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All the United Kingdom England Barnsley The Oaks Disaster Memorial
AO Edited

The Oaks Disaster Memorial

A churchyard in Ardsley houses a memorial dedicated to the victims of England’s worst mining disaster.

Barnsley, England

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Jim F
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The Oaks Disaster Memorial  
The Oaks Disaster Memorial   Jim F / Atlas Obscura User
The Oaks Disaster Memorial   Jim F / Atlas Obscura User
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About

On December 12, 1866, firedamp caused a huge explosion in the Old Oaks Colliery, which later became the Barnsley Main pit.

With around an hour of their shift left, around 340 men and boys were working at the pit, all but a handful were killed by the explosion and subsequent fallout. The disaster also took the lives of 27 rescue workers.

Located in this graveyard stands a memorial to the victims, and is one of three memorials dedicated to the disaster. It was erected in 1879, paid for by public subscription. 

If visitors happen to wander around the cemetery, many of the gravestones pay tribute to the victims of the disaster. 

Related Tags

Memorials Disasters Mining

Know Before You Go

The Church is on a busy dual carriageway, although there is a small car park and additional parking on side roads in the surrounding area. 

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Added By

Jim F

Edited By

jonathancarey

  • jonathancarey

Published

February 22, 2021

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The Oaks Disaster Memorial
662 Doncaster Rd
Barnsley, England, S71 5EF
United Kingdom
53.545838, -1.426972
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Nearby Places

Monk Bretton Priory

Barnsley, England

miles away

Barnsley Main Colliery

Barnsley, England

miles away

Tommy Taylor Grave

Barnsley, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Barnsley

Barnsley

England

Places 6

Nearby Places

Monk Bretton Priory

Barnsley, England

miles away

Barnsley Main Colliery

Barnsley, England

miles away

Tommy Taylor Grave

Barnsley, England

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Barnsley

Barnsley

England

Places 6

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