SATURDAY marks the 130th year anniversary of Leigh’s worst mining disaster.

My great uncles Alfred Mort (born c1857) and Richard Mort (born c1860) were born to parents Arnold and Ann (nee Bethel) in Bedford, Leigh.

They were two of 12 children, so times were hard and from an early age Arnold and Richard were sent to work.

Alfred married Jane Kitchen in 1876. They had seven children – Betsy Ann born in 1877, Arnold and David born in 1878 (died in infancy), Margaret born in 1880 (died in infancy), Mary born in 1882 (died 4/12/1961 aged 79), Ellis born in 1884 and Jane born in 1886 (died in 1976 aged 90).

Richard married Nancy Potts in 1860. They had two children – Mary Elizabeth born in 1885 and Richard born in 1887.

Both brothers went to work at Wood End Colliery on Green Lane, Bedford.

On one black Friday morning on August 13, 1886, they set off to start work for 5.30am totally unaware that it would be their last day.

That morning 159 men were working when at 10.45am there was a terrible explosion of firedamp.

Most of the men escaped from other parts of the mine but 38 men and boys were killed.

John Wooley was the only man at the scene of the explosion to escape, although he was badly burned. He made his way out in darkness and on passing Alfred Mort he remarked: “Don’t Alf, stop here.”

Alf replied: “Oh Jack, I’m done.”

A crowd gathered along with officials and explorers – who recovered the bodies – doctors and police.

The verdict of the coroner was accidental death, caused by an explosion of firedamp.

A memorial to those who lost their lives was unveiled in March 1887. It is in Manchester Road cemetery, Leigh.

The Leigh Journal dated February 11, 1887, tells of the ‘presentation to explorers’, with the rescuers being given medals for the bravery in recovering the bodies of the dead miners.

There is a lovely headstone in Leigh Cemetery for Alfred Mort and all his family.

Unfortunately there is no headstone for Richard Mort, as he was buried in the paupers plot in the cemetery, which is overgrown and neglected.

If anyone can help with information regarding the Mort family, I would love to hear from them.

You can contact me through the Journal.

Rest in peace Alfred and Richard Mort and all the other men who lost their lives on August 13, 1886.

Carol Farrar

Tyldesley