Next Tuesday marks the 189th anniversary of Workington’s most significant industrial tragedy, writes Patrick Robertson.
On July 28 1837, the sea broke into the Isabella, Union, and Lady pits at Workington Colliery, claiming 28 lives and several pit ponies.
It remains a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Cumbria’s mining communities and the families forever changed.
Across their working life, these pits would claim over 67 lives, some of them children as young as nine years old
On that evening in 1837, Workington Colliery was overwhelmed when the sea burst into the workings, flooding the pits to the surface in little more than an hour.
The main band seam had been driven 1,500 yards beneath the sea, rising dangerously close to the seabed where only 7.3 metres of solid cover remained.
Much of what was believed to be protective strata was shale, and extensive pillar-robbing had further weakened the ground.
Warnings had circulated widely. Miners spoke openly of the risk; some refused to work. Concerns were raised with overseer Mr Dunn, who sought outside advice.
A northern coal owner wrote to Mr Curwen, the colliery proprietor, urging action. No steps were taken before the roof gave way and the sea broke in.
The inundation struck at the shift change, preventing even greater loss of life, yet 28 men and boys, along with 28 horses, perished.
Survivors described a sudden coldness, violent air movement, and a powerful wind rushing up the inclined plane as they escaped.
One man, Bland, attempting to descend to help others, was blown back by the force of the air.
The breakthrough point lay between Salterbeck and Harrington, one-and-a-half miles from the shaft and 40 to 50 yards below low-water mark.
By 10.30pm all three pits were full. A vessel passing over the site the next day reported a large, discoloured patch of water, suggesting an opening an acre across.
Those who lost their lives
Thomas Green; Robert Green; Thomas Green (grandson); John Magree; John Mulligan; Robert Mulligan; Richard Craney; Daniel Frill; George M’Kitte; Thomas Ditchburn; Joseph Sharp; Hugh Cain; William Hayton; Jeremiah Murrow; William Wilkinson; James Gambles; Thomas Allison; Thomas Johnstone; Philip Dobson; Thomas Huids; John Sides; Jonathan Brough; John Brough; William Stubbs; John Young;Mountjoy (boy); Martin Darling (boy).
A mining memorial is long overdue, historically justified, and strongly supported by heritage partners.
It will honour Workington’s mining families, preserve local identity, and enhance the town’s cultural landscape. The 1837 disaster remains Workington’s most significant industrial tragedy.
