MineArchiveClandown Colliery Gunpowder Explosion (1868)
| Date | 27 November 1868 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Clandown Colliery |
| Region | Somerset |
| Type | Explosion |
| Fatalities | 2 (William Carter (30) and David Millard (20), both colliers, died of their injuries on 10 and 14 December 1868 respectively.) |
| Context | During active mining |
| Status | Researched |
Two colliers were fatally injured by a gunpowder explosion caused by misusing blasting powder meant only for the roof, on coal itself.
Cause
The men used gunpowder to blast coal, though it had been supplied to them only for blasting top (roof) material -- an official finding stated plainly that they were not justified in using it that way.
What happened
On 27 November 1868, colliers William Carter, 30, and David Millard, 20, were severely injured by a gunpowder explosion at Clandown Colliery. Carter died of his injuries on 10 December, and Millard on 14 December. The official finding recorded that the two men were not justified in using gunpowder in coal at all -- it had been supplied to them specifically to blast top (roof material) with, not the coal seam itself.
Investigation & inquiry
The incident is recorded in the 1868 Mines Inspector's Report for the South Western District, by Lionel Brough, HM Inspector of Mines.
Recorded claims
Individual factual claims, each attached to the source(s) that support it below. Where sources disagree, both are kept.
- On 27 November 1868, colliers William Carter (30) and David Millard (20) were fatally injured by a gunpowder explosion, dying on 10 and 14 December respectively; an official finding held that they were not justified in using gunpowder on coal, since it had been supplied to them only to blast roof material with. 1,2
Related terminology
Mining terms this disaster is structurally linked to, with the nature of the relationship.
- Coal (contextual relationship)
Named 3 times in this record, first in the summary: “…caused by misusing blasting powder meant only for the roof, on coal itself.” - Colliery (contextual relationship)
Named in this record’s narrative: “…20, were severely injured by a gunpowder explosion at Clandown Colliery. Carter died of his injuries on 10 December, and Millard on 14…” - Shot-firing (contextual relationship)
Named twice in this record, first in the summary: “…were fatally injured by a gunpowder explosion caused by misusing blasting powder meant only for the roof, on coal itself.”
Sources
- (secondary) Clandown Colliery (Durham Mining Museum) — Durham Mining Museum
- (secondary) Fatal Accidents at Clandown Colliery (Durham Mining Museum) — Durham Mining Museum
Record created: 31 August 2026 · Last researched: 31 August 2026