MineArchiveHolland Colliery tunnel roof fall, 1903
Two tunnellers driving a steep tunnel at Holland Colliery, Upholland, were buried on 23 October 1903 when its untimbered roof, judged safe by the fireman, came down from slips.
| Date | 23 October 1903 |
|---|---|
| Mine | Holland Colliery |
| Region | Lancashire |
| Type | Collapse / Roof Fall |
| Fatalities | 2 (Two killed: Albert Spanns and Thomas Webster.) |
| Context | During active mining |
Cause
A fall of untimbered roof from slips.
What happened
In October 1903 Albert Spanns and Thomas Webster were driving a tunnel rising at 1 in 3 at Holland Colliery. The fireman had judged its roof sound enough to need no timber, though the tunnel had been barred further back. On 23 October a large fall came away from slips in the roof and buried both men. The inspector, who examined the place and attended the inquest, found the roof was of a character that needed timber to support it.
Investigation & inquiry
The inspector of mines examined the place and attended the inquest; he found the roof needed timber.
Recorded claims
Individual factual claims, each attached to the source(s) that support it below. Where sources disagree, both are kept.
- On 23 October 1903 the tunnellers Albert Spanns, 31, and Thomas Webster, 25, were buried and killed by a fall of roof at Holland Colliery, Upholland. 1,2
- They were driving a tunnel rising 1 in 3 whose roof the fireman had judged safe without timber. 1,2
- The tunnel had been barred further back, and the inspector found the roof was of a kind that needed timber. 1,2
- The colliery belonged to the White Moss Coal Co. Ltd. 2
Related terminology
Mining terms this disaster is structurally linked to, with the nature of the relationship.
- Colliery (contextual relationship)
Named twice in this record, first in the summary: “Two tunnellers driving a steep tunnel at Holland Colliery, Upholland, were buried on 23 October 1903 when its untimbered roof,…” - Fireman (contextual relationship)
Named twice in this record, first in the summary: “…on 23 October 1903 when its untimbered roof, judged safe by the fireman, came down from slips.” - HM Chief Inspector of Mines (contextual relationship)
Named in this record’s investigation: “The inspector of mines examined the place and attended the inquest; he found the roof…”
Sources
- (primary) Durham Mining Museum - Holland Colliery (UK) — Durham Mining Museum
- (secondary) Accident record: Albert Spanns, Holland, 1903 — Northern Mine Research Society
Record created: 1 October 2026 · Last researched: 8 October 2026