THE CENTENARY OF THE WELLINGTON PIT DISASTER: Welcome to our section devoted to the anniversary of Whitehaven's Wellington Pit Disaster. The explosion on May 11, 1910 took the lives of 136 men. Here you will find background articles and details of commemorative events taking place this year.

Pit remains are local landmarks

TOWERING above the harbour, Wellington pit in appearance was by far the most spectacular of Whitehaven’s pits. It was built to resemble a castle, with a keep, turrets and high crenellated walls. Its twin shafts were sunk between 1840 and 1845.

David – last of the Wellington pitmen

THE last surviving miner who worked at Wellington Pit is now 98 and looks back with great affection on a 50-year career in coal.

IN PICTURES: WELLINGTON PIT

Wellington Pit no longer exists but here are some pictures from the archives of the infamous pit and of some of the pictures taken at the time of the disaster.

WELLINGTON PIT CENTENARY MEMORIAL PAGE

Share your thoughts about the Wellington Pit disaster here. Did you have family involved in the 1910 tragedy? Or in similar tragedies in West Cumbria during the coal mining era? (3 comments)

Mining song’s sad refrain

music MUSIC has always been associated with mining whether it be the uplifting strains of a colliery brass band or the moving harmonies of the male voice choir.