A memorial service will be held in Middleton to remember the victims of the tragic Gosforth Pit disaster that occurred 200 years ago
Middleton: On Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 2 PM, folks will gather at St Mary’s Church to remember the victims of the Gosforth Pit disaster. It’s been 200 years since that tragic day when 25 men and boys lost their lives in an underground explosion.
During the service, Frances Jones will read the names of those who perished, and a plaque will be unveiled to honor them. Middleton Park Councillor Wayne Dixon will share a poem written back in 1825 about the disaster. Rev Olasupo Ogunyinka will lead the service.
Middleton has a rich history tied to coal mining, which continued until 1968 when the last pit closed. This memorial reminds us of the tough conditions miners faced and the impact such tragedies had on the community.
St Mary’s Church has deep roots in the mining community. Local lore says each miner contributed a week’s wage or labor to help build the church back in 1845-1846, on land donated by Rev RH Brandling, the colliery owner.
If you want to learn more about the disaster, check out southleedslife.com/local-history-the-gosforth-pit-disaster for old newspaper articles or visit www.fomp.co.uk/history/jn_1825_Accident.html for a piece by local historian Ken Burton.
