Plumber's fatal accident (1836)

Post date: Apr 03, 2012 1:46:29 PM

Extract from Kentish Gazette , 29th March 1836:

Fatal Accident.-On Thursday se'nnight Mr. Stephen Walter, plumber, of Wateringbury, was fixing a pump in a well at Cannon-heath, 112 feet deep. He had descended a ladder that had been suspended from the surface,and was attempting to reach the stay-a piece of timber which is usually fixed in the side of a well to strap the pump to, when he, by some accident, lost his hold, and was precipitated down the well a distance of 60 feet. He was got out as soon as possible but was found perfectly lifeless, with his skull and one of his legs fractured, and other parts of his body terribly bruised. We regret to say that the deceased, who was highly respected as a tradesman, has left a wife and young family to mourn their loss.

For other work-related accidents in nineteenth century Wateringbury see Fatal accident at Phoenix Brewery (1895); Accident at Wateringbury Place (1853); Two work-related deaths within days (1859);