The Hartley Mining Disaster 1862

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The memorial at Earsdon church
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In 1862, a pit disaster occurred which devastated the Northumberland mining community of New Hartley. 199 men were killed at the Hester Pit when a metal pumping beam broke and fell down the only shaft trapping the men and boys below. These were the days when boys worked underground.
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This tragedy resulted in legislation which banned one-shaft mines.
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