A MEMORIAL plaque has been unveiled on the 175th anniversary of a mining disaster.

Residents gathered to remember the 30 men and boys who died in the Whinney Hill Pit explosion in Cleator Moor on October 28, 1848.

The plaque has been installed at Whinney Hill Lane and it is hoped that the community will remember the tragic event which is part of Cleator Moor’s industrial past.

Dave Farrell, one of the organisers of the memorial said: “It was the right way to mark the 175th anniversary of what was a significant event in the history of Cleator Moor.

“We seem to have forgotten the history of the town which is in some cases remarkable, how Cleator Moor came about and what developed it into the town it is now.

“There was quite a toll in terms of injuries and deaths at The Whinney Hill Pit among people just going about their work.

“It’s been counted that there were almost 270 deaths during the 1800s and early 1900s of people working down the mines in Cleator Moor. That shouldn’t be forgotten.

“I hope something like this will make people think it’s good that we remember and honour the heritage of Cleator Moor.”

Whitehaven News: Residents gathered to mark the 175th anniversary of the Whinney Hill mining disaster in Cleator Moor Residents gathered to mark the 175th anniversary of the Whinney Hill mining disaster in Cleator Moor (Image: Social media)

Cumberland councillor Michael Eldon who also helped organise the event, said: “Dave Farrell did absolutely amazing work. It was great. It was one of those days where everything came together.

“It was a really good turnout to commemorate a disaster that was before Cleator Moor was formed. It was nice to see a lot of people there.”

Josh MacAlister, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for West Cumbria, who attended the event, said: "The story of Cleator Moor, and West Cumbria more broadly, is important and we must do more to recognise this history.

“That's why the 175th Anniversary of the Whinney Hill Pit explosion was a very special memorial event.  Our community now has a permanent and fitting memorial to remember those who lost their lives.

"Dave Farrell deserves a great deal of credit for organising the memorial. I would like to thank the brass band, speakers and organisers for pulling this together and producing such a beautiful plaque."

Organisers thanked Capalex for producing the aluminium plate, the Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) for providing administrative support, Anthony Adair from Adair’s Autos for coating the plaque, Bill Morley and the Masonic Centre at Cleator Moor for providing facilities before and after the ceremony, the Pit Crack group and Cleator Moor Town Council for providing support, Cumberland Council for closing the road and Cleator Moor Brass Band for playing.

Mr Farrell added: “I think it’s fitting that the current businesses of Cleator Moor got behind this significantly.”