men, killing Alsop and injuring Jobson. They had just started their work early on Monday morning when the accident occurred. The pit was idle for the remainder of the day.” |
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Thomas Bates Died 17 July 1903 (Accident 15 July) |
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| Shifter, aged 29 years of Amble. Buried East Cemetery, Amble, 20 July (Grave Plot Y 142). |
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| At the 1901 census, Thomas, born in Widdrington, was unmarried. He and his widowed father were lodging with his married sister, Margaret Ann Crosby, at 1 Victoria Street, Amble. He gave his occupation as hewer. Morpeth Herald 25 July 1903: “Mr Charles Percy, Coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquiry at the Station Hotel, Amble, on Saturday last, touching the death of a man called Thomas Bates, who met with an accident at Broomhill Colliery on the 15th inst. Mr Albert, Assistant Inspector of Mines, was present, and Mr Stephenson, under-manager of Broomhill Colliery, represented the Broomhill Collieries Limited. The first witness called was Robert Brown, who said he was a shifter, living at Togston Barns. He knew the deceased, Thomas Bates, who was aged 30 years, and a shifter at Broomhill Colliery. On Wednesday night, the 15th inst., about 11 o’clock, he was working in Broomhill Colliery, in the bottom seam, with the deceased, filling water from the men’s places. They were emptying it outside about 40 yards away, leading it in tubs with ponies. He saw the deceased after he had emptied his tubs. He got on to the limbers. The horse went away before he was ready, and witness thought that deceased slipped his foot on a plate. The tub caught him and knocked him against a prop on the left side, and it injured him badly. He was not insensible. Witness helped him off, and went for assistance, and deceased was removed home. Mr. Albert asked if deceased’s light was burning at the time.-Witness: Yes, his light was burning, but after he was caught he was in darkness. Coroner: Were you the only one there?-Witness: Yes, sir. Coroner: Was there any timber about.-Mr. Stephenson: Yes; there were props standing about a foot off the way. The next witness called was George Bates, who said he was a brother of the deceased, and lived at Radcliffe. He saw the deceased after he received his injuries. He was not subject to fits or faintings. He said he was very bad, but did not say how he came by his injuries. He was badly injured internally. The doctor attended him. He died at nine o’clock on Friday morning, the 17th inst., from his injuries. George Moore said he lived at Togston Terrace, and worked in the Broomhill Colliery. On Wednesday last, about 11 o’clock he was in the pit working. He heard some one shouting for assistance. He ran to where deceased was, and found him lying across the way, the pony was lying in front of him. Props were about a foot off the way. He said he was jammed in the back, and he thought his arm was broken. Witness led him out, he did not say how it happened. He blamed nobody. The tub was empty. The Coroner summed up in accordance with the facts above stated, and the jury found the following verdict:- The said Thomas Bates died at Amble on the 17th day of July 1903, from injuries accidentally received while at work in Broomhill Colliery, on the 15th day of July, 1903.” |
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Died 2 April 1902 |
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| Labourer, aged 62 years of Amble. Buried, East Cemetery, Amble, 5 April. (Grave Plot E95) |
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| At the 1901 census George, born at South Charlton, was living with his wife at 2 Newburgh Street, Amble. He gave his occupation as general labourer. Alnwick and County Gazette, 5 April 1902 “While a man named George Boyd was following his employment as a labourer at Broomhill Colliery on Wednesday, a tub fell upon him, killing him almost instantaneously. His head was badly crushed, and an arm and leg broken. He was 63 years of age, and resided at 1, Newburgh Street, Amble.” |
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Died 22 March 1871 |
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| Driver, aged 13 years of Amble. Buried St Lawrence, Warkworth, 25 March. |
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The youngest child of William, a shoemaker of Amble, and Jane. At the 1871 census, the family are living at Greenfield Terrace. Alnwick Mercury, 8 April 1871: “On Friday afternoon, the 31st ult., an adjourned inquest was held at the Queen’s Head Inn, Amble, in the parish of Warkworth, before John J. Hardy, Esq., coroner for North Northumberland, on the body of Roger Bradford, a boy employed as a coal driver at Broomhill Colliery, who was killed there under the circumstances which we briefly mentioned last week. G. W. Southern, Esq., Government Inspector of Mines, was present at the inquest. William Bradford, father of the deceased said:-On the 22nd of this month, the deceased, my son, was brought home injured by an accident in the pit, having been caught by a set of tubs; his back broken and both legs injured. He never spoke after he came into the house. Medical assistance he had, but he died about three hours after he was brought home. I blame nobody and think it was purely accidental. William Lamb Armstrong being sworn, said:-I am a viewer at Broomhill Colliery, and the workings are under my control. The plan I produce is a correct one of the workings between the second West and third East Flat. The distance from the second west to the stables will be about 150 yards to the north. The sets are worked by an engine standing at the bank; and 40 tubs form a set. When the set starts to go to the bottom of the shaft, it is an incline of an inch to the yard. No one goes with the set; it can be controlled on any part of the plane by telegraph or rapper, exceeding about 500 yards, which is 700 yards from where the accident occurred. My owners are most anxious to have the colliery carried on and worked in safety, regardless of expense. I went down on the 22nd and noticed what had occurred. At the first east way and at the crossing, the body was found, about five or six yards from the telegraph cabin. From there it will be about 70 yards to the stable where deceased kept his pony. The instructions to the telegraph lad (John Logan) are that after a set is started he shall not allow a man or lad to pass. I believe he acts on his instructions. Deceased had 4 feet of way clear when he was struck. I don’t think a light would be of any use on the set, because it might go out, although a light is about to be tried. By the Inspector:-There are no special rules-no written rules-only verbal instructions. A lad is stationed at the second west flat and he is instructed not to let any one pass without his permission. On the 22nd inst. a bar was laid about mid-height to prevent boys and ponies going out-bye. Thomas Hutchinson said:-I am bank overman at Broomhill Colliery. On the 22nd inst. I was at the telegraph cabin, at 3.20 p.m., when the set went in-by empty; and I remained there till it came out again-about 3 minutes. I was standing at the telegraph door , when the set had started about a minute, to come out-bye, when Rigsby, a deputy overman, came out from the first east flat and he crossed the way, and he had scarcely spoken when I standing with my face towards the second west way thought I saw a pony coming out-bye. I immediately called to the lad in the telegraph cabin to hold, at the same time going myself, and when I had signalled I went to see who it was. Rigsby shouted out that a lad was struck with the set; and as soon as it was stopped I went and looked for the deceased. The pony was in the first east way, clear of the set line. The engine was stopped immediately the word “Hold!” was given. I have charge of Purves, the second west station flat lad, and my instructions are that nothing shall come out bye on the line while the set is in motion. I think the lad is attentive to his duties. By Mr Southern-I had been in the cabin about 10 minutes before the accident occurred. I had not seen Purves for two hours before the accident. James Rigsby said:-I am deputy overman at Broomhill Colliery. On the 22nd inst. I crossed the way to speak to Thomas Hutchinson, and almost immediately afterwards he signalled “Hold!” and the set was stopped immediately. I went along the way and as soon as the set passed I went in search of deceased and found him under the eleventh tub of the set, lying on his back. I picked him up; he said “I am broke through the middle”, and he was conveyed home with all speed. By Mr Southern:-I prevent them going on the way as far as my district goes; and then the lad stationed in the telegraph cabin prevents them going on the main way. Every precaution is used to prevent accidents. George Purves being sworn, said:-I was stationed on the 22nd inst at the second west flat and I was at the way end when deceased came out; and he asked me where the set was. I said “I could not tell him”. The set was standing at the time. I told him he had time to go to the telegraph cabin and ask the lad where “she” was, and not to go further. It is about eighty yards from my cabin to the telegraph cabin. He was leading the pony, which was quiet, and he had a light. When the set started I looked, but could neither see nor hear him. If the set had been in motion I would have stopped the deceased, but I thought he was quite safe in going to the telegraph cabin. The night before the accident occurred a lad named David Manson refused to be stopped by me and went on the way in spite of me. The jury found a verdict of “Died from injuries accidentally received.”” |
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William Scott Brown Died 18 January 1946 (accident 28 November 1945) |
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| Chargeman, aged 61 years, of 8
School Row, North Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 21 January. (Grave Plot B 305) |
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James Alfred Clark Died 29 September 1890 |
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| Trapper, aged 12 years, of 5 North
Street, Amble. Buried at East Cemetery, Amble, 1 October. (Grave Plot R80) |
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Son of James, a mariner, and Mary. Morpeth Herald, 4 October 1890 “On Monday last a fatal accident occurred at Broomhill Colliery. A boy named Clarke whose parents reside at Amble went down the pit for the first time, and while in the act of removing a tub which was standing on an incline, was overpowered by the weight of the tub which passed over his body, killing him almost on the spot. An inquest was held on Wednesday, when a verdict of accidental death was returned.” |
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John Connell Died 25 February 1924 |
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| Driver, aged 14 years, of 13 Linhope
Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 28 February. (Grave Plot C 252) |
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Son of John, a hewer, and Isabella. Younger brother, Joseph, was killed at Shilbottle Colliery in 1939. Morpeth Herald, 26 June 1942 “In loving memory of our dear sons, John, killed at Broomhill Colliery, February 25th, 1924, aged 15 years. Joseph, killed at Shilbottle Colliery, June 24th, 1939, aged 28 years. Deep in our hearts their memory will remain. – (Will ever be remembered by their loving father, mother, brothers, sisters, brother-in-law, and niece). “Death divides, but memory clings for ever.” 25 North View, Cambois.” |
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William Dodds Died 20 May 1910 (accident 12 May 1910) |
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| Shifter, aged 62 years, of Gloster
Hill. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 22 May. (Grave Plot 397 B) |
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At the 1901 census, William, a widower, born at Kelso, is living with his elderly parents and two daughters in High Street, Amble. Alnwick and County Gazette, 28 May 1910 “Mr. Charles Percy, coroner, held an inquest at the Court House, Amble touching the death of William Dodds, 62, of Gloster Hill Cottages, Amble. A sister of the deceased, Isabella Clark, said Dodds was a shifter working at Broomhill Colliery. On the 12th inst. the deceased hurt his thumb while at work, and he had been unable to follow his employment. He died on the 20th inst. Dr. Stumbles said in his opinion the deceased died from general blood poisoning. The death was evidently caused by the injury to the thumb. Joseph Johnston, chargeman at Broomhill Colliery, said on the 12th inst., the deceased came to him whilst at work, and said he had lamed his thumb whilst wedging the bottom clay. He said the wedge flew out and a jagged piece on the wedge had caught him on the thumb. The jury returned a verdict of death from blood poisoning as the result of an injury accidentally received to his thumb while working at Broomhill Colliery.” |
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Margaret Donaldson Died December 1919 (accident 24 December 1919) |
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| Aged 44 years, of Percy Street,
Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 1 January 1920, died at Royal Infirmary, (Grave Plot 37 I) |
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At the 1911 census, Margaret, is living with her husband, Robert, a coal miner, and their 5 children, in 35 High Street, Amble. Evening Telegraph, 2 January 1920 “Another case of a fatal walk on the railway line was investigated by the Newcastle Coroner at an inquest held on Margaret Donaldson, aged 44, of Percy Street, Amble, who died from injuries received on December 24. John Appleby, engine-driver in the employ of the Broomhill Collieries Company, Limited, stated that he was engaged in running trucks from the North-Eastern Railway to the staithes. About 100 yards from Percy Street there is a curve on the line near the switch to turn on to the staithes. He was pushing eight waggons in front of the engine, and the first he knew of the accident was a shout from the fireman, who was at the switch. Witness could not see the woman. William Clark, the fireman, said he shouted to warn the woman, who nodded. He turned to move the points, and after four waggons had passed he saw the woman had been run over. It was quite possible the woman misjudged the line on which the waggons were coming. Had she stayed where he saw her stop she would have been safe. A verdict was returned “that Mrs Donaldson died from injuries accidentally received while trespassing.”” |
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Alexander Scott Douglas Died 17 August 1945 |
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| Screener, aged 16 years, of 75
Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 20 August. (Grave Plot AA 047) |
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Died 13 June 1876 |
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| Hewer, aged 80 years, of Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington 16 June “killed at Broomhill”. |
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At the 1871 census, Stephen is married, living at Broomhill Colliery. William Weightman, who identified the body, was his son in law. Alnwick Mercury, 17 June 1876 “On Thursday last, an inquest was held at Broomhill, before T.D. Smith Esq., coroner for North Northumberland, on the body of Stephen Edwards who was accidentally killed as detailed in the subjoined depositions. William Weightman of Broomhill, coal-miner, said: The body which the jury has just viewed is that of Stephen Edwards, a miner, aged about 80 years. I saw him brought home dead on Tuesday morning about eleven o’clock. He was very much crushed about the thighs and lower part of the bowels.-William Matthewson, hewer, said:-I was at work down the pit here on Tuesday morning in one of the straight flats in the farthest off landing. We were clearing out and close at the shaft. I saw the deceased: he was behind. We went into a man-hole to let the “set” pass. We did not see her but knew where she was coming from. He (deceased) had passed the empty. When we were standing in the man-hole, I saw something,-I could not tell what, I called to him, “hoy!” He turned and looked at me, never spoke but wheeled and went on. He put his hand on the empty, and his foot over the rope, I shouted, “come back”, as he was going on in front of the full set. The rope then came gradually up his legs and “couped” him in afore the “full”. After it had passed, I went up to him and found him quite dead, very much crushed and injured. Robert Bell and George Brown were with me at the time. We conveyed him to the shaft, and he was brought to bank. Edwards was alone. He was an active man. There was room for him in the hole where we were. There is plenty of accommodation, and man-holes; some of them will hold 20 men.-Robert Bell, being sworn, said, I was at work in the pit here on Tuesday morning, and when we were clearing out I went into a man-hole with William Matthewson and George Brown. I saw the deceased pass. I put my hand out to take hold of him, and shouted, but he went on about four or five yards, and he looked at us and went away again. He put his foot over the rope. The rope caught him by the leg and he was “couped” over in front of the set. After the set had passed we went and found him dead. I think there is plenty of manhole accommodation. He was an active cautious man, and I never saw him do such a thing before. Verdict, “Accidentally killed”.-Mr Willis, H.M. Inspector of Mines, was present at the Inquest.” |
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Robert Elder Died 10 March 1925 |
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| Screener, aged 62 years of 81
Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 14 March. (Grave Plot D 305) |
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At the 1911 census, Robert is a hewer, born in Newcastle and living at Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift, with his wife, Elizabeth (post mistress) and their 5 children. |
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Died 2 June 1931 (accident 23 May 1931) |
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| Gangworker, aged 45 years, born at Bamburgh. | |
| Alexander is the brother of George, killed at Broomhill in 1915. He is married with 3 children. |
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George Forester Died 19 April 1915 |
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| Coal cutter, aged 27 years, of 84
Simonside Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 23 April. (Grave Plot E 128) |
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| At the 1911 census, George, born in Chillingham, is lodging with the Brown family at Simonside Terrace, Chevington Drift. Alexander (see above), his brother, is in the same household. |
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George Spink Gardner Died 8 December 1907 (accident 7 December 1907) |
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| Hewer, aged 25 years, of Leazes
Street, Amble. He had recently married. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 10 December (Grave Plot 42 J) |
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At the 1901 census, George, born at Amble, is a bachelor, living with his parents, George, a miner, and Ann, at South Broomhill. Morpeth Herald, 14 December 1907 “Mr Charles Percy on Monday held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of a man named George Spinks Gardner, who was injured at Broomhill Colliery, from which he succumbed on the following day. Mr Nicholson, H. M. Inspector of Mines, was present, and also Mr John Flint, manager of the Broomhill Collieries. Mr Jos. English, (President of the Northumberland Miners’ Association), was also present. John Henry Gardner, a miner, Amble, deposed that he was a cousin of the deceased. The deceased was 25 years of age, and worked at Broomhill Colliery. James Hunter, miner, Amble, deposed that he was a “cross-marrow” with the deceased. On Saturday, the 7th inst., he went to work at 2 a.m. The deceased was not working very far from witness in the Queen’s Seam. Deceased went down the pit at the same time as witness, and was working about three yards away. About 6.30 a.m. the deceased’s putter came in to witness and shouted for assistance. Witness went to deceased and found him under a large stone which had fallen from the roof. He was almost covered up. He could not move the stone, and he sent for assistance, which came, and they got deceased out. They thought he was dead at first, but they got him home alive. He died on the following day, Sunday, from his injuries. He did not examine the roof very much. Witness was in half an hour before and thought then it was all right. There was plenty of timber lying about. The roof seemed to be properly timbered.-Inspector Nicholson: Did you see the deputy before you went out?- Witness: Yes.- Did he say anything about the place?-He said it was all right. –Replying to further questions by the Inspector, witness said deceased was drilling a hole when he was in about an hour before. The putter was about an hour in coming to him. Andrew Nesbit, deputy, living at Broomhill Colliery, said he had charge of the place where the deceased was working. He examined the place at 2 o’clock, before the accident, just about the time when deceased was coming down the pit. He examined the roof and jowled it with a stick. He thought it was sufficient. On a second examination he jowled the roof with an axe; this examination was at no particular time. It was all right. He did not get back the second time before the accident. He was called to the accident at 6.15. He found deceased under a stone. They got deceased out and found that he was much injured. He had not examined the roof since. – The Coroner: When you got out of the shaft, what did you do then? – Witness: I went home. – Inspector Nicholson: When you examined the place before the deceased was in at two o’clock, what timber was there? – Witness: There were two props set. – Whereabouts? – In the left side of the place. – How far back from the place? – The farthest in prop was in from the coal. – Asked by the Coroner if he could jowl as well with a stick as with an axe he replied in the negative. – Coroner: You will agree that jowling is a safety means of preventing accidents? – Witness: Yes sir. – Mr English: Do you think that it is just as easy to carry an axe as a stick? – Witness: No, sir, I don’t think so; the axe is more weight to carry. John Flint, the manager of the colliery, stated that he examined the roof on Sunday morning, the 8th inst., about 10 a.m. He found the roof in perfect condition up to the line of the slip, where the stone had come away on deceased. Witness found a slip, and the ramble, in his opinion, was flush with the slip. The extent of the slip would be about 9 ft. by 3ft. He found a prop lying on the floor. Witness was not of the opinion of the last witness, Nesbit, that one could jowl better with an axe than with a stick. In the hands of a practical man a dangerous roof was very easily recognised by jowling with a stick, and as easily recognised. The deputies were expected to inspect with their lamps. – Mr Nicholson: What about this jowling? Is a stick as good as an axe? – Witness: It is all right in a man’s hand. – Coroner: Then you think you can jowl with a stick as well as with an axe? – Witness: I think so. – In answer to Mr English, witness said a practical man could tell whether the roof was safe or not by looking at it. Joseph Hakin, a putter, said he was putting to the deceased. All went well up to about 6 a.m. The deceased was preparing for a shot on the right side. Deceased was all right when witness left him to bring in an empty tub, and when he came back the deceased was under the stone. He gave an alarm at once. The timber was all right. One prop was set well into the face. The workmen’s report, signed by John Young and Isaiah Gilliard, was to the effect that they certified to having examined the place where Gardner had worked and they had found a sufficient quantity of timber, and the conclusion they had come to was that the accident was an accident pure and simple. The jury found that deceased had died from injuries received through a fall of stone whilst working in Broomhill Colliery on Saturday, the 7th inst.” Morpeth Herald, 14 December 1907 “GARDNER: At Amble, on 8th inst., from injuries accidentally received at Broomhill Colliery, aged 25 years, George Spink, beloved husband of Ann Isobel, and son of the late George and Ann, Broomhill.” |
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Thomas Gass Died 16 October 1878 |
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| Locomotive Engine Driver, aged 46. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 24 October. |
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At the 1871 census, Thomas, born in Cumberland, is married with 4 children and living at Broomhill Colliery. Alnwick Mercury, 26 October 1878 “An inquest was held on Friday, the 18th inst., at Broomhill, in the parish of Warkworth, before Geo. E. Watson, Esq., coroner, on the body of Thomas Gass, engineman, aged 46 years, who drove a locomotive on the Amble branch of the North-Eastern Railway. John Pattison, miner, Broomhill, said: About twenty minutes to five on the afternoon of Wednesday last, I was sitting on some log ends, about forty yards from the engine on which the deceased was. My attention was drawn to the engine by its catching some chaldron ends. He had passed the chaldrons about three yards when I saw the deceased fall off the engine across the outside plate. Joseph Tuck was with me. As soon as we saw him fall we ran up to him. When I had got to about fifteen yards from him I saw him give a turn over and fall upon the line in front of the chaldrons. The engine in passing had set the chaldrons running, and they ran up against his body. When I got up to him he was lying upon his back and the chaldrons against his side. I took him up and placed him clear of the line. He was unconscious when I first took him up. After he came to himself, he said “Lay me on my side”. This was all he said until he got home. When he got home he said they were not to put themselves about, as he was not so bad as they thought. I noticed a severe bruise on the right temple and the forefinger on the left hand was sore cut. I have known deceased for some years. He was always a steady man. The stoker was not on the engine; he was, I think, attending to the points. Joseph Tuck, miner, corroborated the evidence of the last witness. Robert Tait, putter at Broomhill Colliery, said: About twenty minutes to five on Wednesday afternoon, I was on the line coming from Amble to Broomhill. I saw the deceased fall from the engine. Before he fell I saw him catch his arm upon a chaldron; he swung round and fell. When he fell, I heard him shout, “Stop her, stop her.” I jumped on to the engine and stopped her. Verdict, “Accidentally killed.”” |
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Died 9 June 1904 |
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| Hewer, aged 33 years, of South
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 11 June. “Certified under the Burials Act by Wm. Gillon of South Broomhill”. |
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On the 1901 census he is unmarried, born in Bedlington, living with his parents. Morpeth Herald, 18 June 1904 “On Thursday, June 9th, a man named Charles Gillon, 33 years of age, a miner working at Broomhill Colliery, lost his life by a mass of coal falling upon him. On Saturday last Mr Chas. Percy, coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquiry into the circumstances concerning his death. Mr A.D. Nicholson, Inspector of Mines, was present, and Mr F. Flint, manager for the Broomhill Collieries Limited. Wm. Gillon was the first witness called, and said he was a miner living at Cowpen Row, Blyth. The deceased was his brother, and his name was Charles Gillon, a miner, working at Broomhill Colliery. He was 33 years of age and lived at South Broomhill Colliery. Daniel Mackenzie said he was a miner at Broomhill Colliery. On Thursday, 9th inst., he was working at about a quarter to two o’clock in the afternoon. He was near the deceased. He was working in No. 4 landing. Witness had fired a shot, and came out of his place before the shot went off, and went too near where deceased was working for refuge to clear the shot. He was about ten yards from the deceased then. Deceased had been “kirving”. They spoke to each other, and was then all right. A putter named Gilmore afterwards came in to witness’s place. He (witness) filled the tub, and Gilmore took it away and went back to Gillon’s place to get clear of the smoke. Gillon was in his own place. His candle was burning, and when witness went back to him he found deceased below a quantity of coal. There was coal on his shoulders, head, and one leg. Witness tried to remove the coal, but could not, and went for immediate assistance and got the coal off him. He had been working at the fall. The coal had fallen from a “jack”, and was about 4 ½ ft. long by 4 ft. wide. There was plenty of timber, and the roof was well timbered. The height of the seam was 4ft. 5in. The nearest piece of timber was about 30 inches from the face. The coal fell away between two pieces of timber. The next piece of timber was about 2 ½ or 3 yards off. It could not be avoided. The Inspector: How long before the accident had you been close to the deceased? Witness: About two minutes. The Inspector: You say you were about ten yards off. Could you see what he was doing? Witness: The last time I saw him he was “kirving”. By the Inspector: The deceased had fired two shots about 20 minutes before the accident. The Inspector: Do you think the deceased should have put some temporary timber in? Witness: I would have done the same as he did. The Inspector: Could he not have worked safer from the cross-cut? Witness: He might have worked from the cross-cut with more safety. The Inspector: You heard no coal fall? Witness: No, I never heard anything. By the Inspector: There was plenty of timber. John Thos. Fenwick Gilmore said he was a putter at Broomhill Colliery, and was working on the 9th inst. about 1.45 in the afternoon near the deceased. He went out with the tub, and when he came back the last witness (Mackenzie) told him of the accident. He found deceased under the coal. When witness last saw him he thought he was “kirving”. There was plenty timber about. Robert George Hudson said he was a deputy in charge of part of the work where deceased was killed. He last inspected the place some time between 12.30 and 12.45 p.m. on the 9th. He saw deceased, who was preparing to fill a tub, and witness waited until he had done so, and proceeded to put a pair of gears close against the face of the coal for safety. It would have been more safe to have worked the coal that fell on the deceased from the cross-cut. He did not think of that at the time. The pair of gears were about 4 ft. off when it fell. Mr W. Bell (representing the workmen) said he had inspected the place on behalf of the workmen, and had come to the conclusion that it was a pure accident. He thought if it had been worked from the cross-cut it would have been more dangerous than it was. The verdict arrived at was as follows:-“That the deceased was accidentally killed while working at Broomhill Colliery on the 9th day of June, 1904.”” |
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Henry Ernest Graham Died 1 June 1908 |
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| Trapper, aged 14 years. | |
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At the 1901 census, Henry, born in Newcastle, is one of 5 children, living with his parents, George, a ploughman, and Elizabeth, at Waterside House Farm, Alnmouth. In 1911, the family are living at Simonside Terrace, Chevington Drift and father George is a coal miner. |
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Thomas Gray Died 11 August 1907 (accident 24 July 1907) |
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| Hewer, aged 55 years, of Red Row. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 14 August “removed from Chevington.” (Grave Plot 48 J) |
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| At the 1901 census, Thomas is a widower, born in Radcliffe, living at Swarland Terrace, Red Row, with two young sons. |
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Thomas Walter Hall Died 17 December 1908 |
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| Screener, aged 35 years of Dial
Place, Warkworth. Buried St Lawrence, Warkworth, 20 December. |
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On the 1901 census he is unmarried, born in Bedlington and living with his aunt, a boarding house keeper. Morpeth Herald, 26 December 1908 “Dr. Clark Burman, deputy coroner, held an inquest at the Co-operative Hall, Broomhill, on Saturday on the body of Thomas Walter Hall, a labourer, who resided at Warkworth and worked at Broomhill Colliery. There were present Mr J. B. Atkinson, Inspector of Mines, and Mr W. Stephenson, under manager for the Broomhill Collieries Limited. The first witness was John William Ogle, a labourer, living at Dial Place, Warkworth. He identified the body of the deceased as that of Thomas Walter Hall, a labourer, aged 35 years, residing at Dial Place, Warkworth. Ralph Strong Joycey, a heap keeper at Broomhill Colliery, and living at No.1, School Row, North Broomhill, said the duties of the deceased were to mind the small waggons at the pit bank, he levelled them down, put them in, and set them out. So far as witness was aware his duties did not require him to go to the place where the accident occurred. If he had been at the proper side of the waggon he was levelling the accident would not have happened. He (witness) was called after the accident, and he found deceased lying on the rail side having been crushed by the buffers of some empty trucks which were being moved to the screen. He then sent for the Doctor. The deceased never spoke, he just breathed two or three times very heavily. He died about ten minutes after. He had worked at the colliery over eight years. By the Inspector: He would be quite aware that the waggons had to be moved down. Inspector: Where did he keep his bait? Would he have any errand?-Witness: I cannot give any reasons why he was there. The buffers were of the same kind on both waggons. By the Coroner: The waggons were being brought in by a man, not a locomotive. Inspector: The belts were running at the time?-Witness: Yes. Inspector: There would be a good deal of noise?-Witness: Yes. The Foreman (Mr Scott): How far was the truck from where he was supposed to Work.-Witness: About six feet. Mr Lillico: Is it not possible for him to have gone across there for anything?-Witness: He had gear beside him where he was. Abraham Dixon, a trimmer, living at Chevington Brick Row, said he saw the accident. When he (witness) was coming down the ladder deceased was just going to step over the line. He got one foot over and he turned back again between two empty trucks. The trucks were standing still at the time. He turned to come back and just as he did so the trucks caught him. There would be about two feet between the two buffers. He was crushed on the chest. He (witness) ran to knock the chocks out to release him. Deceased never spoke. Inspector: Can you tell us what reason he would have to go through between the waggons?-Witness: No, sir. The Foreman: How far were you from the man when it happened?-Witness: About ten yards. Coroner: Did you see the trucks move?-Witness: No, I did not see them move. The Foreman: Did you say anything to him?-Witness: No. Mr Robson: Would he have any reason to step back to see how full the waggon was?-Witness: I could not say. Mr Young: What distance is the bait house away?-Witness: Right away from the heap altogether. Coroner: What time did it happen?-Witness: About ten minutes to two. The Coroner, in summing up, said they had heard the evidence, and they would be able to satisfy themselves that the deceased met his death by being crushed between two waggons. The reason why he was there they could not discover. But they had had evidence that there was no necessity for him to be there. The fact that he was there at that particular time did not reflect in any way upon the officials. He did not think they would have any difficulty in coming to the conclusion that he died from injuries accidentally received. A verdict of accidental death was returned.” |
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George Harbottle Died 14 January 1914 (accident 20 November 1913) |
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| Colliery labourer, aged 53 years, of
Church Street, Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 17 January. (Grave Plot 156 D) |
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| At the 1911 census, George is living with his wife at 27 Church Street, Amble. He is a colliery labourer, above ground. Morpeth Herald, 23 January 1914 “Mr Hugh J. Percy, deputy-coroner, on Saturday held an inquiry into the circumstances touching the death of a man named George Harbottle, a miner, aged 33 (sic) years, of Church Street, Amble. Isabella Harbottle identified the body as that of her husband, and stated that he was brought home on the 20th of November last in an injured condition, having been crushed between a waggon and a pillar when following his employment as a spragger at the Broomhill Collieries. John Jurvis, screener, 34 Middleton Street, Amble, said that on November 20 he was working near the deceased at Broomhill Colliery, and assisted to remove him away. He appeared to have been crushed between a waggon and a pillar. Witness further stated that he did not see deceased knocked down. William Beardmore, of Railway Row, Broomhill, stated that he came forward as the waggon carried him out. He was employed as a spragger (or checker) and the impact of the waggon carried him against the pillar. Andrew Hay, of Chevington Drift, stated he was bringing a waggon down, and shouted to deceased. He seemed to be turned round by the waggon and sent against the pillar. Dr J. A. Loughridge, of Amble, stated that he had attended deceased since the date of the accident. In his opinion, the cause of death was heart failure, the indirect result of the injuries. The verdict was that the deceased, George Harbottle, died at 27, Church Street, Amble, on the 14th day of January, 1914, from heart failure, consequent on obstruction by fluids, the indirect cause of which was injuries accidentally sustained by him at Broomhill Colliery on November 20th 1913, by being crushed by a waggon. The Broomhill Collieries was represented at the inquest by Mr Alan M. Morrison, manager, and Mr W. Stephenson, under-manager. There were no representatives from the miners’ union present, and in reply to the coroner, Mr Morrison said there was no report from them.” |
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William Harvey Died 17 May 1933 |
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| Loco Fireman, aged 41 years, of 101
Cross Row, South Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 20 May. (Grave Plot D 203) |
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| Alnwick and County Gazette, 20 May 1933 “William Harvey, of South Broomhill, died at Amble, on Wednesday afternoon at 2.30 p.m., a few minutes after receiving severe injuries when he fell in front of an engine at Amble Harbour. Harvey was following his employment as an engine fireman, and was engaged in shunting coal on to No. 4 Staiths at the Harbour. While running alongside a set of ten 10–ton waggons, he tripped over a sleeper and fell on to the railway in front of the engine. The engine was pulled up immediately, but the wheels had passed over Harvey’s right leg, practically severing it. He was taken into the waiting room at the L.N.E.R. station at Amble, where he was attended by Dr. Loughridge, of Amble, but Harvey died within a few minutes. The inquest takes place at Amble this (Friday) afternoon. Mr. H. J. Percy, Coroner for North Northumberland, held the inquest this (Friday) afternoon in Amble Police Station. Evidence of identification was given by George Bell Harvey, 101 Cross Row South, Broomhill, who said his father had been employed as a shunter with the Broomhill Colliery Company for fifteen years. John Thomas Huntley, the driver of the locomotive, said that at the time of the accident his locomotive was pushing ten waggons on to the staiths at Amble. Deceased was his fireman and shunter, and witness last saw him walking alongside the waggons towards the staiths. He was only about four or five yards from the end of his journey when he saw some men waving for him to stop. He did so, and, when he got out, he found the deceased underneath one of the waggons. William Jefferson, foreman on the staiths, said he saw Harvey walking at a fast rate alongside the waggon. He turned to brake the first waggon, and when he turned Harvey was underneath one of the waggons. He was of the opinion that deceased must have attempted to brake one of the waggons, tripped, and fallen underneath. A verdict of accidental death was returned.” |
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Joseph Holland Died 11 May 1898 |
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| Wasteman, aged 67 years, of 64
Church Street, Amble. Buried East Cemetery, Amble on 14 May. (Grave Plot T11) |
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| At the 1891 census he is a single man, living with his brother and sister. Morpeth Herald, 14 May 1898 “On Wednesday an elderly man named Jos. Holland, employed as a wasteman at Broomhill, met with a serious accident whilst making his way to the shaft. A “set” was being brought to the shaft bottom, and overtaking Holland, dashed him to the ground, crushing him in a terrible manner. Little hope is entertained for his recovery.” Morpeth Herald, 21 May 1898 “On Saturday, 14th inst., Dr. Burman, Deputy Coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquest at the Station Hotel, Amble, touching the death of Joseph Holland, who was killed at Broomhill colliery on the previous Wednesday. Mr, John Flint represented the coal company, and Mr G. F. Bell, H.M. Inspector of Mines, watched the proceedings.-James Holland, miner, said the deceased was his uncle, and lived at 64 Church Street, Amble. He was 67 years of age, and died at 4 p.m. on the previous Wednesday from injuries received.-Edwd. Lyall, a wasteman at Broomhill Colliery, said deceased worked with him, and on Wednesday forenoon, at 10.25, accompanied by three other men, were coming from their work towards the bottom of the pit shaft on the engine plane. After having travelled about five minutes towards the shaft the whole of them made for a refuge hole, because a set of tubs, running out bye, was about to pass them. Four of them got in, when he saw the deceased carried past them, entangled in the set of tubs. They afterwards found the deceased about seven or eight yards off, where the tubs had thrown him near a manhole. He did not speak. Witness saw his hand was badly injured, also his head. He was bleeding, and they carried him into the manhole and paid every attention to him until they got a train to take him out. At the pit shaft he was met by the doctor. He could offer no explanation why the deceased did not get into the manhole until the set passed. There is a distance to allow a man to pass between the engine plane and the wall. Deceased was quite able to hear the set coming.-John Flint, manager for the Broomhill Coal Company, produced a plan of the engine plane at the place where the accident occurred. This was, he said, the proper way for the men to return from work. The road was in good order and sufficiently supplied with refuge holes.-The jury returned a verdict that death was due to injuries accidentally received at Broomhill Colliery.” |
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David Johnson Died 29 September 1911 |
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| Driver, aged 14 years. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington. |
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| Son of Andrew and Ann and a member of the Chevington church choir. Alnwick and County Gazette, 7 October 1911 “I feel my first words must be words of sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, of Chevington Drift, who lost a son through a fatal accident in the south side of the pit at 2 p.m., on Friday Sept. 29th and I am certain the sympathy of the whole neighbourhood is also with them, in their hour of affliction. How the accident actually happened is somewhat shrouded in mystery, yet the evidence at the inquest which was held on the following day (Saturday last) was to the effect that he had met his death through being crushed between the side of the engine-plane, and the Linkhouse full set. He appears to have been trailed about twenty yards, and the little fellow only lived about three-quarters of an hour after the accident took place. On Sunday last the funeral took place in Chevington Churchyard, and it was attended by a large number of friends. Broomhill and Chevington Drift Colliery Band marched in front of the hearse and played the “Dead March” in Saul. The Rev. J. I. Hilbert-Smith conducted the funeral service.” |
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James Jordan Died 4 August 1854 |
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| Labourer, aged 54 years, of
Chevington. Buried St Lawrence, Warkworth 6 August. |
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| On the 1851 census he is a bachelor, born in Flotterton and working as a husbandman. He is living at East Chevington with his married brother and his family. Newcastle Courant, 11 August 1854 “On Saturday, an inquest was held at the Broomhill Colliery Office, before Mr Hardy, coroner, on the body of James Jourdan, labourer, aged 54 years. From the evidence, it appeared that the deceased was a person of weak intellect, had recently been in the Union Workhouse, and since his discharge had maintained himself by begging. At seven o’clock on the morning preceding one of the workmen found him lying on the coals in the furnace-house of the colliery, where he had been all night. The man spoke to him in passing and left him to attend his own duty. On his return, about twenty minutes afterwards, deceased was absent, and as there were no means of his leaving the place without being observed, a suspicion arose that he had thrown himself down the air shaft of the pit, a depth of 30 fathoms. On descending in search, his body was found dreadfully mangled, and life quite extinct. Verdict-That deceased had thrown himself down the pit while in an unsound state of mind.” |
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Died 8 October 1928 |
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| Horsekeeper, aged 56 years, of 25
Stone Row, Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 10 October. (Grave Plot F 087) |
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At the 1911 census, Joseph, a horsekeeper, born Chevington parish, is a bachelor, living with his widowed mother, Mary, and his four siblings, in Stone Row, North Broomhill. Alnwick and County Gazette, 20 October 1928 “The value of coroners’ inquests in penetrating the true causes of death and a mystery presented for solution were features of an adjourned inquiry held on Friday last week at Broomhill touching the body of Joseph William (sic) Knox, aged 56, a horsekeeper employed by the Broomhill Collieries, Ltd., who was found dead on the colliery premises. For a considerable time nobody could tell how Joseph Knox came by his death. Mr. Hugh J. Percy was the Coroner and a jury sat with him. The Inspector of Mines, Alderman Hogg (representing the Northumberland Miners’ Federation), and Mr. Scott (representing the Broomhill Collieries, Ltd.) were present. The Coroner in opening the inquiry observed that there had been some criticism recently in uninformed quarters questioning the utility of inquests by coroners’ juries, and said that if ever there was a case which brought vividly to light the essential utility of such inquiries, this was one. From the facts before him it appeared that on the morning of the 8th October at 5 o’clock the deceased man had come to bank, left his lamp at the lamp-cabin and came away apparently perfectly well and cheerful with a parting “Good morning” to his mates. Some quarter of an hour afterwards he was found dead near the power-house with no marks of external violence on the body. At first sight it appeared – and he thought even the doctor was of the opinion – that the cause of death was natural, probably heart failure. When the case was reported to him, continued Mr. Percy, and he had ascertained that there had been no history of heart trouble or the like, he thought he had better err on the safe side, so he ordered a post mortem examination. The result was a vivid instance of the importance of taking nothing for granted. Despite any external evidence, the post mortem examination showed that internal injuries to a most serious extent had been sustained. Some six or seven ribs had been fractured and had pierced the liver and lungs and other vital organs. The injuries were so extensive that the doctor was emphatically of the opinion that they could not have been caused by a fall even from a considerable height. The mystery seemed to be even deepened by the fact that although the colliery line was near it was definitely stated that no shunting operations whatsoever had taken place near the time when the deceased must have been injured. It was, however, only late on the previous night discovered, through the inquiries of his officer, P. C. Rippingle, that certain wagons had been lowered along the line from the power-house to the siding and it might be that the jury would find the key to the mystery in that operation. George Grey Knox, 25 Stone Row, North Broomhill, identified the body as that of his late brother, who was formerly in the employ of the Broomhill Coal Company. His brother had no physical disability, his sight and hearing being normal. Dr. R. E. Moyes, of Broomhill, said he saw the body of the deceased at the ambulance station at the Colliery. Life had not long been extinct. Except for a small superficial scratch of recent origin such as might have been caused by a fall, there were no external marks of violence. There was no bleeding at the ears and mouth. There was nothing to suggest any cause of death other than natural causes. He conducted a post mortem examination on October 9th, and, in his opinion internal haemorrhage and shock, the result of what must have been a very severe crush had been the cause of death. The injuries were too severe to have been caused by a fall even from a considerable height. Robert William Stephenson, a back-overman at the Colliery, and living at Deputy Row, Broomhill, said that at 5.25 a.m. on October 8th, he left home to go to the pit to start his shift. As he passed the power-house he looked at the clock and it was then 5.28 a.m. He was proceeding in the direction of the lamp cabin, and when crossing the Colliery railway siding near the fire holes observed a body lying face downwards. He spoke but got no reply. It was very dark at the time, and he went a distance of twenty yards to the lamp cabin for a lamp and assistance. He went back with William Rutherford, and the body was removed to the dressing station where artificial respiration was tried. James Rutter, an electric engine-man at the Colliery, residing at Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift, said he started his shift at 10 p.m. on Sunday October 7th. In the course of his duties he attends to the fires in the fire-holes as well as the electric engine. He said he removed two wagons along the fire-holes sidings between one and two o’clock in the morning. The next time he remembered moving any wagons was between 4 and 5 a.m. the same day. After he moved the wagons he went to the fire-holes to examine the boilers. He saw no one on the ways when he moved the wagons down. He heard no one cry out. The place was well lighted on his side, but not so well lighted on the other side. He had seen men crossing the way between wagons. The jury returned a verdict that Joseph Knox was “accidentally killed by being crushed between wagons which were being moved on the ways.” After expressing sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, the Coroner requested the Sergeant-in-charge to express his appreciation of the skill and ability with which his Officer P.C. Rippingle had conducted the inquiries which had done so much to clear up what seemed at first to be an unsolvable mystery.” |
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Died 5 March 1927 |
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| Apprentice Electrician, aged 20
years, of Six Cottages, North Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 8 March. (Grave Plot D 294) |
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At the 1911 census, Richard, born at Wooler, is living with his uncle, Richard, a colliery clerk, and his wife, Jane, at North Broomhill. Alnwick and County Gazette, 12 March 1927 “On Saturday morning much regret was felt at Broomhill when it became known that an accident had occurred in the pit and that Richard Logan, apprentice electrician, had been accidentally electrocuted about 2.30 a.m. In accordance with custom the pit at once ceased work. An inquest was held on Monday and a verdict of accidental death was returned. The deceased who was the nephew and adopted son of Mr. Richard and Mrs. Jane Logan, was laid to rest on Tuesday in the East Chevington Cemetery amidst many tokens of regard and respect. The deceased, although only 20 years of age, had been a very active worker in temperance, church, and concert work and won for himself a warm place in the hearts of the community. The respect in which he was held was evidenced by the very large attendance at the interment. Five mourning coaches and a long line of mourners followed his mortal remains to the Presbyterian Church, where a beautiful service was conducted by Mr. E. C. Walters, the Preacher in Charge, assisted by Mr. Walker of Widdrington. Mr. Walters also conducted the committal rites, and Mr. E. Murphy took the ceremony of the Sons of Temperance of which the deceased was an active member and worker. His favourite hymn “For Ever with the Lord,” was sung. A large number of wreaths were laid on the grave from relatives and friends, including the following:- With deepest sympathy and respect, from Office-Bearers of Presbyterian Church; A last token of respect and sympathy, from the young people of Presbyterian Church and his Work Party; A token of respect from the Broomhill Colliery Mechanics; With deepest sympathy from the Officers and Members of the Sons of Temperance John Dixon Division; With deepest sympathy from the Teachers and Scholars of the Broomhill Mission Sunday School; With deepest sympathy from the Cades and Committee of the John Dixon No. 2 Section; With deep sympathy from the Electricians and Plumbers. The chief mourners were Mr. and Mrs. Richard Logan (father and mother), and Mr. Peter W. Logan (father), Miss Logan, Mrs. Gash (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Logan (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Percy Logan (brother), Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Logan (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. G. Jackson (brother-in-law), Masters Joseph and Oswald Logan (brothers), Mr. George Logan (uncle), Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Logan (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. F, Davidson, Miss Gertie Logan, Mr. George Logan, Mr. Robert Logan, Mr. Richard Logan, Miss Jessie Logan (cousins), Mrs. A. Logan, Mrs. G. Dunn and Mr. and Mrs. McSorley (uncle and aunt), Mr. and Mrs. G. Anderson (uncle and aunt), Mr. D. Turnbull (uncle), Mrs. A. Mack (Bedlington), Mrs. And Miss Hall (Stobswood), Mr. Jas. Kennedy (Alnwick), Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Douglas, Mr. T. W. Huntley (Newcastle), representing the National Division of the Order of Sons of Temperance; Mr. A. Hall, Miss N. Hall, Mr. T. W. Elliott, representing the Newcastle district of the Sons of Temperance; Mr. R. Nuthall, Newcastle, representing the Colliery Officials Association; Mr. C. Purvis, representing the Morpeth Grammar School; Mr. W. Hudson and Mr. G. Mason, representing the Broomhill Colliery Officials; Mr. H. Moorhead (Shilbottle), Mr. J. Jordan (Ashington), Mrs. Mitchell (cousin), Mr. T. Davidson, Mr. John Wood, Mr. J. Luke, and others representing Sons of Temperance; Mr. George Lillico, Mr. J. Connell, the Broomhill Co-operative Society Committee; Mr. Geo. Thompson and Mr. W. Wood, Broomhill Co-operative Society Employees; Mr. Geo. Simpson and Mr. W. Wood Armstrong, and many others.” |
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William Luke Died 25 June 1935 (accident 16 June 1935) |
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| Coal Cutter, aged 45 years, of
Chevington Drift. Died at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 29 June. (Grave Plot D 175) |
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| Evening Telegraph, 19 August 1936 “A miner’s wife – the mother of four children – was awarded £600 compensation at Newcastle County Court today. She was Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Luke, of Hartside Terrace, Chevington Drift, Northumberland, whose husband, William Luke, died on June 25 last year about ten days after he contracted spirochaetal jaundice or Weil’s Disease as the result of working in water which had been infected with spirochaetes by diseased rats in Broomhill Colliery, Northumberland. His food, it was stated, had also been liable to infection by rats. Dr J. Charlesworth, for the Broomhill Colliery Company, Milburn House, Newcastle, said at first it had not been admitted by the company that Luke had died from Weil’s Disease, but medical men had recently found the germ in one of Luke’s kidneys, and therefore, the company was satisfied that the death was due to the complaint and agreed to the award. Mr E. G. Sykes, for Mrs Luke, agreed, and Judge Thesiger made the award as stated.” |
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William Mabon Died 9 May 1884 |
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| Hewer, aged 44 years of West
Chevington Colliery. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 13 May “killed by a fall of coal at Broomhill Colliery.” |
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| At the 1881 census, he is a married man with two children, born in Earsdon and living at Bedlington. Morpeth Herald, 17 May 1884 “On Monday, an inquest was held at Chevington, before Mr George E. Watson, coroner, on the body of William Mabon, a miner, 44 years of age, whose death resulted on Saturday from injuries received the previous night, whilst working at Broomhill Pit. William Lindsley deposed that on Friday last, he was “putting” to the deceased. About ten minutes to eight o’clock at night, he saw a lump of coal come away and strike the deceased. Witness lifted the coal off him, and he was removed home. The coal was not propped, and there were plenty of props near. James Chirnside, charge-man of the night-shift, and it was the duty of men working to stay their coal, and deceased had not done so. He had been cautioned before about staying his coal. A verdict in accordance with the evidence was returned.” |
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William Thomas Mardon Died 4 November 1938 |
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| Drifter, aged 28 years, of 52
Simonside Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 7 November. (Grave Plot B 304) |
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Alnwick and County Gazette, 6 November 1938 “An accident at Broomhill Colliery on Thursday night, the cause of which is in doubt, resulted in the death of Willaim Mardon (28), of Simonside Terrace, East Chevington. Another man, James Edwards (36), of Swarland Terrace, Red Row, Broomhill, was taken to Alnwick Infirmary in a critical condition with severe head injuries and four broken ribs. On inquiry at Alnwick Infirmary this morning, a “Gazette” reporter was informed that Edwards had recovered a little but was still very ill. It is understood that the accident followed the firing of a shot. The two men were working together driving a drift, away from their mates, in a district known as the Old Church Way, and they were found lying injured by a putter, Robert Morton, of East Chevington. Mardon had succumbed to his injuries by the time assistance could be brought. Mardon leaves a widow and one child, Edwards is married and has two children.” Morpeth Herald, 7 January 1938 “An inquest was held at Broomhill, last Friday, on William Mardon (28), of Simonside Terrace, East Chevington, who met his death at Broomhill Colliery on November 4th. James M. Edwards, of Swarland Terrace, Red Row, stated that he and Mardon began work at 10 a.m. on the day of the tragedy. They were driving a drift from one seam to another, the gradient of the drift being very steep – 24 inches to the yard. About 3.30 in the afternoon they prepared to fire high explosive shots. “I remember nothing of the accident,” said Edwards. “I hit my head on the roof the day before and it is possible I did so again, and that Mardon stopped to pick me up.” Coroner: How many shots do you usually fire at a time? – Edwards: Sometimes three or four, occasionally more. I cannot remember the exact number on this occasion. How do you fire them? – By fuses about five feet in length. How can you tell when they have exploded? – They are lit and explode in rotation, with a few seconds interval. Mr. T. A. Jones (Inspector of Mines): What is the highest number you ever remember firing? – Five or six. You still think that, with the longest fuses of five feet, you had plenty of time to get clear before they exploded? – Yes. In the light of what has happened, do you think that another method of firing, such as by battery, would be safer? – Yes. That is the better way. R. Morton, a putter, stated that the men informed him that they were going to fire shots and wanted a full tub removing. He took it away, and about 10 minutes later heard seven shots in succession. He returned and found Edwards and Mardon lying at the bottom of the drift. Mardon was dead. After seeking help, Edwards was taken to Alnwick Infirmary. Mr. T. Barras, local mines inspector, said that he visited the place the next morning and, in his opinion, it was a pure accident, the result of a premature explosion. It was stated that the fuse method of firing was being used at the time and when the colliery manager (Mr. F. W. Hall) stated that in future the safer electrical battery method would be used, the Coroner (Mr. Hugh J. Percy) commented, “That is a very gratifying piece of information and will be welcomed by the workmen.” “Accidental death” was the verdict.” |
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Edward May Died 9 December 1885 |
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| Shifter, aged 72 years, of South
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 11 December. |
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| At the 1881 census, Edward, born at Hetton, Durham, is living with his wife, Margaret, and 4 children, at South Broomhill. |
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George McKenzie Died 3 January 1899 |
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| Putter, aged 18 years, of South
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 7 January. |
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At the 1891 census, George, born at Broomhill, is one of 3 children, living with their parents, William, an engineman, and Alice, in North Broomhill. In 1901 the family are at South Broomhill. Morpeth Herald, 7 January 1899 “On Tuesday afternoon the body of a putter lad, named George Mackenzie, belonging to Broomhill, was found floating in the pit pond, not far from the Colliery. Mackenzie followed his father to work in the morning. The pond is railed all round. The deceased must have been in the water for several hours, as his “bait” bag was seen floating on the water in the forenoon, but those who saw it at a distance, mistaking it for a dead dog, made no further investigation. Mr C. Percy, coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquest at the hotel, Broomhill, on Wednesday, on the body of George Mackenzie, 18 years of age, a miner working at Broomhill Colliery. William Mackenzie, father of deceased, deposed that he saw his son all well at 5.40 a.m. on Tuesday. He was then trimming his lamp to follow him to work. He (witness) was called from his work about 10 minutes to 4 p.m., and went home. In a quarter of an hour deceased was brought in quite dead. About five weeks ago he was off work two or three days with cold. He seemed to get all right. He never complained of anything, and he (witness) could throw no light on anything that might have tempted him to do any harm to himself. He was of very sober habits. On Thursday night previous he said to him, “Father, I have got the worst cavil in the pit.” He was balloted to go to it on Tuesday morning, and was going to it for the first time. John Johnston, rolleywayman, living at South Broomhill, said that about 6 o’clock on Tuesday morning he caught up to deceased going to his work and accompanied him till he got beside the depot, where he said he wanted to do a job for himself. He (witness) walked straight on up the bank and stopped beside the depot. He noticed nothing. Deceased seemed the same as usual. George Boyd, screener at Broomhill Colliery, deposed that on Tuesday, about 3.45 p.m., he was near the engine pond of the old pit at Broomhill. A boy drew his attention to something in the pond, and he went and found it was deceased, quite dead. His hat was off but his dress otherwise seemed all right. The pond was all fenced with rails three feet high. The pond was about 6 feet deep. He got assistance and had deceased conveyed home. There were about three yards between the water and the rails, sloping down to the water. Dr Thos. L. Wilson, physician and surgeon practising at Broomhill, stated that in his opinion death had been caused by drowning. The jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned.”” |
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Thomas Moody Died 21 October 1935 |
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| Hewer, aged 67 years, of Broomhill
Colliery. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 24 October. (Grave Plot 17 E) |
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| At the 1911 census, Thomas, born at Amble, is living with his wife, Ellen, and their 3 children, in Bede Street, Amble. On the 1926 Electoral Register, he is living at 12 Bede Street. |
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Died 30 October 1858 |
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| Aged 28 years, of Broomhill. Buried St Lawrence, Warkworth, 2 November. |
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| Morpeth Herald, 6 November 1858 “A fatal accident occurred on Saturday at Broomhill Colliery, in the neighbourhood of Amble. Three men were engaged upon a piece of work in the pit-two brothers of the name of Moore and a person named Scott-when a portion of the roof fell in and killed one of the brothers, Thomas (sic) Moore. He leaves a widow and two children to mourn his loss. An inquest was held on Monday, before J. J. Hardy, Esq, coroner, and an adjournment made until communication with the Home Secretary, that being the usual course followed, when no Government Inspector of Mines is present.” Morpeth Herald, 13 November 1858 “On Friday, the 5th inst, the inquest on the body of John Moore, who was killed at Broomhill colliery on the 30th ult. was resumed before Mr Hardy, coroner. From the evidence it appeared that on the day when the accident took place, the deceased and two other men were engaged in hewing coal by contract, and that where they were at work, the roof of the pit was supported by props, shortly after the removal of which, perhaps prematurely, a fall of stone took place, and the deceased being unable to clear himself, was struck down by the stone and killed upon the spot. His comrade, who was at work close by succeeded in leaping out of the way, and escaped. Verdict, “Accidental death.”” |
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John Morton Died 21 February 1942 |
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| Aged 58 years, of 39 Simonside
Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 25 February. (Grave Plot AA 119) |
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Died 30 July 1937 |
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| Coal Cutter, aged 26 years, of 22
Simonside Terrace, Chevington Drift. Died at Alnwick Infirmary. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 3 August. (Grave Plot C 304) |
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Morpeth Herald, 6 August 1937 “The inquest on William Mossman (26), of 22 Simonside Terrace, East Chevington, who died in Alnwick Infirmary on Friday night, following an accident in Chevington Drift Colliery, was opened at the Infirmary on Saturday evening by Mr. J. W. Sylvester, Deputy Coroner for North Northumberland. Evidence of identification was given by the deceased’s brother, David Mossman, a coal screener at Hauxley Pit, and living at No. 4 Cliff House, Amble, who said that deceased was employed by Broomhill Collieries, Ltd., as a coal-cutter, and was previously at Stobswood. They had the latest machinery in the pit, and somehow he got his leg into it. The Coroner said there were certain regulations to be complied with. The Mines Inspector and Miners’ Association had to be notified so that full investigations might be made down the pit, to ascertain what the actual cause of death was, and whether there was any blame attached to anyone and to see exactly what the position was. The inquest was adjourned until today (Friday).” Morpeth Herald, 13 August 1937 “Questions regarding a safety device which was stated to be missing from a coal-cutting machine were asked by the Mines Inspector at an Alnwick inquest, on Friday, on a miner who was fatally injured in Broomhill Colliery. The inquest was on William Mossman (26), of 22 Simonside Terrace, East Chevington, who died in Alnwick Infirmary on July 30th, following an accident in Broomhill Colliery. It was held in Alnwick Courthouse, and conducted by Deputy Coroner J. W. Sylvester. There were present Mr. T. A. Rogers, Mines Inspector; Ald. W. Golightly, representing the Northumberland Miners’ Federation; Mr. T. Barras, representing the Chevington Drift Miners; and Mr. F. W. Hall and Mr. W. J. Leonard, representing the Broomhill Collieries, Ltd. Michael Nielan, a miner, of Market Place, Red Row, said they went down to work at 11.30 a.m. on July 30th at Link House main seam in the Broomhill Colliery. He was accompanied by the deceased. “My job was coal-cutting.” “We generally changed the cables at the gate-box end. We started to take some slack cable down the face, this morning, and left it lying. Then we started to work on with the machine examining it.” The machine was turned. Deceased took the chain and jib off. While he was doing that I was connecting the cable to the machine. I could see the deceased all the time.” “Before I got the cable completely screwed into the machine I heard a humming noise, as though the machine was about to shock. I was just going to shout to Mossman to stand clear, when the machine began to revolve and started to work. I knew something was wrong and I knocked the handle out with my fist. The machine stopped.” “I heard Mossman shout immediately the machine started. I knew then he had been caught in it. I went to the rear of the machine and saw Mossman pinned between the jib and the coal-face.” Nielan said that the switch at the gate-box was off when they went in. He was therefore under the impression the current was off. Coroner: Then who put the switch on? Witness: I do not know. There were only two of us. Coroner: Then do you think Mossman might have put the switch on? Witness: I would not like to say. The Mines Inspector: Have you been given instructions as to the way in which you shall close these switches, that you should not close the switch unless you are all right at the face? – No, no instructions. Witness did not know switch was on. The Inspector: I take it you would rely upon the gate-end switch being off? – Yes. Nielan said he had just worked this machine for a week, the time it had been in the pit. Inspector: Do you remember when the machine was new and you had it first if there was just above the two plugs a little piece of metal? Yes. “Do you know what that was for?” – That is for keeping the plugs fastened. “But actually, if that piece of metal was in its proper position, would that not have made it impossible for you to put this plug on with the switch in that position?” – You can lift the piece of metal up and down. Inspector: You had to lift the piece of metal to put the plug in, and you could not do so when the switch was on? – Yes, you could. The Inspector: I suggest you are mistaken, because the whole object of this device is that you cannot put you plug in with the switch in the on-position. Replying to another question by the Inspector, Nielan said he could not say when the device was missing. In answer to Ald. Golightly, Nielan said he had been a cutter for 10 years and on the type of machine he had been used to it did not matter if the plug was in at the box or not. The final plug could not be got into the machine unless the handle was in the right position. No mistakes were made with those machines. Ald. Golightly: No one gave you instructions as to how to handle this machine compared with the others? – Just my “marrow.” John Ernest Oliver, The Willows, Red Row, said he was working at the face nearby. “About half an hour after the cutters came in, I heard Nielan shouting for help. He was about 20 yards from where I was. I went to see what was the trouble. “I saw Mossman lying between the jib and the coal face, one leg having been pinned. I sought assistance, and we got the jib and the chain off.” John Robert Marshall, 69 Railway Row, Broomhill, coal cutter overman at Broomhill, gave evidence of examining the machine the day after the accident. There was no inter-locking device then. When he previously examined the machine two days before the accident it had the inter-locking device then. The object of the device was to prevent the plug being put in when the switch was on, and if it had been in position at the time the accident could not have occurred. Since the accident instruction in the machines had been given to all cutter-men. Marshall added that another coal cutter told him that he had taken the little piece of metal off. Dr. Welch, house surgeon of Alnwick Infirmary, said deceased was admitted suffering from severe injuries to the left leg and back. He died later that night from shock and haemorrhage following the injuries. The Coroner remarked it might have been better if Nielan had taken more precautions to see that Mossman was in a safe position before he plugged this machine in. “It seems to me he did not do so, and apparently Mossman was still engaged with this chain and jib when the current was turned on.” The jury returned a verdict that Mossman died from shock and haemorrhage, following injuries sustained by deceased having been accidentally crushed in a coal-cutting machine.” |
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George Murray Died 11 March 1901 |
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| Deputy, aged 58 years, of Broomhill. Buried East Cemetery, Amble, 14 March. (Grave Plot E41) |
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| At the 1891 census, George, born at Togston, is living with his wife, Isabella, and two children, in North Broomhill. Shields Daily Gazette, 12 March 1901 “Yesterday afternoon a very serious accident occurred at Broomhill Colliery. About three o’clock in the afternoon a man named George Murray was working in that part of the pit known as the Togston workings, when an immense quantity of stone fell upon him, completely burying him. Efforts were at once made by a staff of miners to reach the poor fellow, but up till seven o’clock last night they had not been successful. It was thought that many hours would elapse before they could reach him. Our Amble correspondent writes:- A dreadful accident occurred at Broomhill Colliery yesterday afternoon, whereby a workman was buried beneath a huge fall of stone, and many others narrowly escaped the same fate. It appears that a deputy named George Murray went into that part of the pit known as the East Togston seam, to a spot where all the coals had been worked. He ordered all the men away from the place, and at once commenced to draw the judd, which means that certain timbers supporting the roof were to be removed. On striking the first prop a tremendous mass of stone, weighing hundreds of tons, fell, burying him beneath. A rescue party was at once commenced to clear away the stone, and several relays of men followed each other, but up to an early hour this morning the body had not been recovered. A large and anxious crowd has been standing for hours around the pit head awaiting the tidings of the unfortunate man. Murray was about 50 years of age, and has been working at this colliery for many years. He is married, and has a small family. No hopes are entertained of his being rescued alive.” Shields Daily Gazette, 13 March 1901 “The body of George Murray, who was entombed in the Togston workings of Broomhill Colliery on Monday afternoon by an immense fall of stone, was recovered yesterday morning about eleven o’clock. For over twenty hours men had been at work clearing away the debris, when at last they came upon the poor man’s remains. Strange to say, the body was not mangled to any serious extent, the accumulation being principally of small stone. The pit was laid idle yesterday. Our Amble correspondent writes:- The suspense of the inhabitants of Broomhill Colliery caused by the melancholy accident whereby a deputy named George Murray was entombed by the fall of the roof, was not allayed until nearly noon yesterday morning. As previously reported the accident took place at three o’clock on Monday. Gangs of workmen had been working without intermission from that time until about nine o’clock on Tuesday morning, at which time they came across his arm, but it was not until eleven that they were able to get the body out. With the exception of some cuts about the face, the unfortunate man seemed to have not been much bruised. This is accounted for from the fact that the stone above broke up into small particles, and formed a sort of cushion, and when the large masses of stone came down, the force of the fall was to a great extent reduced. He was found face downwards. His features were easily recognisable.” Shields Daily Gazette, 14 March 1901 “Yesterday at Broomhill Colliery Mr Charles Percy, coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of George Murray, aged 58 years, who met his death by an accident at the above colliery on Monday last. Jeremiah Beverley, a miner, said on the 11th inst. He was working with other men and the deceased at this pit. Murray had drawn about six props, and in drawing the prop next the face a fall of stone came away and knocked him down; another heavy fall immediately followed and buried him. His body was recovered the next day. The jury returned a verdict of “Accidentally killed.”” |
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William Nesbit Died 25 November 1891 |
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| Trapper, aged 13 years. Burial of William “Bond” at St Lawrence, Warkworth, 28 November “aged 13 years, of Warkworth.”** |
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| At the 1891 census, William, born at Bedlington, is one of 5 children living with their parents, John, a miner, and Alice, in Togston Woodhouses. **Note: There is no burial record, nor GRO death entry for William. There is a GRO entry for a William Bond and a matching burial at St Lawrence, Warkworth (The Nesbits next child would be born in Warkworth in early 1892) |
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David Newton Died 24 August 1925 (accident 24 February 1913) |
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| Aged 34 years, of 38 Swarland
Terrace, Red Row. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 26 August. (Grave Plot F 230) |
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At the 1911 census, David, born at Togston Terrace, is a putter, living with his mother, Margaret, and two siblings, in 38 Swarland Terrace. |
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Died 24 August 1914 |
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| Hewer, aged 24 years, of Chevington
Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 27 August. (Grave Plot E 141) |
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| At the 1911 census, Thomas, born at Amble, is one of 6 children, living with their parents, John, a hewer, and Elizabeth, in 31 Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. |
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John Bradford Patton Died 17 September 1916 |
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| Chargeman, aged 34 years, of Stone
Row, North Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 20 September. (Grave Plot E 074) |
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At the 1911 census, John, born at Amble, is a bachelor, living with his widowed mother, Margaret, and 3 siblings. Newcastle Journal, 18 September 1916 “The fire at Broomhill Pit had shown fresh signs of activity, and a man named John Patton, who was in charge of the fire, was overcome by the fumes yesterday afternoon. He came out of the pit to seek assistance, and a man named Maddison went back with him to help in dealing with it. On getting near the fire Patton was again overcome by the fumes, and collapsed Maddison dragged him away from the fire, and went for help. With the assistance of other men Patton was got into the fresh air, but died shortly afterwards. He was a single man. The Ashington fire brigade came with all speed; and dealt with the flames.” Alnwick and County Gazette, 23 September 1916 |
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Harold Frank Pierpoint Died 30 October 1940 |
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| Labourer, aged 45 years, of 7
Windsor Terrace, Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 2 November. (Grave Plot 165 F) |
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Extract from a letter dated 14 November 1940, from Jack Whinham, South Broomhill, to his son: “We had a man killed on the pit heap about a fortnight ago. Run over by a set of wagons…… I don’t suppose you would know him. His name was Frank Pierpoint, belonging to Amble. He worked on the small heap.” Morpeth Herald, 1 November 1940 “An Amble man, F. Pierpoint, of Windsor Terrace, a crane hand, was run over and killed by a set of waggons at Broomhill Colliery on Wednesday afternoon. He was well known in the Amble district. He was a sidesman at Amble Parish Church, a lieutenant in the Boys’ Brigade, a member of Amble Golf Club, and an air raid warden.” Morpeth Herald, 8 November 1940 “At the inquest at Amble on Saturday on a colliery worker killed at Broomhill, when he was run over by a coal train, it was suggested that the accident might have been caused by deceased slipping owing to his wearing a new pair of heavy boots. The inquest was on Harold Frank Pierpoint (45), colliery labourer, 7, Windsor Terrace, Amble. The accident occurred at Broomhill Colliery. Mr. Hugh J. Percy, coroner, conducted the inquest, and others present included Mr. L. Walker, H. M. Inspector of Mines; Mr. T. A. Scott, representing Broomhill Collieries Ltd.; Mr. T. Patterson, Northumberland Miners’ Union; and Mr. A. R. Taylor, Broomhill Miners’ Lodge. Evidence of identification was given by Albert Dobson, 23 King Edward Street, Amble, brother-in-law. He had known Pierpoint for 28 years, and he had no physical disability. Witness was engaged on the crane at the time, unloading coal. The first thing he knew of anything happening was when the engine driver shouted. During the last few years Pierpoint had never been ill, and had never complained of any illness. William Gibson, 21 Percy Street, Amble, an engine driver, employed by the Broomhill Collieries Ltd., said that on October 30th, the day of the accident, he was supplying the crane with full chaldrons (coal waggons) and bringing away the empties. Pierpoint was working the crane and helping with the shunting operations. Replying to the coroner, Gibson said that he was on duty on the engine alone when it was standing. At other times Pierpoint came on the engine with him, when they were travelling to the next point, and did anything he was asked to do on the engine. Pierpoint got on and off the engine while it was in motion. That was the custom in all shunting operations. Witness said he had already left the crane with seven full chaldrons, and three empty ones, which the crane had discharged, with the intention of putting the three empty ones on the siding. Pierpoint helped him to do that. He uncoupled the waggons and waved witness away over the points. Pierpoint waved him back towards the crane. Witness released his brakes and reversed the engine. When next witness turned around Pierpoint was standing in the waggon-way, between the two ways. Witness understood that Pierpoint was standing there waiting for the loco to come up, to get on as it came past. The engine was hardly going at walking speed, doing three to four miles an hour. “I saw him standing on the way,” continued Gibson. “The engine was pushing the waggons along, and for a second or two he went out of my sight. I expected him to jump on to the engine from the place where I last saw him. He was standing with his shovel when last I saw him.” “When the engine got up to the place where I expected him to join me, he was not there. I looked out, and then saw the trucks going over him. I stopped the engine immediately, got out and shouted. He was dead when I got to him.” Dobson was recalled, and said in answer to a question by the coroner that Pierpoint had no worry or trouble. He was very happy, and was well-liked. “There is one point I would like to mention,” added Dobson. “He had on a brand new pair of heavy hob-nailed boots. I have thought since the accident that they may have had something to do with it. With new, heavy boots there is a sort of numb feeling. I have since thought they may have caused the accident.” William Hudson, engine-wright, West View, North Broomhill, gave evidence that at about 1.20 p.m. Dobson came to his office and said that there had been an accident to Pierpoint. Witness immediately went off, collected a man or two on the road and sent for the doctor before he got to the scene of the accident. He found Pierpoint lying over the lines; he had been killed out-right. Hudson told the coroner that he was the official in charge of these operations. Pierpoint was always a clever skilled workman. Dr. R. E. Moyes said that the post mortem examination showed no trace of any heat disease, or of any previous disease which might have caused deceased to faint. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage, due to multiple bodily injuries. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.” |
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James Pringle Died 23 March 1934 |
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| Hewer, aged 36 years, died at
Alnwick Infirmary. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 27 March. (Grave Plot 210 A) |
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Born at Amble, the son of John, a coal miner, and Catherine Jane. At the 1926 Electoral Register, James is living in 3 Percy Street, Amble. |
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John Purvis Died 27 April 1874 |
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| Hewer, aged 48 years. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 29 April. |
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| John’s brother, Anthony had been killed at Radcliffe Colliery in 1868. Morpeth Herald, 2 May 1874 “As Thomas (sic) Purvis, one of the back shift men employed at Broomhill Colliery, was going into the pit on Monday morning, he was run over by a set of laden tubs and killed.” |
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Robert Purvis Died 29 June 1908 |
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| Loco Fireman, aged 35 years, of Radcliffe. | |
| At the 1901 census, Robert is a bachelor, living with his widowed mother at Togston Crescent. He is a colliery wagonman, born Bamburgh. Morpeth Herald, 4 July 1908 “Mr Charles Percy, Coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of a man named Robert Purvis, an engineman, belonging Radcliffe Colliery, at the Institute belonging that place, on Wednesday afternoon. Mr J. B. Atkinson, H.M. Inspector of Mines, was present, besides Mr John Flint, manager for the Broomhill Collieries Limited. The first witness called was Alex. Purvis, brother of the deceased, living at East Thirston. He said deceased was a locomotive fireman under the Broomhill Collieries Ltd., and was aged 35 years, and resided at Radcliffe. John Appleby, a locomotive engine driver under the Broomhill Collieries Ltd., said that on the 29th ult., he was driving an engine with several empty and full waggons of sand etc., along the line of the Company at Broomhill Colliery at 11.20 p.m. He was passing the waggons near to the weigh house. The deceased was his fireman. He stopped, having reached where he wanted to be. The deceased was then off the engine, he went to the far end of the set; he had been off for about 15 minutes, to see if the road was clear where they were going to put the waggons. He saw deceased’s lamp from time to time. When he stopped at the weigh house, he shouted to deceased asking if he was right. He got no answer. He did not see his light then. He got off the engine and walked up the side of the waggons and found him, he thought dead, fast between the side of a chaldron waggon and the spring buffer. He could not get him out, so he went back to the engine and eased the waggons. Deceased then fell out. He got assistance, and found him dead. There was no necessity for him to uncouple the waggons; it was not required. The position he found him in, he thought he must have been taking a pin out. The pin could be taken out with a coupling pole. He had not a coupling pole with him. It is easy to use a coupling pole. He did not see his light after the accident. He found the lamp lying on its side. There was a slight drag at the end of the line, which might account for the waggons coming back upon the others. He started his shift at nine o’clock, and he seemed all right. James Martin, Broomhill, said he was a foreman labourer at bank under the Broomhill Collieries Ltd. On the 29th ult., about 11.40 p.m. he was in his own house, about 50 or 60 yards from the weigh house. He was called out by Mr. Bell to go where the deceased was. He went at once, and he found deceased lying on the ground dead. John Appleby told him that deceased had got fast in the waggons. His clothes were in order. After he saw a slight dark spot on the left shoulder. The verdict was that deceased was accidentally killed through being crushed between a wagon and a truck at Broomhill Colliery on the 29th day of June 1908.” |
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George Redpath Died 7 November 1928 |
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| Hewer, aged 72 years, of Gibson
Street, Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 10 November. (Grave Plot 97 E) |
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| At the 1926 Electoral Register, George is living in 8 Gibson Street, Amble, with his wife, Jane. |
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James Richardson Died 3 March 1874 |
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| Switch Keeper, aged 12 years, of
Amble. Buried St Lawrence, Warkworth, 6 March |
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| At the 1871 census, James, born at Amble, is the son of a mariner, living with his mother, Mary, and 6 siblings, in Queen Street, Amble. |
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Robert Robertson Died 24 December 1898 (accident 23 December 1898) |
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| Screener, aged 25 years, of South
Broomhill. Buried East Cemetery, Amble, 26 December. (Grave Plot F29) |
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| At the 1891 census, Robert, born at Amble, is a miner, one of 6 children, living with his father, Robert, a miner, and his stepmother, Christina, in South Broomhill. Morpeth Herald, 31 December 1898 “On Monday, Mr Charles Percy, coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquest at Broomhill, into the circumstances attending the death of Robert Robertson, a miner, 25 years of age. The evidence adduced was as follows: - Christina Alexandra Robertson, deposed that she was the stepmother of deceased, and lived at South Broomhill. Deceased was troubled with asthma and bronchitis, and had a very weak heart, but he had not been suffering from ill-health for a long time – for about eight or nine months at least – and had been working regularly up till Friday, the 23rd inst. On that day he went to his work at 6 a.m., and returned after 5 at night. He was cold. He said he was bad with his heart. Two men, James Scott and Matthew Laidler, assisted him home. He said a coal or brass, or something had fallen on his toe. His right shoe and stocking were taken off, and they found that his toe next to the big one was bursted. After rendering what assistance she could, deceased went upstairs to go to bed, but returned all shaking. She sent for a neighbour and then for the doctor, who came and found deceased unconscious. He died next morning about half past one o’clock. Dr Turner was with him up to his death. John Spears, engineman, Broomhill, deposed that on Friday, about 4.45 p.m., the deceased came to him and told him he had been putting coal into the belt for “landsale.” He took hold of a piece of coal, which broke, and “dabbed” upon his toe. He loosed, he thought, the right shoe and took off his stocking, and found one of his toes split, and the nail beginning to turn black. Witness put a little bit of cloth on deceased’s toe, who complained of it being very painful. Matthew Laidler, screener, Broomhill, gave evidence as to assisting deceased home. Dr Turner deposed that when he went to deceased he found him insensible and in a state of collapse. There was a contusion on one of his toes, and deceased was in a very serious state. His opinion was that deceased had a haemorrhage in his lungs. He knew him to be affected with heart disease, and suffering from congestion of the lungs consequent upon the chronic heart condition. The injury sustained would likely happen through something heavy falling on it. The jury returned a verdict that death resulted from bleeding at the lungs, which, in the presence of heart disease, and caused by shock through a piece of coal falling on his toe while working at the Broomhill Colliery screens.” |
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Robert Robinson Died 9 August 1905 |
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| Shifter, aged 60 years, of North
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 12 August. |
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| At the 1901 census, Robert, born at Belford, is living with his wife, Sarah, and 5 children, in Queen Street, Amble. In 1911, his widow is living at Togston. Morpeth Herald, 19 August 1905 “Mr Chas. Percy, coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquest at Broomhill, on the body of Robert Robinson, a miner, who was accidentally killed in the pit on Wednesday, August 9th. Sarah Robinson, widow of deceased, stated that her husband was 60 years of age. He went to work all right at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. John Ridley, rolley wayman at Broomhill Colliery, stated that on Wednesday about 1.40 p.m., he was near the deceased in the bottom of Henderson’s drift. Deceased was standing waiting for a set to go past him empty. He made an attempt to get into it but failed, and the set struck him. After he got free, he (witness) ran up and found Robinson was badly injured all over. He was insensible. He got assistance and had deceased removed to bank. He warned deceased of the on coming set, who said he was only standing until it got past him. Deceased was caught at the entrance of the drift which was very narrow. There was a regulation against the men riding up the drift. Deceased tried to get in between the tubs. Joseph Beattie, shifter at Broomhill Colliery stated that about 1.40 he was called to the deceased. He did not see the accident, but when he knew of it he went at once to deceased’s assistance. He found him badly injured and insensible. He helped to get him removed. The jury found a verdict that deceased died from injuries accidentally sustained in attempting to get on to an empty set which was passing in the Broomhill Colliery.” |
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William John Hillier Selfe Died 25 January 1906 (accident 13 October 1905) |
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| Hewer, aged 62 years, of Togston
Terrace. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 27 January. |
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| At the 1901 census, William, born at Somerset, is a widower, living with his daughter, in South Broomhill. Morpeth Herald, 3 February 1906 “On Saturday last, Mr Charles Percy, coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquest on the body of William John Hilliard Selfe, who died on the previous day, having sustained severe injuries through a fall of stone. Mr Nicholson, Inspector of Mines, was present, and Mr John Flint watched the case on behalf of Broomhill Collieries, Ltd. The first witness called was Elizabeth Ogle, who said she lived at Togston Terrace, and was the deceased’s step-daughter. His name was William John Hilliard Selfe. He was a miner at Broomhill Colliery, aged 62 years and resided at Togston Terrace. He came to stay with witness on the 13th of October. He came from Newcastle Infirmary. He had always been confined to bed since the accident, and he died on the 25th of January, 1906. John Swinney, the next witness, said he was chargeman at Broomhill Colliery. On the 13th of October last, he had charge of the top seam where deceased worked in No. 2 flat. He was not present when he happened his accident. It happened on the morning of the 13th. He (witness) had examined the roof at 3 a.m. of the same day, which was some hours before the accident. It was quite safe and well timbered. He did not examine it afterwards. – Inspector: Do you think there was plenty of timber in the place. – Witness: Yes, sir; it was just a yard or two from the face. – Mr Flint: Did you jowl it? – Witness: No, I considered it quite safe. Thomas Hetherington said he was a putter at Broomhill Colliery. He worked with the deceased, and on the 13th of October he was “putting off” for the deceased. He (witness) went down at 6 o’clock. The deceased went down to his work at 3.30. When witness went into the face where he worked he found him sitting on his cracket with a large stone on the top of his shoulder and back which had fallen on him. It had fallen from the roof. He got assistance and got him out. He was sensible and talking all right. He said he had been lying under the stone about two hours. He said the stone had come on him. There were some men near, but they could not hear him shouting. His “marra” was further up and said he did not hear him. He was carried home on an ambulance. – Inspector: Did the stone not come from the band? – Witness: Yes; I think it came from the band. Dr R. E. Moyes said he was a physician and surgeon at Broomhill and attended deceased on the 13th of October. He was sent for to go to the colliery when deceased was brought out. He got him home and examined him and found he was suffering from a spinal injury. The skin over the injury was broken and the under part of his body was totally paralysed. He attended him until October 26th and then got him to the Newcastle Royal Infirmary. He came back on the 10th of November. Death was due from the fracture of the spine and subsequent complications, the result of the accident. The following report was submitted by Mr George Atkinson, and was signed by George Atkinson, Wm. Dargue and Wm. Douglas, and was to the effect that they had visited the place of the accident, and after a careful examination were of the individual opinion that while the injured man might have set a prop beneath the stone the accident was not due to him neglecting to do so. They took that view of the case from the fact that there were two slips in the place, one running along from the centre, and the other commencing about two feet from the nook on the right side and running into the one coming along the face. These were slips that the stone came away by. If the injured man had set a prop he would have had to set it on the out bye side of the stone to allow him to work, and then he could have only been able to work at a great disadvantage. The prop would have held the stone until he had curved the coal off by the slip, but as soon as it was freed the stone would have fallen from the in-bye side either to break off by the prop or pushed it out altogether. They also found that in no way whatever could any blame be attached to the colliery officials, but it was one of those unfortunate accidents which sometimes occurred in their mines in which no one could be held to be at fault. After a short consultation the jury arrived at the verdict that the deceased died from fracture of the spine caused by a stone accidentally falling upon him while working in the Broomhill Colliery on the 13th day of October, 1905.” |
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John Sewell Died 24 May 1855 |
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| Second Overman, aged 47 years, of
Broomhill. Buried St Lawrence, Warkworth, 26 May. |
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| Newcastle Courant, 8 June 1855 “On Friday, the 25th ult., and by adjournment on Tuesday, the 29th an inquest was held at the Broomhill Colliery Office, before Mr Hardy, coroner, on the body of John Sewell, aged 48 years. Deceased was second overman at the colliery, and on the Thursday preceding entered the cage for the purpose of descending into the pit, to see why some tubs had not come to bank. He had only got about one fathom from the top seam, when the cage, which ran between slides, became fastened; the signal was made to the brakesman that this had occurred, but not until another fathom of the chain, by which the cage is suspended, had been run out. The cage had then become released, and had fallen with a sudden jerk, throwing deceased out. The other workmen, on ascertaining this, immediately descended to the bottom, a depth of thirty-six fathoms, where they found the deceased lying amongst water and quite dead. When taken up and examined it was found, that while falling, he had received a severe wound on the right temple, sufficient to cause death. Deceased himself had charge of the cages and slides, and always appeared very particular as to their safety. Verdict-Accidental death.” |
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John Simm Died 4 March 1858 |
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| Aged 18 years, of Broomhill. Buried, St Lawrence, Warkworth, 7 March. |
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| Newcastle Courant, 12 March 1858 “On Friday, an inquest was held before Mr Hardy, coroner, at the house of Mr. William Moore, innkeeper, Broomhill, in the parish of Warkworth, on the body of John Simm, aged 18 years, pitman, who had been killed in the Broomhill Colliery, by the falling of a wall upon him, on the day preceding. The inquest was adjourned to Friday, the 12th in order to give the requisite information to the Government Inspector of Mines.” |
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William Robertson Simms Died 13 April 1872 |
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| Rope Guider, aged 13 years, of
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington. |
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| At the 1871 census, William, born at Bishopwearmouth, Co. Durham, is one of 8 children, living with their widowed father, Robert, an engineman, at Broomhill Colliery |
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John George Simpson Died 7 April 1891 |
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| Rolleyway Man, aged 19 years, of
South Broomhill. Buried East Cemetery, Amble, 11 April. (Grave Plot H64) |
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| At the 1891 census, John, one of 9 children, is living with his parents, Thomas, a miner, and Jane, in South Broomhill. |
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George Robert Slater Died 16 January 1931 |
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| Rolleyway Man, aged 47 years, of 18
Coronation Terrace, Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 18 January. (Grave Plot F 012) |
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| At the 1911 census, George, born at East Cramlington, is living with his wife, Elizabeth, in Turnbull’s Buildings, North Broomhill. |
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Robert Cowell Smailes Died March 1891 |
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| Aged 6 years, of North Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 18 March 1891 |
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| Morpeth Herald, 28 March 1891 “Last week a fatal accident occurred at the above colliery by which a child named Robert Smailes, aged 7 years met its death. It appears that he along with other children were amusing themselves about the colliery yard with empty coal waggons, each one having a ride in turn, while the others moved them along. By some means or other the little fellow got between the waggons and was crushed. He was taken home and at once put to bed, and died shortly after. An inquest was held when a verdict of “Accidentally killed” was returned.” Morpeth Herald, 11 April 1891 “SIR, - Will you kindly allow me to make a correction. The name of the boy killed at Broomhill Colliery was Robert Cowell Smailes, and Mrs Cowell adopted him 6 years instead of 3 years ago, as stated. Yours truly, Mrs Cowell.” |
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William Smailes Died 3 April 1915 (accident 1 April 1915) |
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| Hewer, aged 35 years, of Blackwood
Street, Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 5 April. (Grave Plot 212 B) |
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| At the 1911 census, William, born at Warkworth, is living with his wife, Mary Jane, in 8 Blackwood Street, Amble. Morpeth Herald, 9 April 1915 “Mr. Hugh J. Percy held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of William Smailes, a miner belonging to Amble, and employed at Broomhill Colliery, who was killed by a fall of stone on Thursday, April 1st. Mr. Poole, Inspector of Mines, was present, and Mr. W. Straker represented the interests of the miners, whilst Mr. Algernon Noble, manager of the Broomhill Colliery, and Mr. W. Stephenson, under manager, represented the colliery. Mr. Tully and Mr. Whickham were responsible for the workmen, and were also present. Mr. J. W. Winter, foreman of the jury. John B. Storey said he was well acquainted with deceased, whose name was William Smailes, of Blackwood Street, Amble, a coal hewer in the employ of the Broomhill Collieries, Ltd. His age was 35 years. He died on Sunday, the 3rd April, 1915. He had had experience of colliery work for upwards of 13 years, to his knowledge. The next witness was James Patten, who said he lived at North Broomhill. He was working with the deceased on Thursday at the face at the North Togston Cross Cut. He went down at two in the morning, the shift commenced then. He got to the face about half past two. He commenced coal hewing. Nothing occurred to raise his suspicions until about from 4.00 to 4.30. Witness was felling coals, and the deceased was busy putting a token on a tub. He was bending over it, when suddenly, without any warning, a large block of stone fell out of the roof right down on to him. Crushing him down on to the tub. He (witness) eased the stone up with a prop. The deceased said that was doing clever, and he got out. He seemed to be suffering a good deal of internal pain. When he got him out the stone broke in two. He could not walk. He got some assistance and got him carried to bank. In answer to further questions by the coroner, the witness stated that the deputy was not round while he and the deceased were working. They had one prop beneath the stone, the next prop was about a yard or hardly a yard away – nearer the face. The stone was about six feet long to about six feet broad, and about six feet square. The stone, or part of it, seemed to slip from the part which was up about three inches from the roof. He thought that the prop which was under the stone must have canted sideways. He jowled the roof himself when he went in. It was a blue stone roof: it was wet sometimes at that particular corner. The roof was about four feet high. Inspector of Mines: Had you fired any shots? Witness: Yes, about twenty past three a shot was fired. That was inside the arch dent. Inspector: Would it have been possible for that shot to have shaken the roof a little? Witness: No, I don’t think so. Inspector: You had plenty of timber? Witness: Yes, we had plenty of timber, both short and long. Inspector: Did you know the slips were there? Witness: No, Mr. Morrow had said nothing t him about the slip. Mr. Straker: How far was the prop from the in bye from the stone that fell? Witness: It might be about four feet. Mr. Straker: It was in the in bye near the face. Witness: About 13 inches. Foreman of the Jury: In your evidence to the Inspector, you said you did not think that the shot that was fired would shake the stone. How far away from the stone was it then the shot was fired? Witness: About two yards. Foreman: And yet you think it would have no effect upon the stone. Witness: No, I think it would not. William Dixon said he was the deputy in charge of the place. He visited the place before the scene of the accident. He examined it and found nothing to excite his suspicions. He satisfied himself it was properly timbered. He jowled it and found everything, in his opinion, correct. The path supported the roof at the back, but it was not in the foreside. It would be about 30 inches to two feet between the prop and where the pack supported the roof. Coroner: Did you hear any shots fired? Witness: At one o’clock there was one fired. He was not aware that it was going to be fired. Coroner: Do you agree with the last witness that it would have no effect in loosening the stone? Witness: Probably it would have affected the stone. Coroner: Can you give any explanation how the stone came to fall? Witness: No, I cannot. By Inspector: In the opening without the stone was properly propped up. William Stephenson said he was under manager at the Broomhill Colliery. He visited the place after the accident on Saturday and examined the place. The Coroner: Can you tell me the distance between the prop and the spot where the pack switched and supported the roof? Witness: I don’t think it was more than two and a half feet. Coroner: This plan then is wrong, it shows 3 feet 3 inches. Witness: Well, there is Soulsby missed out of the plan. Coroner: That makes all the difference. In answer to Mr. Straker witness said he saw the slips after the accident, one particular one running right across the cross cut. The Coroner, in a lengthy speech, summed up, after which the jury considered their verdict, which was: “That William Smailes was accidentally injured by a fall of stone in the Broomhill Colliery on the first day of April, 1915, and died therefrom on the third day of April, in Blackwood Street, Amble.”” |
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William James Smart Died 2 April 1897 |
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| Hewer, aged 32 years, of Walker’s
Buildings, Amble. Buried East Cemetery, Amble, 5 April. (Grave Plot V01a) |
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| At the 1891 census, William, born at North Seaton, is living at 13 Walker’s Buildings. He is married, with one daughter. Shields Daily Gazette, 3 April 1897 “Last evening a man named Wm. Smart, residing at Amble, received such injuries, while engaged at work at Broomhill Colliery, as to cause his death. Deceased was very widely respected. He leaves a widow and four children.” |
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John Smith Died 18 April 1915 (accident 16 April 1915) |
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| Hewer, aged 36 years, of Broomhill
Street, Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 21 April. (Grave Plot 205 B) |
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| At the 1911 census, John, born at Amble, is living with his wife, Isabella, and 4 children, in Broomhill Street, Amble. Morpeth Herald, 23 April 1915 “Mr. Charles Percy, Coroner, held an inquiry at Amble into the circumstances surrounding the death of John Smith, of Amble, who died after bleeding at the mouth when leaving Broomhill Pit. Mr. H. T. Foster, Inspector of Mines, was present, Mr. Weir representing the Northumberland Miners’ Association, Mr. Algernon Noble, manager of Broomhill Collieries Ltd., were present. The first witness called was Thomas Smith, who said he lived at Amble and was a miner. The deceased was his son and his name was John Smith. He was a miner, living at 31, Broomhill Street, Amble, aged 36 years, and worked at Broomhill Colliery. On Friday last, the 16th inst., about three o’clock he (witness) went into the colliery to his work, that was about 3.15. He went to No. 3 bottom seam and deceased was in the place when he went in. He was just finishing when he got in. He saw nothing happen him then, nor did he complain. On Friday night witness came home about half past nine, and hearing he was ill he went to his house and found him in bed. He could just speak, but he told him he had been bleeding at the mouth and that the bleeding broke away just as he had left the place in the pit about ten minutes after. The bleeding started in the mine. The deceased said he knew no reason for the bleeding, except that he had strained himself while coming over the machine…. The place is about 2ft. 4 in. high and the machine was set in the middle of the coal. The machine was about 18 inches high. The only difficulty in getting past was the amount of space between the roof and the machine. As a rule it could take about three or four minutes to take the machine down to get past. It is not advised to take the machine down for the water. In reply to Mr. Noble the witness stated that the deceased had not complained to him at all at the time of his meeting him in the pit. In reply to Mr. Weir he said the width of the place the deceased was working in was about four feet, deceased just got the pack put up. He had to come across about 14 inches….. Robert Wintrip said he was a miner at Amble working at the Broomhill Collieries. He was working in the next place to the deceased on April 16th. He went out with him from his shift. He went about half way and he appeared alright then. He did not say anything to him. James Tait, said he lived at Broomhill, and he was deputy overman at the colliery there. On the 16th inst. he visited him at 2.40 p.m. in the place and examined it and he seemed alright then. He last saw him at 3.20 when he left to go to the shaft. He was going out by. He was not bleeding when he left him. He was walking out in his usual way. Dr. Charles Loughridge said he was called to see the deceased between four and five o’clock at his house. He (witness) was there beforehand by about two minutes. He walked in with two men supporting him. He had him put to bed at once, and he examined him. He was not bleeding at the mouth when he saw him, but there was dried blood about the mouth. He was suffering from shock and had a very poor pulse. He had no external injury. He told him he was hurrying up bank after he had come out by, and he started bleeding at the mouth and had lost a lot of blood. He did not say anything about climbing over a machine. He had more bleeding on the morning of the 18th inst. that was from the lungs. He made a post mortem examination on the 19th inst. and he found the cause of the trouble was at the lungs, all the organs were healthy except the lungs. He found the right lung healthy, but on the apex of the left lung he found a large tuberculous nodule. The deceased had been suffering from phthisis. If the deceased was walking quickly in hurrying up a hill, or if he had strained himself climbing over a machine in his weak condition such like exertion would cause a rupture, in any event the bleeding did follow immediately upon the special exertion that would cause a rupture. When sudden bleeding occurs the rupture would follow at that moment, and simple hemorrhage brought rupture of the blood vessel. He did not consider the phthisis was far advanced. He thought there would be a loss of vitality after working a shift which might lead more readily to rupture as he walked up a bank. Robert Esmond Moyes said he attended the post mortem examination of the deceased, and he agreed with the last witness, Dr. Loughridge, as to the cause of death being hemorrhage of the lung through rupture of the blood vessel probably caused by strain. He thought bleeding would commence immediately after rupture of the blood vessel and the rupture would come immediately after the strain, but he also thought that the working of a shift by the deceased would produce a further condition of congestion which would be more likely to cause a rupture. David Arries said on the 16th inst. about 3.15, the deceased was following him out. He would be about four yards behind. They had to go up a fairly heavy hill about 200 yards. They would be walking up about three miles an hour. When they got clear of the shaft deceased said “look here,” and they saw he was badly bleeding at the mouth. They had then passed the hill by a couple of hundred yards. He assisted the deceased home. He did not bleed after they got to the shaft. Verdict: “That the said John Smith died at Amble on the 18th day of April, 1915 from hemorrhage of the left lung, which was tuberculously affected. Such hemorrhage being the result of over exertion through climbing a steep bank in the Broomhill Colliery, accelerated by his lower vitality after finishing a shift.”” |
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John George Stewart Died 7 May 1926 (accident 15 January 1926) |
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| Hewer, aged 26 years. | |
| At the 1911 census, John, born at New Hirst, is one of 4 children, living with their parents, John, a miner, and Margaret, in 7 Church Street, Amble. |
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Robert Dawson Stewart Died 15 February 1924 (accident 16 July 1923) |
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| Hewer, aged 47 years, of Broomhill
Street, Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 18 February. (Grave Plot 122 C) |
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| At the 1911 census, Robert, born at Hauxley, is living with his wife, Jemima, and 3 children, in 20 Church Street, Amble. |
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George Sidney Strutt Died 25 July 1939 |
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| Rolleyway Man, aged 57 years, of 23
Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 28 July. (Grave Plot BB 087) |
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| At the 1911 census, Sidney, born at Norfolk, is married to Dinah, and living with her parents, in South Broomhill. Morpeth Herald, 28 July 1939 “Sidney George Strutt (52), of 23 Hedgehope Terrace, East Chevington, employed as a rolly weighman at Broomhill Colliery, died in Alnwick Infirmary on Tuesday from injuries he had sustained at the colliery in the morning. The inquest was opened at Alnwick Infirmary on Tuesday night by Mr. J. W. Sylvester, Deputy Coroner for Northumberland, and adjourned. Evidence was given by deceased’s son, Henry Strutt, a shift worker at Broomhill Colliery. He said that he accompanied his father to the Infirmary and in conversation deceased said: “I did not expect the tubs coming away; I was lucky I was not killed.” His father had been employed at Broomhill Colliery for over 30 years, and had been idle only once – many years ago. He understood some tubs ran away and jammed deceased when he was working on the rails, and that he got a knock on the back, leg and back of the head.” Morpeth Herald, 4 August 1939 “At an Alnwick inquest on Tuesday on a Broomhill miner killed by runaway tubs, it was stated that instructions had been given to obviate the possibility of this in future. The inquest was conducted in Alnwick Courthouse by Coroner H. J. Percy, and was on Sydney George Strutt (57), rolleywayman at Broomhill Colliery, of 23, Hedgehope Terrace, East Chevington. There were present at the inquest: Mr. Jones (Mines Inspector); Mr. F. W. Hall (manager), Broomhill Colliery; Ald. W. A. Golightly, representing the Northumberland Miners’ Association. Strutt died in Alnwick Infirmary, on July 25th, following injuries received earlier the same day in Broomhill Colliery. The Coroner told the jury that it appeared that about 4 a.m. deceased was following his occupation as a rolleywayman. He was in charge of a section of underground line on which tubs were operating. For some reason or another, not abundantly clear at the moment, a set of tubs on a higher level began to move and run down the incline to where deceased was standing, caught him and knocked him down, severely injuring him. Mr. Percy read the report of the workers’ representatives, which stated that they had examined the district where the accident had occurred and they were of the opinion that the accident appeared to be purely accidental. A doctor’s report stated that death was the result of shock following haemorrhage and in general, internal injuries. Andrew Robinson, 2, Simonside Terrace, Chevington Drift, deputy-overman, gave evidence that at 2.30 a.m. on July 25th he descended the pit. Deceased went down with him. They proceeded to the main seam where witness made his examination. Strutt came back and ran the main set. Witness then saw the men in at 3 o’clock, then went to the conveyor. He joined Strutt at the bottom seam, about 3.30. Witness was helping him in his work, that of lowering the tubs down the incline. They were full tubs and they were making up a set. They would be doing this for about 20 minutes before the accident happened. “One set was made up and it was run out bye, and was on the move. I was standing watching them, against the bell-push. I was going to stop a set on the way in to get some timber to the conveyor. Deceased was standing close by me until the set went away in the out bye direction.” “Strutt then went away to change a rope. Some tubs ran away; they had been standing two or three yards away. There were three tubs, coupled together.” Coroner: What is your practice of securing these tubs do not run amok? – Witness: By putting drags in the wheels. Were these drags in on this day? – Yes. Mr. Percy: How did these tubs move with the drags in the wheels? – They might have been caught by the rope, and dragged with locked wheels. Robinson added that Strutt was standing with his back to the runaway tubs. With the noise of the set going out bye he would never hear them. The oncoming tubs were on him before witness could shout, and they knocked him sideways. They were eventually stopped by one of the tubs falling over. Witness gave Strutt immediate first aid. Coroner: Can you suggest anything, in the light of this tragedy, to get rid of a potential danger such as this happening again? Witness replied that the use of a chock might be effective. Robinson agreed with the Mines Inspector that there were chocks on the landing, and agreed that had these tubs been stopped on the in bye side of the chock, and the chock closed, the accident could not have happened. Mr. Jones: whose duty would it have been on that occasion to do that? Witness: I could not say. Robinson said that ordinarily empty and half-full tubs were left behind the chock. He would see in future that no tubs were left in the out bye side of the chock. If that had been done on this day deceased would have been alive. Addressing the jury, the Coroner remarked that they would appreciate that deceased was a skilled man at this particular work. “It is perfectly obvious what has happened, and owing to the noise and clatter going on he did not hear or get any warning, which would have otherwise enabled him to jump clear.” “Never dreaming for one moment of this oncoming danger to which his back was turned, the first knowledge he would have of these tubs coming down would be when they struck him. We have heard to our satisfaction that strict orders will be given in the working of the colliery in the future that this danger, which could have been obviated had these tubs been stopped on the in bye side of the chock, that that will be strictly observed in the future. Out of this very sad and unnecessary tragedy that will come.” A verdict was returned that Strutt died at Alnwick Infirmary on July 25th, the cause of death being multiple bodily injuries sustained earlier the same day whilst deceased was at work in Broomhill Colliery as a rolleywayman, owing to him having been accidentally struck and knocked down by a tub which had become entangled with a moving rope.” |
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James Swanson Died 18 October 1915 (accident 8 October 1915) |
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| Water Leader, aged 15 years of West
Chevington. Buried Chevington Cemetery 23 October. (Grave Plot E 113) |
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| At the 1911 census, James, born in Amble, is living at East Parade, West Chevington, with his parents, James Thomas, coal miner, and Mary Ellen. He is the oldest of five children. Newcastle Journal, 22 October 1915 “At the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, last night, an inquest was held by Mr Alfred Appleby, City Coroner, respecting the death of James Swanson (15), of Chevington Drift, a water-leader at Chevington Drift Colliery, who died in the institution on Sunday. – The evidence showed that on October 8th, Swanson, along with two other lads, went down the cement steps leading to the pit. He fell and hurt his knee. Three days later the leg began to swell, and gradually got worse until it became inflamed up to the thigh. He was removed to Newcastle Infirmary on Saturday last. – Dr Johnston, of the Infirmary, stated that death was due to acute blood poisoning, set up by inflammation of the lower part of the left thigh-bone. The accident was the predisposing cause of the ultimate condition. – A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.” |
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Thomas Spowart Swinney Died 14 December 1930 |
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| Aged 37 years, of Six Cottages,
North Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 17 December. (Grave Plot A 321) |
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| At the 1911 census, Thomas, born at Scremerston, is one of 4 children. Living with their parents, John, a miner, and Elizabeth, in Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. Thomas married Isabella Laidler in 1921. |
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George Tate Died 12 May 1897 (accident 8 May 1897) |
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| Hewer, aged 28 years, of Togston
Crescent. Buried East Cemetery, Amble, 14 May. (Grave Plot O80) |
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| At the 1891 census, George, born at Barrington, is married and living in 26 Coquet Street, Amble, with his wife, Harriet and 2 children. At his death he left four children. |
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Francis William Tait Died 25 June 1894 |
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| Hewer, aged 28 years, of
Amble, husband of Margaret Ann. Buried at St John the Divine, Chevington, 28 June (grave) |
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| At the 1891 census, Francis William, born at Hartburn, is living with his parents, Robert, a labourer, and Jane, at South Broomhill. He is one of four children. Morpeth Herald, 30 June 1894 “On Monday last an accident occurred at Broomhill by which a young man named William Tait, resident at Amble, lost his life. It appears that while the carriages used to convey the Amble men to and from Broomhill Colliery were being put in readiness the unfortunate man attempted to get on (while still in motion), stumbled over a switch, and was thrown under the carriage, both wheels passing over his legs. He was picked up in a shocking mutilated condition, and first aid remedies were vigorously applied. Dr McNicoll was soon on the spot, and the unfortunate man was conveyed to his home, where he died shortly afterwards. Deceased leaves a young widow, but no family. An inquest was held on Wednesday, when a verdict of accidental death was returned.” |
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Edward Taylor Died 9 April 1885 (accident 30 March 1885) |
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| Driver, aged 14 years, of South
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington 11 April. |
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| At the 1881 census Edward, born in Ellingham, is the oldest of 5 children, living with their parents, Edward, an agricultural labourer, and Margaret, at Low Acton, Felton. In 1891, the family are living at Hauxley where a child, born in the year of Edward’s death, has been given his name. Morpeth Herald, 18 April 1885 “On Saturday, an inquest was held at Broomhill, before Mr George E. Watson, coroner for North Northumberland, on the body of Edward Taylor, 14 years of age, a driver at Broomhill Pit. According to the evidence adduced, Taylor, on the 30th last month, was driving six tubs in the pit. John Henderson and Thomas Griffiths heard a shout, and going up, found the deceased between the tubs, which were off the way, on the wall side. The deceased’s right foot was fast. He was got out and taken home, where he died on the 9th inst., in consequence of injuries received. Verdict accordingly.” |
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Thomas Taylor Died 14 April 1946 |
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| Shifter, aged 63 years of Red Row. Buried Chevington Cemetery 17 April. (Grave Plot B 254) |
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| At the 1911 census, Thomas, newly married, is living at 44 Swarland Terrace. He is a colliery labourer, born at Broomhill. Morpeth Herald, 19 April 1946 “Mr Hugh J Percy, Coroner, held an inquest at Amble on Tuesday on Thomas Taylor (63), colliery shifter, and brother of the M.P. for Morpeth. He returned a verdict of death from multiple head injuries sustained by deceased through an accidental fall of stone from the roof whilst he was engaged as a shifter at Broomhill Colliery. James Robert Taylor, of 165 Sudbury Heights Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex, hairdresser, son of deceased, stated that his father had worked at Broomhill Colliery all his life. He lived at 42, Swarland Terrace, Red Row, Morpeth. He last saw him in December, when he was in good health. His hearing and eyesight were good. Ernest Albert Alsop, colliery gangman, of Swarland Terrace, Red Row, gave evidence that on Sunday last he commenced work at Broomhill Colliery at 6 a.m. and was working with Thos. Taylor and others clearing up a fall of stone and putting more timber towards the roof to strengthen it. There was an iron girder across the roof and Thos. Taylor was putting a pit prop against it at one end. When he was hammering the prop into position a stone slipped from the roof and pushed the girder out of position. Two big stones fell from the roof, struck Taylor on the head and knocked him down. Witness assisted to get him out. He was seriously injured and died immediately after being released. He was not aware that the stones that fell were loose. If the girder had not swung out of position Taylor would have been all right. He thought it must have been the hammering that caused the girder to swing. The girder looked quite fixed and safe and they were thinking of making it safer. Evidence was also given by George Swan, of 78 Station Road, Broomhill, an overman at Broomhill Colliery, who said that on Sunday Thos. Taylor, James Thompson, Ernest Alsop and others were working clearing stone away and he was directing the work. The stone that fell on Taylor broke into two pieces and one piece pinned his head to the floor. He released deceased within one minute and with assistance carried him back for a short distance, out of further danger. He never spoke. He had severe injuries to his head and face and must have been killed instantly.” |
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George Thompson Died 5 December 1927 |
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| Landing Lad, aged 20 years, of
Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 8 December, “killed at Broomhill Colliery.” (Grave Plot 336 C) |
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| At the 1911 census, George, born at Radcliffe, is one of 3 children, living with their parents, James, an engineman, and Nelly, in Stable Row, Radcliffe. |
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George Thompson Died 7 June 1932 (accident 24 May 1932) |
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| Filler, aged 32 years, of 56
Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 11 June. (Grave Plot D 058) |
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| At the 1911 census, George, born at Ashington, is one of 6 children, living with their parents, Edward, a miner, and Sarah, in 18 Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. |
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John George Tinkler Died 10 October 1904 (accident 18 March 1904) |
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| Deputy Overman, aged 62 years of
North Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington 12 October. “Certified under the Burial Act by John D Tinkler, of North Broomhill.” |
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| At the 1901 census, John is a deputy-overman, born in Denbighshire and living at North Broomhill with his wife and three children. Morpeth Herald, 15 October 1904 “An inquest was held in the Broomhill Hotel, on the body of John George Tinkler, a miner, of Broomhill, by Dr Burman, Deputy Coroner for North Northumberland. John Tinkler said he was a miner, residing at 91, North Broomhill. The deceased was his father. He was 62 years of age. He was a deputy-overman at Broomhill Colliery. On the 18th of March, 1904, his father told him when he came home, about 5.30, that he had happened an accident. Some coal and stone had fallen on his shoulders and hip. The right hip was marked. It prevented him going to his work the next day. He began work on the 21st, and continued till the 25th April. During that time he complained of his injuries, but was able to go to his work. On the 25th April he stopped work. He was examined by Dr Gunn, of Widdrington who ordered him to his bed. He had consulted no one previous to that. About five weeks after this date he was taken to Newcastle Infirmary. He was there five weeks, but was not operated on. He returned home, and had been confined to bed up to the time of his death, on the 10th of the present month. He never attributed the fall of coal and stone which caused his injury to anyone’s fault. It was while he was carrying out his duties of deputy-overman that the accident happened. He never complained of insufficient timber. He was timbering when it happened. Thomas Charlton, a miner, living at Railway Row, Broomhill, said he could remember the 18th March. He was working beside the deceased. This would be about 10.45 in the morning. He complained of some stone falling on his back. He finished his shift, after complaining. He was back to work in a few days, and he told witness the injury was still paining him. He was able to go on with his work all that time, but he often complained to witness. By the Inspector of Mines: He was about four yards off when the stone fell. James Lillico said he was a back-overman, at Broomhill Colliery, residing at 90, North Broomhill. Deceased reported on the 18th of March, 1904, about 5 o’clock, when he came out from his work, that he had happened a slight accident, and said it was due to a fall of stone and coal. He said it hurt him on his hip. He walked lame that night. He was off work one day and the Sunday following, but resumed work on the Monday. He always complained, but he worked for a considerable time after the accident. The reason he gave for the accident was when he was changing timber the fall occurred. It was deceased’s duty to report an insufficiency of timber, and he did not report any insufficiency. Because the man said it was a slight accident, witness did not think it necessary to examine the place. Frank Walter Gunn, medical practitioner at Widdrington, said he had been attending the deceased for some time. He complained of a fall of stone or coal on his hip bone. Witness found marks of injury, and swelling developed and severe sciatica. Finally a malignant growth of the pelvis developed, caused by the injury, and he died of exhaustion due to the growth, on the 10th October. The jury returned a verdict that death was due to injuries received.” |
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George Trobe Died 2 January 1946 |
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| Filler aged 30 years of 12 Newburgh
Row, Radcliffe. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 5 January. (Grave Plot 220 A) |
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| Morpeth Herald, 4 January 1946. “George Trobe, a filler aged about 30, of Newburgh Row, Radcliffe, was killed by a fall of stone at Broomhill Colliery, on Wednesday night.” |
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Robert Tully Died 24 February 1891 |
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| Driver, aged 14 years, of Church
Street, Amble. Buried East Cemetery, Amble, 27 February. (Grave Plot H24) |
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| At the 1881 census, Robert is at school, son of John, an agricultural labourer, and Elizabeth, living at Walker’s Buildings, Amble, one of six children and born in North Seaton. At the 1891 census, shortly after Robert’s death, the family are at 17 Byron Street. John and three of his sons are miners. Morpeth Herald, 28 February 1891. “On Tuesday last a fatal accident occurred at Broomhill colliery by which a boy named Robert Tully, aged 14, whose parents reside at Amble, was accidentally killed. It appears that in his capacity of driving sets of tubs from the landing to the flat, he by some means got between the coal wall and the full tubs, and was severely crushed. Drs Smyth and Dow were in readiness to render aid, but their efforts were of no avail, as the spark of life had fled. At the inquest which was held on the body on Wednesday, a verdict of accidental death was returned.” |
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James Turnbull Died 1 June 1928 (accident 23 May 1928) |
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| Shaft Policeman, aged 28 years, of
12 Swarland Terrace, Red Row. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 3 June. (Grave Plot F 093) |
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| At the 1911 census, James, born at Chevington, is living with his parents, Charles, a miner, and Isabella, in 12 Swarland Terrace, Red Row. |
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John Turnbull Died 3 May 1905 |
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| Putter, aged 18 years, of Chevington
Drift. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 7 May. “Certified under Burials Act by John Turnbull of Chevington Drift.” |
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| At the 1901 census, John is living with his parents, William, a coal miner, and Mary Jane, with 8 siblings, at Swarland Terrace. Morpeth Herald, 6 May 1905. “A miner named John Turnbull, 18 years of age, employed at Chevington Drift, Acklington, died on Thursday morning, at Newcastle Infirmary, from injuries received last month. He had been run over by a waggon which crushed one of his legs, rendering amputation necessary.” |
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Joseph Waugh Died 16 December 1936 (accident 6 December 1936) |
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| Shifter, aged 62 years, of 14
Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 19 December. (Grave Plot C 060) |
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| At the 1911 census, Joseph, born at Amble, is a widower, living with his 5 children, in Hedgehope Terrace, Chevington Drift. |
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John Lewis White Died 30 April 1918 (accident 1 October 1909) |
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| Hewer, aged 41 years, of 24 Swarland
Terrace, Red Row. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 3 May. (Grave Plot C 053) |
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| At the 1911 census, John, born Tudhoe, Co. Durham, is living with his wife, Jane, and 4 children, at 24 Swarland Terrace, Red Row. Alnwick and County Gazette, 4 May 1918 Mr Hugh J. Percy, deputy coroner for North Northumberland, held an enquiry at East Chevington on Tuesday evening into the circumstances attending the death of John Lewis White, 41 years of age, a miner. The deceased sustained an injury to his spine while following his employment at Broomhill Colliery, on October 1 1909. A fall of stone came away and crushed him under it. He died on April 30th from exhaustion consequent upon a fractured spine. The jury found a verdict that death was due to exhaustion, the result of injuries accidentally received.” |
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George Wight Died December 1927 |
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| Aged 69 years, of 12 Henderson
Street, Amble. Buried West Cemetery, Amble, 2 December. (Grave Plot 42 F) |
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| At the 1926 Electoral Register, George is living at 12 Henderson Street, Amble. |
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William Wilkinson Died 29 December 1928 (accident 27 December) |
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| Blacksmith, aged 51 years, of East
View, Togston. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 2 January 1929. (Grave Plot F 078) |
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| At the 1911 census, William, born at Wylam, is living with his wife, Sarah, and a young son, at East View, Togston Terrace. |
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Edward Wilson Died 4 September 1902 (accident 31 July 1897) |
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| Aged 48 years, of South
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 7 September. |
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| At the 1901 census. Edward, born at Belford, is living with his wife, Jane, and their 6 children, at South Broomhill. Morpeth Herald, 29 January 1898 “On Friday night, Jan. 7th, a grand benefit ball was held in the Co-operative Hall, Broomhill Colliery, in aid of Mr E. Wilson, of South Broomhill, who met with an accident while following his employment at Broomhill Colliery, some twenty four weeks ago. Mr Wilson, who has a large family, will no doubt be in need of help financially. The ball was a great success, the sum of £14 being raised, which was handed over to Mr Wilson. Mrs Wilson and the committee thank the people of the district for their patronage, together with the committee of the Broomhill Co-operative Society, who granted the use of the hall, and the Broomhill Orchestral Society, who gave their services gratuitously.” |
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John Wilson Died 20 September 1913 (accident 27 August 1907) |
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| Hewer, aged 65 years, of Hadston
Row, South Broomhill. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 23 September. (Grave Plot E 194) |
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| At the 1911 census, John, born at Lesbury, is living with his wife, Elizabeth, at South Broomhill. He is a retired coal miner. |
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Joseph Wilson Died 27 November 1864 (accident 21 November 1864) |
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| Hewer, aged 39 years, of Broomhill.
Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 29 November. |
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| At the 1861 census, Joseph, born in Brunton, is living with his wife Ann and 4 children, at 121 Cross Row West Side, Radcliffe. Morpeth Herald, 3 December 1864 “On Tuesday an inquest was held at the house of Mr Thomas Gee, Broomhill Hotel, in the parish of Warkworth, before Mr J. J. Hardy, coroner, on the body of Joseph Wilson, aged 39 years, pitman, employed at Broomhill Colliery. Deceased while attending to the engine at that place, on Monday, the 21st ult., was using an iron crowbar, and by some means got his leg broken, no other person being present. He had his leg set, and was attended by the colliery surgeon, but he gradually sank, and died on the Monday following from the effects of the accident. The inquiry was adjourned to Tuesday, the 6th December, in order that the usual statutory order might be sent to the Government Inspector of Mines.” Newcastle Journal, 8 December 1864 “An adjourned inquest, before John Jas. Hardy, Esq., Coroner, on the body of Joseph Wilson, aged 39 years, coal hewer, was held on Tuesday, at the Broomhill Hotel, Warkworth. Deceased attended to the fire of an engine, and when found, was lying on his face, with his left leg entangled with the machinery, and broken. Deceased himself stated before his death that “he was putting in the bar to set the bar engine away, when a piece of scar accidentally caught his leg, and caused the injuries.” Deceased survived the accident about a week. Verdict accordingly.” |
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Andrew Wright Died 23 September 1940 |
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| Coal Cutter, aged 30 years, born at
East Chevington, of 26 Hartside, Chevington Drift. Buried Chevington Cemetery, 26 September. (Grave Plot BB 142) |
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| At the 1911 census, Andrew, born at East Chevington, is one of 7 children, living with their parents, William, a dairyman, and Thomasina, in the Cottages, East Chevington Farm. |
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Isaac Douglas Wright Died 14 January 1894 (accident 8 January 1894) |
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| Cartman, aged 52 years, of North
Broomhill. Buried St John the Divine, Chevington, 16 January . |
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| At the 1891 census, Isaac is a general labourer, living with his wife, Mary Ann and two children. He was born at Chevington Woodside. |
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