MineArchiveFeatherstone Main Colliery explosion, 1871
On 14 October 1871 an explosion of gas killed two colliers at Featherstone Main Colliery, near Pontefract in the West Riding.
| Date | 14 October 1871 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Featherstone Main Colliery |
| Region | West Yorkshire |
| Type | Explosion |
| Fatalities | 2 (George Reynolds (51) and James Pitchforth (19), colliers.) |
| Context | During active mining |
Cause
An explosion of gas in the workings.
What happened
George Reynolds, aged 51, and James Pitchforth, aged 19, both colliers, were killed by an explosion of gas.
Sources
- (primary) 1871 Mines Inspector's Report (C. 653), Yorkshire and Lincolnshire District, F. N. Wardell — Durham Mining Museum
- (secondary) Featherstone Main Colliery — Durham Mining Museum
Record created: 19 September 2026 · Last researched: 22 September 2026