Human cost of Barnsley mining disaster told in new exhibition
Opening at Experience Barnsley on Wednesday, the ‘When the Oaks Fired’ exhibition includes stories from survivors, rescuers, widows and children whose lives were changed forever by the 1866 Oaks Colliery Disaster at Hoyle Mill, Barnsley.
At the time, the death toll was reported as 361 but research coordinated by the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP) since has revealed the names of 383 men and boys who perished.
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Hide AdOnly six people survived when methane gas was ignited and caused a huge underground explosion on December 12, 1866.
A second explosion the next day killed 27 volunteer rescuers.
Stephen Miller, community officer at the DVLP, said: “Volunteer researchers have spent thousands of hours revealing the details of the victims’ lives. Through their skill and hard work we’ve been able to tell the story of the disaster from a completely new perspective.
“For the 150th anniversary their research stands out as fitting memorial.”
The exhibition will run until February 8 next year.