Rotherham Main Colliery Disaster, Canklow
Four men died and several received serious injuries as a result of an accident at Rotherham Main Colliery, Canklow, Rotherham on Tuesday 7th July, 1891.
This was a new colliery in the process of sinking by Messrs. John Brown & Co. The work had reached a depth of 100 yards and it was here the accident occurred just before midnight.
The men were engaged in bricking the sides about 80 yards from the surface, and the platform from which they were working was suspended from the top of the shaft by four stout chains, fastened in turn to stout beams of timber, one of which broke in the middle.
One side of this scaffold gave way and the men fell into 10 to 12 feet of water, some 20 yards below the platform.
There were 8 men at work and four were killed.
The officials descended to rescue the injured and recover the dead. The colliery manager Isaac Ford from Canklow and Dr. Alfred Robinson of Moorgate were sent for.
William Scattergood¹ was found in the bucket, in falling he grasped a chain and by swinging contrived to reach the bucket. He received contusions and shock
Robert Drabble² had a remarkable escape; in falling his clothes caught on a hook, which tore through his trousers until it reached his boot, by which he was suspended until help arrived.
Wilfred Beasley suffered a fractured thigh and skull and George Lovely had a scalp wound. They both caught hold of some timber and kept themselves afloat.
Those who died all resided in Rotherham:
- George Greenaway, 37 married with 2 children
- William Dack, 40, married with family
- Samuel Jackson, married with family
- Joseph Sampsey aged 34
In September 1891, the Queen conferred the Albert Medal of the 'Second Class' upon Ambrose Clarke, foreman sinker, and Robert Drabble, sinker, in recognition of gallantry displayed by them on the occasion of the accident which occurred at Rotherham Main Colliery on 7th July.
Source: Leeds Mercury
- In 1881 William Scattergood, from Overseal, Leicestershire , his wife Martha M. and 3 children were living at 9 Wood Lane, Treeton. In 1891, he was described as a Well Sinker living at Back Lane, Treeton.
- In 1881 Robert Drabble, originally from Darnall, his wife Caroline and 9 children were living at 163 Walter Road, Swinton
