Commemorating the Oaks Colliery Disaster

The disaster at Oaks Colliery, near Barnsley, in December 1866 killed at least 361 people.  It remains the largest mining disaster in English history having a catastrophic impact on the local community and becoming a pivotal point in history regarding debates over safety in the mining industry.

December 2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the disaster which has generated a significant volume of commemorative activity. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have commissioned a memorial by the well-known sculptor Graham Ibbeson as part of the commemorations and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) have assisted with funding an educational package to raise awareness of the disaster both locally and nationally.

Further information is contained in the attached flier and registration for this free event is via

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‌Oaks Colliery Disaster (MS Word , 426kb)