Forest of Dean FHT Forum

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As mentioned in another posting, the Forest of Dean Local History Society has just launched a CD as part of a project, funded by a Local Heritage Initiative grant, to commemorate miners involved in fatal accidents in Forest of Dean mines and quarries (see our website www.forestofdeanhistory.org.uk).

A final part of the project is to produce leather-bound books containing all the names of victims, which will be placed in local libraries. As the Society is anxious to have as few omissions as possible, we wondered if anyone who knows one of their relatives died in such an accident could make contact, so that the name can be checked aginst existing records. This way, if the names are not there, they could be included in the books, even if it is too late for the CD.

2550 views

Hi
I`d like to buy one of those CDs. Are the available now and how do I go about buying it
Sylvia

1975 views

Yes, the CDs are available now. If you want to order one and live in the UK, go to the Forest of Dean Local History website and I think you can download an order form.
If you live abroad, then contact the Webmaster and I'm sure he will pass on your request.

1995 views

Hi Biddy,

My mother found a copy of the newspaper regarding the death of my
great-grandfather.

_____
Death of William Alfred (Frederick) Hill , the collier in Bream
(Princess Royal).
The article says he died November 14, 1936.
The 1936 comes from reading different bits that are on the back page of
the news paper clipping.
_____

Does anyone know of any books about the mining at the Princess Royal?
Would there be any articles or write-ups about the men who worked in
the coal mines in the Forest of Dean. Did the mining company keep a
list of all the employees who died working in the mines?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

2080 views

Hi Rachel

Yes, you got the year quite right. As I expect the article says, we have recorded your great grandfather's death in Gloucester Hospital on November 14th, after dislocating his hip on the coal conveyor on November 5th 1936.

I'm afraid the mines aren't really my speciality, although we have some very knowledgeable members in the Society! However, I do know there are various books on the subject - and they'll almost certainly include something on the Princess Royal. I just put the name in my browser and came up with several.

As you may know, the Society has been actively involved in campaigning to save the pithead baths at the Princess Royal - not, I hasten to add, because of architectural merit (!) - but as part of the Forest's heritage. One of our members has written an article on the mine's history, which should be published in next year's journal.

As for mine deaths, there were, of course, official records, but these have tended to get scattered. It has taken years of research to put together our current list, but, as I mentioned, even then some 'new' cases are still emerging.

If you're really interested in the Princess Royal, the grandfather of one of my friends also worked there, so I'll ask if he's got any more information.

Biddy

1958 views

Dear Biddy,

Thank you for the offer of interviewing your friend's grandfather about the Princess Royal and my great grandfather Hill. I look forward to anything that comes up in conversation.

1993 views

Rachel

I'm pretty sure my friend's grandfather kept a diary (which I'd love to get my hands on!), so as your great grandfather was Deputy at the colliery, if they were there at the same time, there may even be some reference to him. Just have to wait and see.

Biddy

1954 views

Hi Biddy

Am I too late for this-

My great grandfather Evan George Howell b 1874, died 26/4/1913. His death was as a result of a fall of part of the roof at the Flour Mill Colliery on 14/8/1912. A piece of the roof struck him and he was paralyzed until his death 8 months later.

Sadly his wife had died of TB the evening before the accident!

Thanks

Simone

2038 views

Hi Simone

Glad to say we've already listed your great grandfather on the CD, so he will definitely be in the Roll of Honour books. What a sad story - but it explains the accident report ... it was hardly surprising his mind was not on the job.
I was going to ask whether they had young children, but given your relationship I guess it would have been a silly question!!

Biddy

1973 views

Thank you Biddy

Yes, Evan and Elizabeth had 8 children, the first two Elizabeth and Galdys, were Elizabeth's before marriage. Sadly Gladys died age 7 in 1903 of measles.
My grandmother Annie was Evan and Elizabeth's first child together, followed by
Sarah - died in Muller orphanage, Bristol, age 19
George - survived but never married
William - survived but never married
Arthur - died aged 21
Raymond - died aged 2, just 2 weeks before Evan.
Evan made arrangements for placement of children before his death.

I always thought it was just a story that Elizabeth had died the day before Evan had his accident, but found it to be true from death certs.
My grandmother Annie was 14 when her father died.

My grandmother's half sister Elizabeth was asked to take some of the children, as she was married, but it is said she refused. Perhaps she couldn't.

I managed to get a copy of the file from the orphangae, it makes grim reading. Apparantly Evan paid for a neighbour to look after the children in the months before his death. The letters say it was 'a most unsatisfactory arrangement, the children are poorly neglected'

My grandmother did not go to the orphanage. She was placed in service we believe, and her brother George went to live with a man who took him as sort of apprentice I suppose, although he was only 12.

My grandmother was the only child of theirs (apart from half sister Elizabeth) to have married and have children. Sadly she died age 39 of Kidney disease.

People have said to me 'why did he go to work the day after his wife died?' but I suppose with all those children to support he probably had to.
Thanks again

Simone

2087 views

Looking for information relating to a mine accident involving Hubert Alfred MERRETT b 1877 Bilson Green, died Autumn 1936.
His death was as an "indirect" result of a fall of part of the roof at Lightmoor 1934- ish.
He suffered a fractured skull, survived, left the colliery , worked on the GWR for a short while before his death in Cinderford.

1996 views

Slowhands

Must admit to growing respect for Dave's research. Thought this might have been one we'd missed, but Hubert is there ... aged 59, date of death 17th July 1936. The report mentions his injuries, but not how he acquired them - though I suspect an incident in 1933.

Biddy

1992 views

Biddy

Thank you that confirms some pieces, I'll plug away to tie the loose ends back in.

many thanks
S

1973 views

Hi again Biddy

Do you know if my great uncle Octavious Frowen is mentioned. I think he died in 1930, aged 40, as a result of breaking his back down the mine. I think he was paralyzed for a few years before he died.
Thanks

Simone

1993 views

Hi Simone

No, I haven't found him. Do you know which mine the accident took place in?

Biddy

1975 views

Hi Biddy

no I don't know I'm afraid- I have an Aunt who may remember, I'll ask her.
Failing that I thought maybe his death cert may mention it, if I send for it. The one I got for Evan Howell mentioned his accident, so maybe this one will also.

Simone x

1962 views

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