MineArchiveHenwaun Colliery explosion, 1882
On Monday morning, 27 February 1882, gas exploded in the Three Quarter coal at J. Lancaster and Company's Henwaun Colliery, Blaina, killing the fireman and the night men he had taken in with him before examining the workings.
| Date | 1882 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Henwaun Colliery |
| Region | Blaenau Gwent |
| Type | Explosion |
| Fatalities | 5 (Five (Welsh Coal Mines, the Western Mail's report of the inquest); the NMRS account names six.) |
| Context | During active mining |
Cause
Gas in Colborne's stall, where a canvas sheet had been left open over the weekend, fired at an open light taken in by William Bennett, who had passed the separation door with the fireman's lamp and a naked light.
Contributing factors
The fireman, James Hoskins, took the men in with him before he had examined the workings, against the special rules; the manager said he did not know this was done on Sunday nights. The pit was worked with naked lights.
What happened
The pit, 165 yards deep and employing about 330, gave off only small quantities of gas and its ventilation was said to be good. The bodies were reported blown a considerable distance. The dead were Hoskins, 65, the fireman; Thomas Miles, a haulier; James Jones and John James, roadmen or repairers; and William Bennett.
Rescue & recovery
Unknown.
Investigation & inquiry
The jury found that the explosion was due to the fireman's neglect in not examining the workings before letting the night men in with naked lights, found no fault in the management, and censured Hoskins.
Legal & regulatory aftermath
Unknown.
Changes to practice & legislation
Unknown.
Memorials & commemoration
Unknown.
What's uncertain
Points where sources disagree or the record could not be settled; both accounts are kept. All open questions in the archive.
- The NMRS account names six dead, adding Edmund Harris, 66, labourer. (disputed) 2
Recorded claims
Individual factual claims, each attached to the source(s) that support it below. Where sources disagree, both are kept.
- Five men were killed on 27 February 1882 in a localised explosion; their bodies were blown a considerable distance. 1
- The NMRS account names six dead, adding Edmund Harris, 66, labourer. (disputed) 2
- The jury found the explosion due to the fireman's neglect in not examining before letting the night men in with naked lights. 1,2
Related terminology
Mining terms this disaster is structurally linked to, with the nature of the relationship.
- Coal (contextual relationship)
Named in this record’s summary: “…Monday morning, 27 February 1882, gas exploded in the Three Quarter coal at J. Lancaster and Company's Henwaun Colliery, Blaina, killing the…” - Fireman (contributing factor)
The fireman broke the rules. - Haulier (contextual relationship)
Named in this record’s narrative: “…distance. The dead were Hoskins, 65, the fireman; Thomas Miles, a haulier; James Jones and John James, roadmen or repairers; and William…” - Naked Light (direct cause)
An open light fired the gas. - Stall (contextual relationship)
Gas lay in Colborne's stall.
Sources
- (secondary) Henwaun Pit Blaina — Welsh Coal Mines
- (secondary) Henwain Colliery Explosion - Blaina - 1882 — Northern Mine Research Society
Record created: 22 September 2026 · Last researched: 22 September 2026