William Pit Disaster

rlk4381 · Posts: 1 Points: 3 Reputation: 0 Join date: 2009-12-18

I'm currently researching my family history and I have found out that my great uncle Andrew Agnew was killed in the 1947 William Pit Disaster. Does anyone know how I can find out more about the mine and the people who worked there?

Thanks

Rachel

Geoff E · Subject: Re: William Pit Disaster Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:29 am

Hi rlk4381 and welcome? Smile

I can think of nothing better than http://www.hayloft.eu/104%20Men.html

and, if you haven't already seen this page, then you ought to http://www.dmm.org.uk/names/n1947-02.htm

HavenWarrior · Posts: 38 Points: 61 Reputation: 1 Join date: 2009-09-01

rlk4381 wrote:

I'm currently researching my family history and I have found out that my great uncle Andrew Agnew was killed in the 1947 William Pit Disaster. Does anyone know how I can find out more about the mine and the people who worked there?

Thanks

Rachel

If you are thinking of buying the book, dont pay the £17 they are after. I have a brand new copy sitting here, its yours for £10 ( if you local, postage extra if you not).

HW

kellslad · Subject: Re: William Pit Disaster Sun Dec 20, 2009 2:08 pm

rlk4381 wrote:

I'm currently researching my family history and I have found out that my great uncle Andrew Agnew was killed in the 1947 William Pit Disaster. Does anyone know how I can find out more about the mine and the people who worked there?

Thanks

Rachel

Rachel there is no need to buy a book for the infomation you want, just go on the Durham Mining Museum site, http://www.dmm.org.uk/mindex htm, look up disasters 1947 and you can read the mines inspectors report on the disaster for free,
Andrew Agnew 36yrs
17 Todhunters Buildings
Queen Street
Whitehaven
Married two children,

Amanda · Posts: 75 Points: 106 Reputation: 0 Join date: 2009-09-11

Rachel - he was survived by two children - he'd lost a little girl when she was 3 -you can read a little bit more about him under the McAllister chapters as his wife was the former Bridget McAllister, who not only lost her husband but her Dad and brother. Andrew Agnew's sons still live around the town, and I am in touch with the former Doreen McAllister, Bridget's youngest sister if you need any familial links.

Ray Devlin wrote a great book on the history of the pit called The Most Dangerous Pit in the Kingdom, which is still in print.

BBC Radio Cumbria also has a section of their website honouring the disaster victims that incldude interviews with descendants and rescuers.

Cumbria County Archives also has a vast file of info and newspaper reports about the disaster

Amanda