Home / Disasters and Accidents / Miners Honored: Memorial Unveiled for 199 Victims
Miners Honored: Memorial Unveiled for 199 Victims
5 Jul
Summary
- A memorial wheel honors 199 victims of mining disasters.
- The 1893 Combs Pit explosion claimed 139 lives, many from one village.
- A memorial plaque lists names from incidents between 1870 and 1972.
A poignant memorial has been dedicated to 199 individuals who perished in mining disasters at Thornhill Colliery, near Dewsbury. The memorial wheel and an information plaque bear the names of victims from incidents occurring between 1870 and 1972.
The unveiling event highlighted two significant tragedies: the 1893 Combs Pit explosion, which resulted in 139 fatalities, and a 1947 incident at Ings Pit that claimed 12 lives. The 1893 disaster deeply affected Thornhill village, with multiple family members lost in the single event.
Organized by the Thornhill Community Mining Memorial Group, the project was driven by dedicated volunteers. The dedication ceremony included a service led by St Michael and All Angels Church and the Bishop of Huddersfield, reflecting on the historical significance and enduring impact of the mining past.
