JARROW COLLIERY JOURNALS Bud-46-5 Volume 5, 1

st. Jan.1830 to 14

th. Oct 1833

[0a [0e] 1830 1 Bud | 46 | 5 Explosion, 1830 – 28 .. .. use of Davys Jany 1st. Messrs. Brown having decided ( 46 ) v Strike, 1831 – 68,71 to relinquish the Corporation, gave orders for taking the materials and rolly-way &c. &c. out of that district. [Pages 0b to 0d are Blank] [Pages 0f is Blank] Jany 11th. Examined the proceedings in the Stone Drift for getting the Slake way ready for work. The preparations for the Rolly-way, are in great progress, and a good deal of the rolly-way is laid. Have laid the rolly-way in the W. Mothergait in Drewitt – 280 yards to the Crane. The laying of the way is let for 3d. P. yard. – Are preparing the E. Mothergait also in Drewittt for the Rolly-way – Have got all the materials – Brattice Props, and Tram way &c. out of the Corporation. And the Rolly-way is taken up for about 500 yards – The Venture Engine has been put in working order, and the Cylinder of the Drewitt Engine has been adjusted in its position – it had got 1½ In. out of [Bud-46-5] [Bud-46-5]

1830 2 1830 3 the perpendicular. The Pits will resume Men down the Staple. – work on the 13th. Inst. – Have got 700 yards of rails laid in the I informed Mr. John Watson on the East Stone Drift and have the rest nearly 9th. Inst. of the Company’s determination prepared – The Venture Engine now made to give up the Corporation. He regretted ready for starting. – it very much and said they would reduce Mr. Wm. Hutton down the Pit this morng. the rent to 20/- I told him that if even Jany 19th. Got the rise Trouble in the East Messrs. Brown had wished to carry on So. Headways it is 7 feet here. –

the Colliery, they could not have given Jany 23rd. The So. Trouble in the Algerian more than 15/- P. Ten – This he thought Drift was discovered to have run together the Corporation would not take under for at least ten feet. –

[in pencil] any circumstances. – Jany 25th. Examined the East way – Mr. Buddle Jany 13th. The Pit started Coal work after Andrew Naylor & partners have been in London a Holiday of 10 working days. – working night and day at the Algerian

Jany 15th. It being proposed to shut off Drift since the fall took place have the Corporation by tight stoppings and got five pair of gears in; think they pipe the Gas from thence up the shaft. will get it secured before tomorrow morng. Measured the distance from the Tyne The rolly-way is in a very forward state Barrier to the Shaft and found it 765 yds. have got all the stone shot down to make Jany 18th. Viewed Bensham Seam – height: will be able to set the Venture nothing further has been proved at Engine on to Draw stone from the Low the Trouble in Drewitt Et. Narrow Bords – The lift tomorrow. The East Machine in a very [So.] Hd.ways advancing and have got 2[4] bad state. The second Boiler in a great state of forwardness. – [Bud-46-5]

1830 4 1830 5 Jany 26th. Got the Algiers drift secured The rolly-way in the East-way (main Coal) In the Drewitt West narrow Vords got a is laid as far as the Lake Engine, and all small feeder of water which has taken is ready for laying it to the Cranes. off; no Foulness came off with it. – Are repairing the East tip arch which Jany 28th. Changed the Air this morning. – was in very bad state; they will be taking, it down the Venture plane to under the necessity of taking down five the workings, returns by the Junction [in pencil] or six lengths. – Drift and meets the two Engines (Lake Mr. Buddle Feby. 3rd. Length of Rolly-way from the and Venture) Smoke in the Algiers Drift E. Pit Shaft, to the Lake Engine Links by this change the Engines get the From East Shaft to Bensham Pit – – – 210 first of the Air. – From ditto to Smoke Staple – – – – – 360 Jany 29th. Got the Venture Engine started – Ditto – to Metal Coal Doup-way – – – 1020 to draw stones up the plane, and sent – Ditto – to Metal Coal Siding – – – – – 1200 them to Bank on Saturday. – – Ditto – to Middle Staple – – – – – – – 1630 Jany 30th. Examined the East and So. Pits, – Ditto – to Chance Coal Staple – – – – 2500 at the request of the Corver, the So. Pit – Ditto – to Tom Gardners Turn was found to be very bad, and men were at N. end of Ogle Drift – – – 2800 working in N. until 2 o’clock on Sunday [afternoon] – Ditto – thro Ogle Drift to Junction Drift 3500

Feby. 1st. Viewed the Drewitt workings – Ditto – to Bottom of Venture Incline – 3700 Got a rise Trouble in the So. back Heads. – Ditto – to Top of Do. – – – – – 4300 of 18 In: this Trouble in the So. and West, – Ditto – to the turn on Ditto – – – – – – 5500 it is a branch from the Dip Trouble which – Ditto – to Lake Engine – – – – – – – – 5880 has been got in all the East places. – [Bud-46-5]

1830 6 1830 7 Feby. 8th. The rubbish lying against the Lake has crossed the E. Heads. where it is only Engine Flue, caught Fire, which gave con- 3 ft. which shews that it is running out

siderable trouble to get extinguished. – to the South. – The fire was not got quite out ‘till the 10th. The East Drewitt Drift is standing Feby. 15. Viewed the Bensham workings at an upcast Trouble, 224 yards down The Drewitt Headway’s are now 80 yards The West Drewitt Drifts are about beyond the 31 foot Dyke and have gone 300 yards up – quite regular. quite level and regular. A pair of Et. Are working about 35 xx. P. day out of Drewitt, and a pair of West Narrow Boards, are and the same quantity out of East way. – turned below the Dyke. – The fore W. The E. way i.e. the Sleek Way in the main Board is turned at 40 yards from the Coal, will be ready in a fortnight. – Dyke, the fore Et. Bd. is turned at 60 yds. The Arch at the bottom of the So. Tip in from the Dyke. The Seam is upwards the Stone Drift will be to take down of 6 feet thick here, but the Coal works for 8 or 10 yards, to lengthen the Shaft siding shivey E. & W. Boardways away, and the general to make it long enough for Rollies or 12 Corves opinion is that it is not of such good The Boilers at the East Pit machine

quality as the Corporation – are in a very bad state. The two new high These E. & W. Drifts will ultimately become pressure Boilers are ready, but as it will winning Headway’s as the Coals work larger take a fortnight to take out the Old, and in a N & So. than an E. & W. direction. – to put in the new Boilers, it is desirable to The East Drifts have crossed the rise defer the change ‘till the binding. The Smoke Trouble to the E. which is 9ft. In the back Tube must be taken down to make way for the Board & only 5 in the back board. This Trouble setting of the High Pressure Boilers. – [Bud-46-5]

1830 8 1830 9. Feby. 20th. Made an alteration in the Bensham All will be ready for laying off the double Air – Instead of discharging the Drewitt and started single shift, by next pay the

return, up the Oval Pit, and thence to the 2nd. of March. – Have begun to drew out west Pit Furnace. It is now joined to the a few Coals from the Sleek district this East way at the Corporation Barrier after day the 22nd. of Feby. having travelled the W. way. The two returns By the single shift, the establish- then ventilate the Corporation, and return ment will be reduced as follows viz. to the So. Pit Furnace. – The general Air 3 Deputies – – – – 20s/- P. week Course has been improved by this. Before 3 Wood leaders – 2s/8d P. day the change the Velocity of of the Main 4 Rolley – – – – – 2/ 8 & 2/ 6 Coal Air in the Stone Drift was 60 yds. 9 Horses P. minute since it is 80. – 3 Galloways In Drewitt before the change the Drivers in proportion velocity was 53 yds P. min. since it is 64. – 1 Horse-Keeper – 16s/- P. week In the Mothergait, before the Change the All the night establishment except the breakmen velocity was 38 yds. P. min. since it is 56 wages, 1st. Overmen P. week 28s/- 2nd. Ditto – – – – – 24/- Deputies – – – – – 20/- & 5s P. 100 for all props they bring out. Feby. 22nd. Pulled down the up cast Smoke Tube this morning to make way for the new Boilers at the E. Machine. – The Tube to be rebuilt the same way as before [Bud-46-5]

1830 10 1830 11 March 1st. Viewed the main Coal Slake district Examined the V Bob Staple of the maiin Every thing in this District is now Engine, which has given way on the W. side

prepared ready for Coal work which will of it’s Emboucheure in the Shaft. It is commence on the 3rd. Inst. at present secured by temporary stays of This district will commence work wood. – I gave the necessary directions in three Divisions viz. Low Flatt. – for securing it effectually. – Kitty, and Baron. – March 2nd. Let the opencast and stone The Air Course is equally divided so Drift, near the Drewitt Trouble (31 feet) as to give each of these divisions a Opencast at 12/- P. yard – and the close Drift stream of fresh Air. – 23/- P. yard. – The Drift to be 5 feet wide Section of Seam in Barony Division and ^ F.. 2 I in height under timber. – Ft. In. It is nearly impossible to do this at the Coal – – – – – – – 1 .. 6 price so that it may be expected that Dark Grey Band – 3 as soon as they will either give the bargain

Coal – – – – – – – 9 up or have an advance in price. Band – – – – – – – 4½ March 3nd. Put in the scaffolding below the stone

Coal – – – – – – – 1 .. 9 Drift so that the Air instead of going Feet – 4 .. 7½ direct down to the Bensham seam as Parting – – – – – – – – – formerly, forces the return up the Doup- Brassy Coal – – – 5 way into the Metal Coal Seam and so Ft. – 5 .. 0½ to the metal Coal Furnace. – A Post roof A very good grey Thill Nothing new in Drewitt since last View. – [Bud-46-5]

1830 12 1830 13 March 4th. Started Coal work in the Et. Way Corporation, since the way was laid of at Main Seam. – (Single Shift in both Seams) Christmas, several Falls have taken place in March 5th. Discovered this morning that the Rolly-way which pinched the Air- the Corporation return was very heavy And course so, beyond the above mentioned point on measuring the Current, found it only as to render it incapable of cleaning the 36 instead of the Common quantity 60 or 65 West part of the waste; which has in con- The probable cause of this is that the sequence become completely foul, the extent smokey Air is pinched in the Metal Coal of the Foul waste, is 20 pillars long by Seam, begun therefore to make a return 3 & 4 Boards in Breadth. – The Foulness under the So. Pit Scaffold (3 ft. bt 1) & is therefore, serving out of this part of the that the Corporation return, or part of it, waste into the Air Course, in puffs as the comes directly into the shaft without density of the atmosphere alters, and has travelling the Metal Coal placed the Pit in a very unsatisfactory state. – March 86th. The return was very heavy this Gave orders to have the Air , put through this Morning but on measuring the Velocity waste again with all expedition the nature it proved to be 45 yards; being an increase of the Case will admit of. – of 9 or 10 yards P. minute. – It will require 4 Wastemen to keep this March 15th. The return of the Corporation waste, but this may probably be attended Air has been very heavy for several days with less expense, than damming up the past. On inquiry I find, through some Waste, and carrying the Foulness to Bank by misapprehension of my meaning the Corpn. Pipes. waste has not been travelled further, than The cutting of the Rolly-way thro’ the 15 Pillars W. from the Outstroke, thro’ the 31 foot Trouble in Drewitt is going on rapidly [Bud-46-5]

1830 14 1830 15 The Close Drift, back from the Staple is The Work intended to be drawn after the 16 yds. in this morning. The open cast going Binding will be about 35 xx. P. day out of

So. over to meet the Drift is 20 yds. in. – the main Coal, and 30 out of the Bensham. – [Till] these places are holed, for the Rolly- Mar: 16th. Ra: Coxon travelled the Corporation way, the work will have to be supplied Way, and got 11 pillars up the So. Side of from Drewitt W. Way, and from East of the Rolly-way, above the outstroke thro’ the Shaft. the Barrier, i.e. the bottom of the Rolly-way The East Way, (main Coal) which started Cross-cut, where he found the Foulness stand[ ] regular Coal work on the 4th. Inst. has Mar: 17th. Got the Foulness in the Corpora- not hitherto gone on very regularly, from tion lifted away as far as the 19th. Pillar. interruptions by the Venture Engine, Mar: 18th. Got the Foulness lifted to the Stops on the Rolly-way, and the badness far N. extremity of the Corporation – of the Machine Boilers. – Matters are Mar: 19th. Mr. Jno. Watson, and Mr. Jno. Forster however going on better this morning. Viewed the Bensham Workings – the latter The E. Machine Boilers are very bad, but is appointed resident Viewer. – the best must be made of them that Mar: 20th. J. Forster travelled the Corporation

can, ‘till the binding time. – Waste ^ of the N. winning Heads. at the head Two additional sidings are required of the Waggon way Cross-cut, and found it all in the E. Rolly-way, one at the 1st. Stap: clean, except on Bd. for pillar in length. the other at the Junction Drift end. – The Binding took place this morning Bound the latter is nearly finished. – the following Complement. – 5 Horses are required between shaft and Venture Drift 80 Hewers & 4 from bottom of Venture to the different Cranes 30 Putters – mostly single trams 21 Drivers – – [Bud-46-5]

1830 16 1830 17 Neither bound Banksmen, Overmen, Deputies April 9th. Begun to riddle the Bensham Coals Wastemen or Shifters. April 12th. Viewed the Bensham Workings

Mar: 22nd. Jno. Forster entered on the Drewitt District, and found every thing in situation of resident Viewer. – good order. – The roof in the West Drift March 29th. Viewed the Slake workings not quite so good, as it has been, and a little Main Coal, in the Barony, Kitty and low more Foulness discharging from the Coal, Flat Districts. Generally operating these in the Face of the places. – workings are all in a good order but Are getting about 37 xx. in the 24 during the time they have been standg. hours, by the double Shift.

a pressure has gone over the pillars, The Corporation, Bensham return which has crushed the bottom Coal in a very good state this morning, not- considerably, and causes it to work very withstanding the Barometer is low small, – particularly in the Kitty and with So. E. wind, and rain. – Low Flat Districts – Have got the 2 new Boilers on to their It seems so far that the quantity of Seats at the E. Machine, and expect to small made, amounts from 1/3 to ½, and get the machine ready for work again

stowage cannot be found for all the by this day week. – small consequently part of it has to be June 14th. The Drewitt Headway’s are now sent to Bank – The present daily advancing 160 yards beyond the 31 ft. workings are about from Bensham 31 dip Trouble at 148 yds. the Heads. have From main Coal 23 crossed a dip Hitch of 14 In. and another 54 xx. down-cast Hitch of 15 In: has crossed The Bensham Return is very clean the Face. – this morning [Bud-46-5]

1830 18 1830 19 The Coal is good between the Hitches If the Bensham be drawn from the bottom – but the piece of coarse Coal at the bottom – P. day – – – – – – – 48 xx.

of the Seam, about 3 Inches thick, still Main Coal, by W. Pit – 22 Ch. continues. – Section of Seam in Face of 70 Heads. Ft. In. 35 Jet – – – – – – – – – – – – .. 4 105 say 100 Chas. Coal – – – – – – – – – – 2 ..10 1100 Ch: P. Fortnight Splint & Coarse Coal – – .. 6 25 Coal – – – – – – – – – – 1 .. 4 27,500 chaldrons. Yearly, exclusive of small – Parting – – – – – – – – – .. 0½ Fixed with Mr. J. Brown to make this change, Coal – – – – – – – – – – – .. 9 x against next pay. – Heep – 5 .. 5½ The pressure still continues upon the X 3 In at the bottom is very Coarse, but Main Coal pillars, under the Slake which no parting between it and the good Coal. – occasions a great loss in small Coals. – Suppose the outmaking to be on the Decided to explore the district of gross workings 1½ Ch: of best Coals to the score whole Coal, which lies thro’ the Ft.

Bensham – – – 34 Dyke to the E. of Venture District and to Main Coal – – 23 the South of Venture Engine plane. 57 This District may contain from 6 to 12 + ½ = – – – – 28 or 14 Acres, depending upon the Course

85 Chalds. of the Dykes. – Say 80 Chas. P. day The framing of the E. Pit Engine hoists very 11 much, with the additional stress occasioned by 880 Ch. P. Fortnight drawing 3 Corves – 25 4400 1760 22000 Power of Working best Coals. – [Bud-46-5]

1830 20 1830 21 I therefore fixed a plan with Thompson for The Corporation return is remarkably clean securing it firmly down to the Foundation walls this Morning. –

Mem: I met Mr. Ellison, in the antichamber The Main Coal Seam of the Coal-trade Committee Room at the Have begun the So. W. exploring Drift from House of Commons, on the May last. the Venture Plane, to explore the District of I observed to him, that if he felt disposed Coal to the So. of the Venture District on consideration, to sublet the Jarrow Grange Named this District the “Onix District” Bensham Coal, I thought Messrs. Brown Viewed the workings in the Kitty might be able to treat with him for it; and Barony Districts. – In the former to be wrought by outstroke, to Jarrow, on the Coal is very much crushed, but in Terms, which would be mutual beneficial. the latter it is considerably less so. – He took the suggestion very well, Yet on the whole the produce of round and said he would consult Mr. Easton Coals, is only ¼th. of the total working – on the subject, and give it his considera- The workings are in a very good tion. – He observed that if he should not state, but the cutting of the Thill, which feel it expedient to let the whole, he is very hard, to Keep sufficient height

might probably let off a part of it. – on the Tram-way is very expensive. – June 21st. The Drewitt Headwayses have June 28th. Viewed the Bensham working not advanced since the 14th. Inst. as the in Drewitt Way. – Stenting was only holed on the 19th. Inst. The Drewitt Headwayses have gone They have started in the Face again 10 yards, since they were resumed on the this morning. – 21st. Inst. So far the Seam is looking [Bud-46-5]

1830 22 1830 23 remarkably well. It is also looking very well Metal Coal Standage. – This will enable the both in the E. and W. Drifts on the inby Sleek Engine to Keep the water constantly

side of 31 ft Dyke – particularly in the down. – The Keeping of the water down in E. Drifts, where there is more inflammable this Standage must be attended to, in case Air discharging from the Coal, than has the Cylinder of the Main Engine should fall. ever before been seen, in any part of the The Onix Cross-cut holed through the first wall to Drewitt District. – the S. West. – Found the return of the Air from All matters going on as usual in the Corporation, remarkably clean. – The the main Coal workings. – Air Course is much improved since the July 12th. Viewed the Main Coal Workings, Furnace in the Bensham was relighted – in the Slake District at the Kitty and The heat of the Furnace is however in- Barony Cranes. The principle part of the juring the So. Shaft between the bottom & workings are in the Barrier, between the the Stone Drift very much, near the bottom Barony and Kitty Divisions. – a communication is broken through between Found the workings in a very good state this Shaft and the E. Shaft. No time as to ventilation &c. – The Coal is conside- must be lost in repairing the West Shaft. – rably less crushed than if it was when the As the Bensham Engine cannot Keep working of the District was resumed; the Water regularly down, since she has and the produce of Round is consequently better. only to draw the Main Coal Workings Last Fortnight, the workings were – from the Stone Drift. – The small bottom From the Main Coal. – xx. Cs set of the Main Engine must be set Round – – – – – – – 56 .. 17 on, to draw the water out of the Chingle – – – – – – 135 .. 10 Small to Bank – – – 40 .. 3 232 .. 10 [Bud-46-5]

1830 24 xx. co 1830 25 Brot. Forward – Main Coal – – – 232 .. 10 mode, from the Air getting into the Top of the From the Bensham feed pipes in the Shaft along with the water. –

Round – – – – 207 .. 12 This frequently occasions stops of the Engine, Small – – – – 242 .. 18 450 .. 10 and the most effectual mode of remedying this defect, will be to fix a feed pump at the Set out Coals Engine. By this means a hot water feed Main Coal – – 2 .. 19 may be obtained which will greatly relieve Bensham – – – 9 .. 10 12 .. 9 the Fixing of the Engine. This is very desirable. Total – – – – – 695 .. 9 For the Fortnight ending the 6th. July 1830 The first West Drift in Drewitt have xx. co Bolls gone for 110 yards in bad Coal, and as the scores drawn were 695 .. 9 = 34772.5 they are in the angle between the main Stones walled – – 332 Bolls

Dyke, and the 31 ft. Dyke it is ^ likely Coarse Coal – – 1372 Bolls that any more good Coal will be met 1704 with between this place and Hebburn Stones – – – 0.00954 Boundary, which is 374 yards from Coarse Coal 0.039

the Face of the Drifts. – I decided to 0.04854 say 5 P. Cent stop these Drifts, for the present. – In round Numbers The Drewitt Headwayses continue to go The Stones may be called 1 P. Cent very favourably – rather rising if any thing. – Coarse Coal – – – – – – – 4 Do. – Much inconvenience is experienced in 5 feeding the Venture Engine by the present [Bud-46-5]

1830 26 1830 27 July 19th. Viewed the Bensham Workings Pit having been laid off last Thursday The Drewitt Headwayses are now 208 during a heavy wind, by the Venture

yards advanced beyond the 31 ft. Dyke Engine Smoke backing into the workings. – and continue to go very favourably. – July 26th. Viewed the Bensham Workings – They are now within 220 yards and found them in a very good state, of the Dean and Chapter Boundary. nothing material having occurred since The Coarse Coal (3 In.) at the bottom last View. – of the seam is disappearing as the Nothing new in the main Coal workings Headwayses advance to the South. – Have commenced preparations for taking Both the E. and W. Drifts, on the the fresh water down the Pit, from the Inby side of the 31 ft. Dyke are looking Engine Pond, to supply the Engines and very well. They are both rising – the West Horses underground. – The Horses are very Drifts moderately, the East ones smartly. – badly off at present with the brackish There is a strong blue metal Girdle water. – in the roof at about 5 In. above the Jet Augt. 2nd. A Bag of Foulness came of in which makes an excellent cover for the back E. Narrow Boards, beyond, the 31 ft.

the Rolly-way. – Dyke, in Drewitt district this morning Found the return of the Air very but it was observed, and guarded clean & the Pit in good order in every respect. against by – Liddell the Deputy, Nothing has occurred out of the and no harm ensued. The place ordinary course of things in the main soon cleaned again. – Coal, since my last view, except the [Bud-46-5]

1830 28 1830 29

Tuesday – Augt. 3rd. About 5 o’clock this turn, into the Rolly-way, and to the bottom morning a Hitch was got in the above of the Engine plane, where they met the cur-

back East Board. – Johnson the Overman rent of fresh Air coming in very strong. – examined it but neither water, nor Many of the Hewers who had come out inflammable Air appeared at it. – of the west way stopped to assist them, and He also examined the fore Board, and they immediately began to repair the Stenting found her perfectly clean in the Ta Stoppings in the Drewitt Headwayses, so as with an excellent Ventilation. – When to throw the fresh Air through the Stone he left the place, the Hewer was Drift at the 31 ft. Dyke – They soon got nicking up the right nook. – to the Crane at the out-by end of the E. Johnson went out, to the out-by drifts, and picked up two boys, alive on end of the Stone Drift at the 31 ft. their way. They, however, found that no Dyke, to meet Messrs. Forster & Coxon body in the E. way, could possibly be left to go to measure the narrow works. alive, and therefore, lost no time in They went into 1st. W. way, on the out throwing the Air round the west places, side of the 31 ft. Dyke and had only on the inby side of the 31 ft. Dyke. –

just measured off a single wall, when This was accomplished in a short time they felt the wind of an explosion. and enabled them to save the Lives of They immediately returned, and at about 12 people, whom they found in two Pillars from the bottom of the those places. – west drifts they met the After-damp They then threw the Air round by and smoke. They got round the the face of So. Headways and [E.] drifts, and [Bud-46-5]

1830 30 1830 31 were soon enabled to travel those places left side – an aperture of about 9 In: wide was but they found all the people dead left between the Coal and the roof and also

They had all been Killed by the ex- down the left side. – It had the appearance plosion & suffocation, some were severely of a very large shot of Gunpowder having burnt, but on the whole only ten indiv[uals] been fired. – A Lath was passes 7½ feet were burnt. – All the bodies were got into the aperture over the top of the Coal, out before four o’clock in the Afternoon in the Face of the Drift. – I arrived from Durham about 5 o’clock Wednesday Augt. 4th. The Coroner’s Inquest and went down the Pit, between 7 & 8 with was held on the Bodies – Verdict accidental Death. Messrs. Forster’s, Coxon and others. We were Thursday 5th. Augt. The dead were interred. – enabled to travel all round the workings 6th. & 7th. Augt. Occupied in putting the Pit to rights. – altho’ the Ventilation was very imper- Monday 9th. Augt. The Pit started work fectly restored, and did not find the this morning, but only 7 men went to work

least appearance of inflammable Air, in the main Coal, and 4 in the Bensham. any where. – I suspected that the accident The Men object to the use of candles and had been occasioned by a bag of foul- Gunpowder, in the Bensham, I offered them

ness from the Hitch in the back E. 6d. P. score, additional price for hewing with Drift; but on examining it we found the Davys – the Overmen to Fire their shots; it exactly in the state described by but they were not willing to consent to Johnson half an hour before the accident. this; they wished to work with Davys We then examined the fore Drift, the entirely – I could not consent to this; Coal in the Face was detached from on Account of the increase of price [Bud-46-5] the roof, and from the wall on the which this mode of working would require

1830 32 1830 33 but more particularly from the diminished price [Cutting – Tyne Mercury of August 10th. 1830.] of round which would result from it –

The men did not settle to their work all the week, and it was agreed that a deputation of them should meet the Viewers at the Justice Room in Gateshead, on Saty. Morng. Saturday 14th. Augt. Met a deputation of the men, before the Magistrates at Gateshead They stated that they wee unwilling to go to work, unless the use of Gun- powder was discontinued, and Davys, used exclusively. – I gave them the option of doing this or of having the Overmen to fire their shots, paying them 6d. P. xx. addi- tional, for the extra Trouble, occasioned by the use of the Davy’s. After much discussion we parted without their being satisfied – The Magistrates told them that their power did not go to the extent of enabling them to decide that Gunpowder should not be used. – [Bud-46-5]

1830 34 1830 35 [Cutting – Tyne Mercury] Augt. 16th. Only 12 men went to work in the

Bensham, & 8 or 10 in the main Coal Seam this morning. – The Bensham men went to work with Davy’s alone, and not to use Gunpowder. – And in the Main Coal they want an increase of score price, more than the 3d. P. xx. on the Round and 8d. On the small already offered. As to how much additional price they want on the two seams, they don’t seem to know, there wish being to take advantage of the circumstances of the Colliery to get all they can. – In addition to the 6d. P. xx. additional offered them for working with the Davy’s the Overmen to fire the shots. I offered to

allow all the advanced places to be worked by Davy’s, without Gunpowder, whenever they might observe any change take place, which might indicate any danger; and to be paid a compensation for any in- convenience that might occur to them [Bud-46-5]

1830 36 1830 37 on such occasions. – good, and the returns clean. – After much discussion, the men agreed The men have settled to work again

to go to work tomorrow, on being allowed in the Bensham – 24 men are at work 2 lbs P. Fortnight of Gunpowder, in addition this morning, and 24 will follow them, – to the above conditions for the Bensham. 9 or 10 Strangers have come – Found the Ventilation good, and the The work is carrier on by Davy’s, Air Course quite clean, in the Bensham. and the Overmen fire the shots. –

All the men who are at work this [division] The E. Drifts have not yet started again are working with the Davy’s – the Overmen The pillars working in the Kitty and to Fire their Shots – Barony Districts is going on very well, – August 21st. Met Mr. Easton in Newcastle The Goaves took a heavy working while He informed me that Mr. Ellison was we were going through the Juds, which willing to let the Jarrow Owners have a compelled the men to leave their places part of the Jarrow Grange Coal, Bensham for a time; but no accident occurred – Seam; and that he wished them to The onyx Drift is now about 100 yards in – make an offer for it. – We agreed to meet Memorandum – Section of the Main Coal

at an early opportunity to endeavour to Seam, Hebburn Colliery, nearly under Bedes draw a Line on the Plan, to define the Burn, a little to the W. of Stoddarts House quantity to be let off to Messrs. Brown. – Heworth Band about 30 ft. August 23rd. Viewed the Bensham, and Ft. In. main Coal workings. Found them all Coal – – – – – – 0 .. 8 in excellent condition – the Ventilation Band – – – – – 0 .. 1 Coal (all good) – 2 .. 9 Ft. 3 .. 6 in – [Bud-46-5]

1830 38 1830 39 Augt. 30th. Viewed the Bensham Seam, and found Jarrow Colliery the workings in the most satisfactory state, Sep: 6th. 1830

in every respect. – Sir, Have got several fresh men at work The Owners of Jarrow Colliery being from different Collieries. – desirous of taking the whole of such part of The E. Drift where the accident hap- Bensham Seam under the Jarrow Grange pened has not yet been resumed. – Estate as Mr. Ellison may feel disposed to Have got the Dyke in the Onix part with, I beg to inform you I am authorised Drift to the N. West. – on their behalf to submit the following offer Sepr. 7th. Viewed the Bensham workings, to his consideration. and found them in a very good state. The First – For the whole Estate in which case the Drewitt Headwayses are recommenced. – Jarrow Owners would be desirous of having The Shifters are employed in enlarging an assignment of the Lease Certain Annual the Air way, at the Crossing at the head of Rent £700 for the privilege of working 5831/3 the Drewitt Engine Plane. – tens P. 24/- P. Ten for over working – or In consequence of communication with Messrs. Secondly – For an extent of 168 Acres to be set off

Brown, and Mr. Ellison, through Mr. Easton according to the line drawn upon the annexed Sketch I drew up a proposal for taking the Certain Annual Rent £500 for the privilege

Bensham Seam, under Jarrow Grange – of working 416 2/3 tens and 24/- P. Ten for over to be forwarded by Mr. J. Brown, to Mr. Workings. – The conditions for fair working Easton. – of which the following liberty of making up shorts allowanced for is a Copy – small Coals – liberty to give up &c. to be the same as provided for in the Lease to Mr. Ellison [Bud-46-5]

1830 40 1830 41 The proposal is made on the assumption expensive working Seam, and making bad produce that the Lessees of Jarrow Colliery, will grant the from the quantity of small & Foul Coal taken

privelage of working by outstroke at 8s/ 6d P. Ten out of it – It may also be said that Mr. Ellison and that the Lessors of Jarrow Colliery will benefits indirectly by the outstroke but from allow the Coal to be worked by the Owner the large proportion received from by Mrs. Ibbetson of Jarrow Colliery – Hoping this offer will of it. – I should be glad to hear from you meet Mr. Ellison’s approval – at your early convenience on the subject & I am Sir considering the extensive Coal field now Thos. Easton Esqr. Your Obedt. Servt. possessed by Mr. Ellison should you think Thos. Brown it his interest to let the whole of Jarrow

Jarrow House Grange Coal to us, which of course would Sep: 6th. 1830 – be brought immediately into operation we Dear Sir, certainly should be very glad to engage the In handing you the proposal whole extent comprised in it. for the Jarrow Coal, agreeable to your I remain Dr. Sir wish that it should put in that form Thos. Easton Esqr. Your Obedt. Servt.

it is of course open to any modification of Thomas Brown terms, or alteration which you may conceive necessary but I beg to observe with regard to the Tentale rent. – that the outstroke of 8/ 6 added to 24/- makes a very heavy rent for Bensham Coal, which is naturally a very [Bud-46-5]

1830 42 1830 43 Sepr. 13th. Viewed the Bensham Workings Seams, for an additional Furnace. – The Drewitt District, and found them Furnace to be the working one, and the in excellent condition. – present one to be the dumb Furnace – Have now got to full work, but the men find great difficulty in clean- [Diagram of Furnace Locations]

ing their Coals from the Jet; at the top of the Seam, and the Course Coal The present Furnace is 28 ft. above the by the light of the Davy’s, The conse- scaffold at the bottom of the new drift quence is that they suffer much inlaid- cannot well be brought in at a lower out Coals. There is no remedy level. The Drift will have to be arched for this unless they were permitted to with Bricks, and it must be 40 ft. in use Candles in the Boards; – the use Area at the least. – of the Davy’s to be limited to the Head- This drift to be let by proposal wayses, and advanced places. – through the Colliery. – As it may become necessary to Sepr. 20th. Viewed the Slake workings main work Pillars in some of the Drewitt Coal Seam, in the Barony District. Found Divisions at no very distant period. all things in a good state with the It becomes necessary to prepare a exception of one foul Jud – return for the Air from this District through a Dumb Furnace. I therefore decided to commence a Stone Drift from N.W. angle of the West Shaft wall in the Bensham [Bud-46-5]

[Diagram of Furnace Locations]

1830 44 1830 45 Are working about 22 xx. P. Day – They Workings last Fortnight ending the 14th. Inst. work out very well, the walls not being Round Small Total

so much crushed. – xx. c xx. c xx. c Nothing fresh in the Bensham Bensham – – 224 .. 13 – 24 .. 6 = 464 ..19 Workings, except that the Drewitt Head- Set out – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 4 .. 1 wayses have taken a dip considerably. 469 .. 0 The men have not yet taken to Main Coal work with Candles in the manner Round Chingle Small Total suggested on the 13th. Inst. – they will xx. c xx. c xx. c xx. c be left entirely to their discretion 84 .. 5 – 102 .. 8 – 54 .. 7 = 241 .. 3 in this matter. Set out – – – – – 1 ..17 The W. Boiler of the main-Engine 243 .. 0 which has been at work 17 years, is Total – – 712 .. 0 very weak and much out of repair. Sepr. 21st. Removed the Coal in the face The E. Boiler is good, but the bottom of the E. Drift, where the accident happened, is down, and neither Boiler is capable on the 3rd. August last.

of working the Engine single. It was Sepr. 27th. Viewed the Bensham workings therefore, decided at the suggestion of found the Ventilation good, and the Air Thompson to put the Machine Boiler Course very clean, through all the workings in communication with the Main Engine In the Venture incline, which is the by a 4 In pipe, and regulating Valve. – intake of the Air the Area is about 42 feet and the velocity of the Current is 69 yards per minute. – Examined the E. Drift where the accident happened on the 3rd. Augt. the [Bud-46-5]

1830 46 1830 47 block of Coal which was detached by the Decided on making the new Furnace eruption of inflammable Air, was 4 ft. thick drift, in the yard Coal Seam, with a

behind this at the distance of 7 feet staple down to the Bensham, instead is a down-cast Hitch of 3½ feet, and of the Stone drift projected, on the the fissure, or space between the solid 13th. Inst. Coal, which had been detached and the The following Section shews this Hitch is filled up with danty or disin- design. – tergrated Coal, which on being rubbed between the fingers crumbles into a [Diagram of Position of new Furnace]

sooty like, impalpable powder The Staple to be 7 ft. Diameter The size and manner of completing the Drift to be fixed at a future time when the nature of the roof &c. is seen Decided to commence an Air Drift through the Dykes in the west

side of the Drewitt Incline, to make a double return from that District, [Bud-46-5]

[Diagram of Position of new Furnace]

1830 48 1830 49 to be ready by the time the new Furnace Wrought 742 xx. last Fortnight – is completed, the object of this is to The Drewitt Headways, are now cross-

render the working of the Pillars in cutting the Coal to the westward on Drewitt more safe, by conveying the Accounts of the Seam dipping to return through a dumb Furnace. – the South. The Coarse of the Head- Octr. 18th. Viewed the Bensham work- way’s at present, is S. 26 W. – ings, and found them in a satisfactory Section of Bensham Seam in the face state – The Ventilation particularly good of the South Heads. The back E. Drift is now advanced Roof Blue Metal – – – F. In. about 6 yards beyond the 4 ft. down- Jet – – – – – – – – – – – .. 3 x cast Hitch and has passed through Coal – – – – – – – – – – 2 ..10 several danty riders. The Coal in Splint & Course Coal – – .. 7 the face this morning is very shivery Good Coal – – – – – – – 1 .. 5 and tender and Jolls hollow. – there- Black parting – – – – – – – – – fore ordered a front hole of 4 or 5 yds. Good Coal – – – – – – – – ..10 to be bored, and kept in advance Ft. – 5 .. 8

of the Face, to guard against accident X The Jet generally comes down, but is from any Bag of foulness that may never sent to Bank. – be met with. – The Thill grey Metal for 6 or 7 In. The Drift in the yard Coal, to and then white Post. – the site of the furnace Staple is in progress. – [Bud-46-5]

1830 50 1830 51 Octr. 25th. Viewed the Bensham Octr. 31st. The Coal and soot, in the Lake workings, and found all well, but Engine Chimney Drift, caught fire, at about

the Coal in the E. Drifts continue 50 yards from the Engine. This was a trouble- in a shattered and loose state. – some business, and took ‘till the morning The Coal decrepitates and flies of the 2nd. Novr. To get it extinguished. off with great violence – the reports Novr. 3rd. Holed the E. Drifts, Drewitt are sometimes very loud, like the District round on the inby side of the Hitch firing of a Gun – yet no discerni- where the misfortune happened. ble discharge of inflammable Air Novr. 8th. Viewed the Drewitt workings has ever been noticed. It is however found the Ventilation powerful, and the Air evident that there is something Course, very clean. – Decided to suspend the unusual in this appearance, it is Misfortune Drifts for the present –

therefore requisite to be very cautious The Drewitt Headwayses, are now very near and to Keep a bore-hole, in advance to the So. Boundary – the Seam is remarkably of the face 2 or 3 yards. – good here. – Great destruction of Corves & Ropes The Onix Drift has got the Dyke – the

takes place in the dumb Pit Shaft Leader has been followed down about 4 ft. & by the Corves catching the Ingates from the appearance of the Post Brow the of the doup way, Stone-drift, Metal, Coal may be expected to lie 2 or 3 feet Coal, and main timber but as this is lower down. – continually failing, owing to the heat of The taking up of the bottom for the the Furnace; we decided to wall them up Furnace Drift in the yard Coal Seam is now finished to the face, the close [Bud-46-5]

1830 52 1830 53 Drift must now be set in, to go to the at 3s/ 6d P. yard, and 5/- P. xx. for the Coals. This site of the Staple. – price is too little, as the men cannot make The Furnace Drift between the walls Ft. In. wages of it. – must be, in width – – – – – – – – – 9 .. – Novr. 18th. Started the night shift in the Thickness of the side walls – – – – – – 2 .. 6 Bensham Seam. Space on out side of the walls Novr. 21st. The Slake Engine Flue took 2 Ft / 6 In. each – – – – – – 5 .. 0 fire, at nearly the same place which it Feet – 16 .. 6 caught fire, a fortnight ago. – it was extin- guished in a few hours. - [Section of Furnace Drift Walls] Novr. 22nd. Viewed the Slake workings main Coal. – Have not yet got the Coal Two feet of Bottom to be taken up through the Trouble in the Onyx way The Staple to be sunk on the So. Side The exploring staple at the Leader have- of the present furnace, on the W. side of ing been stopped by fall in the Cross- the Shaft Barrier. It will require about cut leading to its. – 70 yards of Coal Drift to reach the site Found the broken Workings, in the of the Staple Barony, and Kitty in a favourable state Novr. 15th. Started the yard Coal Drift altho’ a discharge of foulness from the on the for the Furnace Drift. Goaves, laid off the innermost Jud in It is let to John Bewick and 3 Prs. Barony on the 20th. This Jud was clean again this morning. – [Bud-46-5] The Coal at the top of the Oval Pit, in

[Section of Furnace Drift Walls]

1830 54 1830 55 the main Coal Seam, is much heated Trouble in the Onyx District, as the fall by the Smoke from the Drewitt Engine. in the cross-cut is not yet ridded.

It therefore seems prudent to lay some Decr. 21st. viewed the Main Coal Workings 3 In: pipes to take water from the Shaft in the Slake District – in Onyx, Kitty and to the Top of the Oval Pit. A cock to be Barony ways. fixed in the end of the pipes, so that The Dyke in the Onyx way has been a Leather Hose may be put on at any followed down 24 feet, where the Seam is time, to cool the soot &c. about the top got, but is in such confusion, and the of the Oval Pit – It will require about difficulty and expence of pursuing the 140 yards of pipe to reach from the shaft exploring drift further, is so great, that I to the Oval Pit. – decided not to proceed any further here – Novr. 29th. viewed the Bensham work- but to set away a pair of exploring drifts ings Drewitt District, and found every in the dip part of the Venture District, thing in good order. – to go South over from the Venture Engine The Drewitt Headwayses are now Incline. – These drifts, if the Venture Coal going due south, and are within about proves favourable will attain the same object 8[6] yards of the boundary. – viz: the proving of the Coal to the south

Are getting about 84 scores in the as the Onyx Drift. Night Shift, and 78 in the day. In the Kitty and Barony ways, every All matters going on well in the Main thing is in as favourable a state as possible Coal Slake workings – but the pillars in these districts are working No further progress made at the off very fast. [Bud-46-5]

1830 56 1831 59. Have begun to prepare Bede’s way – Jany. 1st. 1831 The Pits idle today. The Yard Coal Drift, is now advanced 40 Jany. 3rd. The Bensham started work

yards, out of the 60 which it has to go to – – 4th. The Main Coal – Ditto – the intended new Furnace Staple. – Jany. 9th. The Lake Engine Flue caught fire Nothing new in the Bensham workings. – but it was soon extinguished. The Bucket tree piece of the low middle Jany. 10th. Viewed the Bensham workings Set Split on the 3d. Inst. from top to found the Pit in a remarkable good state bottom it was with difficulty secured by in every respect. – The Drewitt Headways hooping. A new one must be got with are now within about 55 yards from the out delay. – Barrier next the Dean & Chapter Boundary Total workings last Fortnight The Headwayse’s have taken to dip at the ending 7th. Decr. 887 Scores. rate of nearly 3 In. P. yard, but the seam Decr. 25th. The Pits idle today. – is in good perfection. – The following Places are now going [Pages 57 & 58 are Blank] in the Drewitt District 2 So. Boards and one wall in the misfortune way, which

will be finished this week. – The Drewitt Headwayses, which have only 35 yards to go. – 8 So. Boards, in the innermost W. Drifts 3 Do. West of the 50 yard Barrier in [Bud-46-5]

1831 60 1831 61. these Drifts, and the two drifts. – There are the Drewitt District. – also 3 North Boards going out of these Are drawing between 70 and 80 scores

drifts. – In the 1st. W. Drifts the No. a day at present of round & chingle Coals. – Bds. are finishing against the Troubles. Jany. 19th. Begun to sink the Furnace There are 14 So. Boards turned out of those Staple from the yard Coal Seam to the Drifts, & holed one pillar up. – Bensham. – Let to Wm. Armstrong & Prs. Nothing new in the Main Coal, except at £4..7s..0d. P. Fathom. Diam: 7 ft. in the clear. that the Barony Crane has been removed, Jany. 20th. A bag of Foulness came off out to the outbie end of the Kitty-way. – in a Wall, between the 11th. & 12th. Boards, The yard Coal drift from the Bensham in the 1st. W. way in the Drewitt. It came off Pit to the sites of the intended new Furnace in the night, and Johnson the Deputy found Drift, is finished and the sinking of the the place foul in the Morning. –

Staple will be let by proposal immediately. This Foulness had come off at some danty Decided to commence the driving of the Coal, and a gullet in the roof similar to drift for the return of this Air, through the that which occasioned the explosion on Drewitt Dykes without delay. – This drift the 3rd. Augt. But of less magnitude. –

will go out of the first Board, on the Jany. 24th. Viewed the Bensham Workings W. Side of the Drewitt Headwayses. – It’s in Drewitt. The south, or Drewitt Heads. object is to carry the return Air to the are now in the last Stenting next the intended dumb Furnace, when the Dean & Chapter Boundary. They are working of the Pillars commences in dipping at the rate of about 2½ In. P. yard. [Bud-46-5]

1831 62. 1831 63. The Seam is in great perfection here – the on the 1st. W. district of Drewitt, will be ready following is a Section of it. – to commence by the time it can be finished

Blue Metal Roof – On trying the Trouble in the Bede’s District Ft. I. Left for roof, or stowing it is found to be upcast of such magni- Jet – – – – – 11 – 2½ if it comes down tuder, as to make it not worth while to set Coal – – – – 3 – – over it, for the small quantity of Coal which Splint – – – – – 4½ might be got beyond it. – Coal – – – – 1 – 4 This will cut the workings in the Black Parting – – – Slake district short, so that the Lake Coal – – – – – – 9 Engine will not have to be continued in Feet – 5 – 5½ work longer than ‘till about the begin- A softish grey Thill for near a foot and ning of April. By that time all must then strong white Post. – be in readiness for putting the new Cylinder Have begun the new return Air Drift into the Main Engine, as the Slake waste from the Drewitt District – this is 55 yds. which is now kept clear of water by the on the W. side of the Drewitt drift and Slake Engine, will become standage for

is to be driven through all the Dykes the Colliery feeders during the time the to be driven through all the Dykes new Cylinder is being put into the to form a Communication with the Main Engine. – West way workings, on the N. Side of Jany. 31st. Viewed the Main Coal workings, them, and with the new furnace Staple. Slake District. All in the broken, and This Drift must be pursued without intermission, as the working of the Pillars [Bud-46-5]

1831 64. 1831 65. in a very favourable state. A little Feb 16th. then grey Thill 12 In. thick – below pressure has extended over the Pillars as which is a white Post. far as the Sleek Engine – it broke the Bag of Feb 17th. A bag of Foulness came off in the Fire-door frame a few days ago. – The Foulness far W. drift Drewitt District, at a danty innermost Jud next the Goaf was foul. – Back, but no injury was done, as the men The new Furnace Staple is 4½ fas. were upon their guard. The Davys were deep from the yard Coal seam this morng. filled with fire. All things going on well in Drewitt Finished Feb 22nd. Bottomed the Staple for the Drewitt

Drewitt Feb 16th. The Drewitt headwayses, Main Coal return Air – from the Yard Coal, to the Heads. at Bensham, were stopped this day at Stap. Bensham – depth 12½ fathoms. The Sink-

The Boundy. the Dean & Ch. Boundary. ing of this Stap. cost £54..7..6. Section of the Seam, in the face Stone The return Stone drift, through the main of the Heads. F. In. Drift Dyke from Drewitt, was let to Jas. Brown

Section of Jet – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 2 and Prs. On the 10th. Inst. at 30/- P. yard. Bensham Black parting – – – – – – – – – This drift is to bring the return Air from

Seam. Good Coal – – – – – – – 3 .. 1 the Goaves, in Drewitt, when the working of Splint & Course Coal – – .. 6 the Pillars commences in that district. Good Coal – – – – – – – 1 .. 4 This return Air, will ultimately be delivered Black parting – – – – – – – – – up the above Stap: and thro’ the yard Coal, with many Coal, into the up-cast Shaft. partings, but good – – ..11 Broken Feb. 23rd. The low-Set Spears of the main 6 .. 0 Spears Engine broke off at the Y, but fortunately A good blue Metal parting Roof the “Kep-chocks” catched them, and and The Thill a black Sward for 4 In: no further injury was done. [Bud-46-5]

1831 66. 1831 67 Feb 24th. On starting the Engine this mg. Slake Engine has thrown her off, her Centre. And it

Bucket-tree after having repaired the Spears, the high is questionable whether she can be Kept piece Split Set Bucket-tree piece Split. It was done New Cydr. on for more than 2 or 3 days.

without loss of time, and the Engine started to be put As soon as the Engine Stops measures again at 10 o’clock, in the Evening. into Main must be immediately taken for putting

View of March 7th. Viewed the Drewitt Workings Engine the new Cylinder into the main Engine Bensham and found all matters going on well. New Bucket with all possible dispatch.

The ventilation good, and the return re- -tree Piece Decided to have a new Bucket-tree markably clean. to be cast piece cast for the high-Set, immediately Are pushing away the 2d. W. Drift * March 14th. At the Colliery – all

(beyond the 30 ft Trouble) night & day – they matters going on very well. The are now advanced 500 yards up from the Slake Engine still Keeps going altho’ Drewitt headways. The Coal, here, as well there is considerable pressure all about as in the face of the Heads. next the D. & her Chap: Boundary, is more tender, than in the The Pitmen have been holding other parts of the Workings. general meeting, for the purpose The return Stone Drift, through the of agreeing to stand out for an ad- main dyke, is now advanced 24 yards. vance of Wages, at the ensuing Bindg. Are working about 45 xx. P. day out of * March 12th. The Pitmen of all the the Bensham & 25 out of the main Coal. Collieries on both Rivers having sent

Slake Works. The main Coal-workings, are now heavg. in petitions to their employers, to demand heaving very much about the Slake Engine, and certain advances in price on the hewing

and other articles of Work. A meeting of Coal-owners, and Viewers was held [Bud-46-5]

1831 68. 1831 [68a] at the Coal trade Office, this day to [Town-moor Meeting Bill] take these petitions into consideration.

It was resolved that a general advance on the hewing price was not necessary but that in certain Collieries, an advance might be necessary and it was agreed that in such cases the Viewers shd. be left to exercise their own discretion 1d.P. Score was added to the putting and 1d. Day on the driving making it 1/ 3 instead of 1s/ 2d. March 19th. The Bindings were cal- led this day, but none of the Pitmen bound, except at Collingwood-main and Percy-main. March 21st. Viewed the Slake Dis-

trict. The Pit was not at work, as the Men, were going to attend the general meeting at Newcastle Town- moor. Found the workings in a very

fair state, considering all circumstances [Bud-46-5]

1831 69 1831 70. The Slake Engine having been thrown March 28th. Viewed the Bensham out of Centre by the heaving of the Thill Workings Drewitt District, and found

was rectified a little on Satdy. And every thing in good order. yesterday, and is going very well this The Second West Drifts are still morning, but how long she may continue going level, but the Coal is rather to go is quite uncertain. tender. Indeed the Coal, through the Every thing is now in as great for- whole of the Workings South of the 31 wardness as possible for putting the new ft. Dyke, is more tender than the Coal Cylinder into the main Engine, when the to the North of it. Slake Engine ceases to work. The return Air drift going up the The following are the prices now paid, main dyke, is now 22 yards in, and what the men demand, and what we has risen about 10 fathoms. It has have offered to give. just cut the Coal, on the rise Side of Present prices Demanded Offered the dyke. The drift is now Set in s. d. on the N. Side of the Dyke, to meet Round 7/ – P. xx. – – 7/ 6 – – – 7/ 3 the above – it is going in the Coal yet.

Hewg. in Chingley 6/ – – – 6/ 6 – – – 6/ – In the Slake Way, every thing is Bensham Small 3/ 6 – – 4/ – – – – 3/ 6 going on very well – the small Round 7/ 9 – – 8/ 3 – – – 8/ – pumping Engine still stands her Hewing in Chingley 6/ 9 – – 7/ 4 – – – 6/ 9 ground. Main Coal. Small 4/ – – – 4/ 6 – – – 4/ – Very few men at work this morng. as they are in a very unsettled state [Bud-46-5]

1831 71 1831 (72) in consequence of the general dissatisfaction Proportions obtained. which prevails amongst the body of xx.

Pitmen, on both rivers. 84 Round April 5th. A general Strike took place 98 Small amongst the Pitmen, on both rivers – they Round Small Total formed themselves into a Union, and refused xx. c xx. c xx. c to bind, except on very increased Wages, and 7th. Pay – – 84 .. 0 – 98 .. 0 – 182 .. 0 to have all fines abolished 6 – – – – – 136 .. 9 – 176 .. 5 – 312 ..14 May 21st. – Bound the Pitmen at the 5 – – – – – 185 .. 2 – 213 ..14 – 398 ..16

following Prices, viz: 405 ..11 487 ..19 893 ..10 Hewing in Bensham, without separation Proportions – Round 23 at 7s/- – 161 P. xx. – – – – – 5s/ 6d. Chingle 27 @ 6 – – 162 For casting small when required 3d. P. Corf. 50 ) 323 Double working 4d. Per xx. as formerly. 6S .. 5d 1 lb. of Gun-powder P. Week Added for loss of measure at Bank ¼ 1 .. 7 1 lb P. Fortnight formerly. 8 .. 0

Narrow Boards 3d. Per Yard advance s. d. Formerly with separation. Present Price – – – – – – – – – – 5 .. 6 s. d. Waste at Bank 2/5

ths. – – – – – – – 2 .. 2¼ Round 7 .. 0 Casting below 2 Corves at 3d. – – 6 Chingle 6 .. 0 P. xx. including ridding out small 8 .. 2 Value of extra Small will compensate the difference. Extra yard price – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 0¼ P. xx. 8 .. 2¼ [Bud-46-5]

1831 (73) 1831 (74) May 25th. – The Pit started work. Viewed the Main Coal Workings and 25th. – Stopped the Lake Engine. found them in good order. 25th. – Begun to take the Lake Engine The Bensham is working double Shift down and send the materials to Bank. – the Main Coal single. May 30th. – Measured the Corves. The Pitmen are now settling very well Begun to lay Pipes from the to their work. Shaft to take the feeder of Water to the deli- June 9th. – The Foulness came off so strong vering Pipes of the Crank – to convey it from the Goaf in the Slake Way, as to lay thro’ the Crank Pipes into the Rowland Hill off the Juds. The Venture Engine Smoke District for Standage, during the time the backed at the same time – as this Engine new Cylinder is being put into the Main fire burns so badly and the Foulness is now Engine. Expect to get all ready to begin so near it, it will not be prudent to let the repairs of the Main Engine against next her work any more. This will finish the Monday. Slake District, below the Venture Trouble. June 6th. – Stopped the Crank in Rowland June 13th. – Sent the Slake Way Men, Hill District, and finished the Wedging of into the Bensham this morning. the Pipes for taking the Engine Water into Viewed the Bensham Workings, and the Rowland Hill Crank Standage. found every thing going on very well. June 7th. – Begun to take the old Cylinder All the Deputies and Wastemen have

out of the Main Engine. entered the Union. [Bud-46-5]

1831. (75) 1832 (77.) Have got the new Cylinder fixed in it’s Jarrow Colliery place in the Main Engine. Novr. 12th. 1832

July 4th. – Viewed the Drewitt Workings, and found For Mr. Buddles opinion them all in good order in every respect. Are pushing 1. – The propriety of preparing the Hope Way district on very hard with the Air drift through the main in the Main Coal Seam. – Dyke, which is within about 15 yards of holing. 2. – The propriety of working more than our Certain The Pipes for watering the top of the Oval Rental out of Jarrow Grange. Pit are nearly all laid, and will be finished 3. – The propriety of commencing another district at the end of this week, when the Smoke way of Pillars in the Bensham Seam. about the top of the Pit will be completely watered, 4. – The propriety of prosecuting the drifts to the and cooled. This is very desirable, as if the East at the Foot of the Drewitt Engine Drewitt Engine goes double Shift, the Coal, and Bank (Agreed). stone about the top of the Oval Pit, will get much 5. – The propriety of erecting other two Skreens heated, and would endanger the setting fire to the upon the Dandy. Coal, which would be a very troublesome affair. 6. – The propriety of making an Application for The Pitmen are now working very steadily – they leave to work the 30 yd. Barrier against the

wrought 922 xx. of Coals, and 40 xx. of Splint last Pay Dean and Chapter – the 60 yard Barrier against. which is the greatest Fortnight’s work ever made in the Colliery. [Page 76 is Blank] [Bud-46-5]

1832. (78.) 1832. (79.) Jarrow Grange, and the 40 yard Barrier in for work, to be ready in the event of any inter- Jarrow Grange against Jarrow, leaving a Barrier ruption in the Bensham.

on the East side of the Line drawn betwixt 2. – Jarrow Grange stipulated quantity 400 Tens – Hebburn and Jarrow. for £500 – pay on Leadings. Jno. Forster 1/8 small consumption +

1/7 – – – – 57 xx. 457 – 9 xx. to Jarrow Colliery 12th. Novr. 1832 the Ten = 4133 required to cover the certain Rent. Quantity of whole Coal in Bensham Seam. Jarrow Rent £800 and Slake £400 – in all £1200. Click-him in District – – – – – – – 5 Acres Supposing one Shift to be wrought out of Palmers – – Ditto – – – – – – – 21 Days Forts. xx.s

26 Jarrow Grange – 40 xx. a day X 11 X 25 = 11,000. in the Deduct Barrier – – – – – 4 Year. All that is at present available – 22 Acres Supposing one good Shift wrought out of Hope District – Main Coal – all Pillars Jarrow would be 11,000 xx. – also contains 16¾ Acres – wrought with 17 yard 1375 Tens Winnings – 5 Board and 12 Wall. 9,625 = 1070

A fair and regular Shift to be wrought 1st. – It will be prudent to prepare these Pillars out of Jarrow Grange, and the residue to make

up the Vend to be worked out of Jarrow. 3. – It will be prudent to prepare the farthest or 2nd. and 3rd. Districts – to the East of the [Bud-46-5]

1832. (80.) 1833. (83.) Bensham Pit. Note. – the 3rd. District is in the Jarrow Colliery 14th. May 1833. Impropriated Coal Viewed the Bensham workings in the

4. – These drifts to be resumed. Fortunate, and Palmer’s District. 5. – As the present 4 Skreens, are not adequate In the former the working of the Pillars

when teeming-by – it is advisable to have 2 is going on very prosperously – about one half additional Skreens. of the district containing about 5¼ Acres is now

6. – It is advisable to make this Application, but wrought off. The Goaves fall freely yet I not to agree to pay an additional tentale. don’t think any general pressure has yet taken place – there is however as much partial [Pages 81 & 82 are Blank] pressure on the Juds as to cause the Coals to work small – as only about one half the produce is round Coals. Are at present working about 9 xx. a day. palmer’s district is won out above the 34 feet rise Trouble to the South. A Tram Incline is laid up the Trouble. Are won out 4 Pillar,

or 100 yards beyond the dyke – 20 yards Winnings 4½ Board and 15½ wall – Walls holed at 25 yards – 3 yards wide. [Bud-46-5]

1833. (84.) 1833. (85) The Seam is rather thin here – the following South or Broad Stains District. is a Section. ft. in.

Blue Metal Roof. Jet – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 2 ft. in. Coal – – – – – – – – – 2 ..10 Jet – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 3 Splint & Coarse Coal – 0 .. 8½ Good Coal – – – – – – 2 ..11 Coal – – – – – – – – – 1 .. 7 Coarse Coal & Splint – 0 .. 6½ Parting – – – – – – – – – – – – Good Coal – – – – – – 1 .. 3 Coal – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 9 Black Band – – – – – – 0 .. 0½ 6 ..0¼ Good Coal – – – – – – 0 .. 9 Click-him in District – in Drewitt division 5 .. 9 about 120 yards North of the Gut, or Donn – The Jet sometimes comes down with the top due South by Compass from Shaft 800 yards. Coal, and sometimes Stands. ft. in. The following are Sections in Jarrow Grange Jet – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 2 North or Black-wall District. Coal – – – – – – – – – 3 .. 0 ft. in. Splint & Coarse Coal – 0 .. 6

Jet – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 2½ Good Coal – – – – – – 1 .. 7 Good Coal – – – – – – 2 ..10½ Parting – – – – – – – – – – – – Splint & Coarse Coal – 0 .. 5 Coal – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 7½ Good Coal – – – – – – 1 .. 5 5 ..10½ Black Band – – – – – – 0 .. 1 Are working double Shift at present and Good Coal – – – – – – 0 .. 6 drawing about 63 xx. P. day on the average. 5 .. 6 [Bud-46-5]

1833. (86) (87.) Found the ventilation remarkably good, and Jarrow Colliery 14th. Octr. 1833. the return clean – even from the broken the Finished the working of the Pillars in the return is clean. Fortunate District – Bensham Seam. Started the Hope District on the 6th. Inst. in A R P the Main Coal – the Coals are let down the Bensham This District contains 4 .. 0 .. 20 and has Pit, and drawn to bank up the Main Shaft. produced 3457 Scores 18 corves. There seems to be a slight pressure round the Section of Seam. region of the Shaft, in all the Seams – particularly ft. in. in the Main Coal. – Every place must be stowed Jet (Cast back) – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 3 up round the Shaft that can be spared, and the Coal – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3 .. 0 wall sides in the Bensham near the Shaft Splint and Coarse Coal (Cast back) – 0 .. 4½ must be lined with Pillaring and Stone walling Coal – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 1 .. 6 to prevent the Coal walls from expoliating. Black Parting – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 .. 0½ Coal – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 0 ..11

Total – – – 6 .. 1 Wrought with 20 yard Winnings – 4½ Board and 15½ Wall – walls holed at 25 yards 3 yards wide. The working of those Pillars has brought down a feeder of Water, of 8 Gallons P. minute to draw which, a Crank has been placed at the foot of Drewitt Engine Bank. This is a tripple Crank, and is wrought by two Horses. The want of standage is a great desideration here – the water is drawn by lying pipes in to [Bud-46-5]

1831 (88.) 1831 (89) the Bensham Engine Sump. – This is both an Present workings as follows, Viz: expensive, and troublesome mode of getting quit From the Drewitt and South Grange

of the water, and some better way must be One Shift P. Day – – – – – – – – – 40 xx devised. Out of the North & South Grange – 36 The best plan seems to be to drive a Stone 76 Drift, to carry the water, into the Oval Pit The Impropriated Coal is given up, and and to allow it to fall down into the Low- will be quitted next May – in the mean time main, where there is sufficient Standage, and it may be proper to work out as many Pillars then to pump it by the Drewitt Engine, through as may be convenient, to make up as much pipes to the Bensham Engine sump. of the arrear of short workings, as may be – they To accomplish this will require about amount to £1100. 120 yards of Stone Drift. This drift on account The trial of the Pillars which was made of Stowage can only be driven from the south in the Hope-way Main Coal last May did not end, and will require six months to finish it. succeed, as from the length of time the Smoke It will cost about 28s/- P. Yard – to be driven from the Venture and Slake Engine had passed 7 feet high by 6 wide, as it will also answer through this district, the Coal was found to

for doubling the return of the Air. be so much deteriorated in quality as not to The Drift will cost – – – – – – – £168 be Merchantable. The Bottom Coal was rusted The adaption of the Engine through nearly the whole thickness of the Walls, and Pumps, will cost about 65 and the whole Seam was dried to such a Sundry unforeseen Incidents – 17 degree, and so woody and harsh as hardly to £350 be workable. [Bud-46-5]