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Ashton Reporter

September 8th 1888

ANOTHER EXPLOSION AT FERNILEE GUNPOWDER MILLS

FATAL RESULT

On Friday morning week another lamentable affair occurred at Fernilee Gunpowder Mills, and although one life was lost as a result of the disaster, the consequences might have been far more serious. Following so quickly the explosion by which a man and a girl lost their lives a short time ago, the sad event of Friday created a good deal of excitement in the district. The mills are something akin in their construction to a common mortar mill. There is a pan into which the materials are placed which are to be ground by the revolving mill. About 60 lbs of powplaced in the pan at one time, and the material is damped with water, as in the case of mortar making.

The mills are separated by stone walls, two feet in thickness, and are covered with woodwork and other light material, which will easily give way in case of an explosion.

At about ten o’clock a terrific explosion was heard, which sounded like the roar of a cannon, and was heard for two or three miles away. Directly afterwards a second report was heard, and when the attention of some persons who were working in a hayfield was drawn to the place, they saw a large quantity of material and dust flying in all directions. Of course the workpeople were much alarmed, and began to escape from the works in all directions.

When the excitement had somewhat subsided it was found that Thomas Phillipson, the mechanic employed at the works, had been struck on the face by a piece of timber, which inflicted a deep gash, and seriously hurt the jawbone.

Mr John Ault, the manager, perceived a horse running along the lane near the works, and upon going to the bridge, he found that the animal, which had come to a stand, was unattended by Thomas Ford, the driver. Upon search being made the dead body of poor Ford was found in the lane. The cart was laden with coal, and was passing to the works at the moment of the explosion.

There can be no doubt the animal bolted, and that in attempting to stop it Ford was knocked down and killed. A messenger was dispatched to Whaley Bridge and as speedily as possible Dr Allan proceeded to Fernilee. His services in Ford’s case, of course, were of no avail, but every attention was paid to Phillipson.

In a short time many people were attracted to the scene to view the wreck, and on Saturday and Sunday considerable numbers flooded to the place.

THE INQUEST AND VERDICT

THE MANAGEMENT CENSORED

On Saturday morning Mr R.G. Meggison, deputy coroner, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Ford, at the offices of the works, Mr J.J. Saxton being foreman of the jury.

Mr Marcus Westfield, Mr Edward Knaftmeir, managing director of the Chilworth Gunpowder Company Limited and Mr John Ault, manager of the Fernilee Mills, were present.

The Coroner having made reference to the sad accident from the information received from the police, the jury proceeded to view the body, after which the following evidence was adduced:

Job Ford said he was a labourer, and lived at Barmoor Clough, near Chapel-en-le-Frith, and the deceased was his son. He was a carter and was 24 years of age.

The body viewed by the jury was that of his son, and he had been informed that he died the day before.

Elizabeth Ann Wilson said she was the wife of Matthew Wilson, and lived at Bottom Lodge, Fernilee. She knew the deceased, and saw him pass her house on Friday morning at about half-past nine o’clock. He was in care of a horse attached to a cart at the time. She spoke to him. She knew the horse was used to “shying”, and required to be kept well in hand. The deceased was in the cart when she saw him, and she did not see him again alive.

Robert Harrison said he was employed at the Fernilee Powder Mills, and was called a “corning house man.” He knew the deceased, and had done so for about two months. He saw him alive at about half-past eight on Friday morning, as he was walking through the factory yard. Witness was again in the yard at a few minutes before ten o’clock and heard someone say “Tom Ford is killed.” He at once ran to a spot about 30 yards from the bridge, and saw the body of the deceased lying by the roadway, and he examined it. It was lying several feet from the wall.

At this point the witness fainted, and had to be removed from the room.

The Coroner said they would next take the statement of Edward Taylor, the foreman of the works.

The Foreman: I think it is desirable that the directors be absent, or I don’t think we shall get at the truth. The gentlemen named withdrew.

Edward Taylor was called in and sworn. He was examined at great length, both by the Coroner and jury, and in the course of his evidence said there were two explosions on August 31. They occurred almost simultaneously. He ran up to see what was the matter, and found the mills on fire, and threw water on the burning woodwork. In some cases the timber was blown 100 yards.

He heard two girls scream, and some one say “Tom Ford is Killed.”

By the Coroner: A young man had hold of the deceased, and said he was dead. The horse was a timid one. The explosion caused the horse to run away. He did not know what caused the explosion.

Cross examined: “Had been there five years and during that time there had been three ‘individual’ explosions at these same mills. Last March there was an explosion, but not at the incorporating mills. There was a Government inquiry. The cause of that explosion was said ‘to be between the mechanic and the girls.’ (The mechanic and one of the girls were killed.) At eight o’clock on Friday morning he put into the mills a “green” charge that was 60 lbs of raw material. Two runners went round at the rate of ten revolutions a minute.”

The Coroner: “Do you think that the rapidity of the motion would cause a spark?”

“You would think so to go and work amongst gunpowder”. Continuing, witness said the material was wetted, but not “deluged” with water when in the mill. He could not suggest anything as to what the explosion was attributable to. Some men had been discharged from the works through a bother with Mr Ault, the manager. A complaint was made to witness that a plough in the mill was defective. It was the joiner’s business to make the new ploughs. They were made of wood. He knew there had been a plough in the shop, made for this particular mill, some time. It was made in consequence of his (witness) having spoken to Mr Ault a fortnight ago. It was Mr Ault’s fault it was not put in.

This joiner was discharged the day before the explosion.

The Coroner: “Who forbade it being put on?”

Witness: “Mr Ault”.

The Coroner: “How do you know?”

Witness: “The joiner told me so, Sir. He said Mr Ault would not let him put it on because it was not to his fancy”.

The Coroner: “Did you suggest that this explosion was consequent upon the defective state of the plough?” Witness: “No. The plough was working in good order at a quarter to eight”.

The Foreman of the Jury: “I maintain that it fell off whilst the machine was going before the explosion and lodged where it now is and caused the friction”.

The Coroner: “And grating on the ironwork generated sparks, and caused the explosion.”

The Foreman of the Jury: “Yes”.

The Coroner: “You are fairly of opinion that that defective plough did not cause the explosion?” Witness: “I was not up there when the explosion occurred. I could have told you had I been up there”.

The Foreman asked if the discharged carpenter was a good workman.

Witness: “Yes”.

The Coroner: “Do you suggest that a new plough was essential to the safety of the mill?”

The Foreman: “Yes Sir, I do”.

John Ault said he was manager of the works, and had been so for seven years.

The Coroner: “During the time you have been here how often have these explosions taken place; I mean at the mills?”

Witness at first said he could not say from memory, and then remarked, “I dare say seven or eight times.” He had no idea of the origin of the present explosion.

The Coroner: “It has been hinted that the imperfect condition of the plough would cause friction, which would create sparks”.

Witness: “In what way?”

The Coroner: “You must not ask me.”

Witness said those who suggested that should suggest the cause.

The Coroner: “You must answer the question which has been put”.

Witness admitted that his attention was called to the defective character of the plough a fortnight or three weeks before the explosion.

The Coroner asked: “Didn’t you receive a communication from Taylor that the plough was defective, and did you not prohibit a new plough being used?”

Witness: “I shall not answer it unless you give me a chance of putting it straight”.

The Coroner: “It is not for you to say whether you will answer me. You are here to speak the truth, and if you tell me you won’t answer a question I have a very severe remedy which I will be exceedingly sorry to put in force. Did Mr Taylor tell you the plough was defective?”

Witness: “Yes”.

The Coroner: “Very well; why could you not have said so?” Witness added that he objected to the plough because it was not made right.

The Coroner, addressing the jury, said they had no person to suggest that the defect of the plough was the cause of the explosion, and even if it had been so the result was too remote to in any way implicate the company criminally.

The Foreman: “We have not sufficient evidence before us to show how the explosion occurred. I think there should be a further inquiry”.

A Juror: “There have been four accidents since last March”.

Another Juror: “It is necessary that it should be put a stop to save human life”.

Several Jurymen said they thought the verdict was not strong enough.

The Coroner: “The jury say that the explosion by which the said accident occurred is attributable to culpable neglect in the management of the Powder Mills at Fernilee”. (Voices: “That is something like.”)

The resolution was put to the Court, that the verdict be thus recorded. And it was carried unanimously.

Mr Westfield entered the room, and was told what the verdict was. He said it was a monstrous thing that they should be unrepresented and not allowed to say a single thing.

Mr Kroftmeir said it would at once be put into the hands of their solicitors.

THE FUNERAL OF FORD

The funeral of the victim of the explosion took place on Monday, at the cemetery connected with the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Dove Holes. Prior to removing from Dove Holes, the deceased was connected with the Primitive Methodist body, but latterly he attended the Wesleyan body at Fernilee. As the deceased was well known and highly respected, a large number of relatives and friends were present, and such a cortege had not been witnessed in the village for many years. Many of the workpeople from Fernilee, as well as Mr John Ault, and some of the directors, joined the procession.

The members of the chapel choir, the teachers in the Sunday school, and many of the senior scholars attended as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. The deceased was a member of the “Mayflower” Lodge of the Ancient Order of Shepherds, and many of the brethren joined in the funeral procession. The service was conducted within the chapel in a most impressive manner by Mr John Richardson, of Whaley Bridge, and at the grave side by the Rev. W.H. Mason, of Bradwell. A goodly number of wreaths and flowers had been sent by loving friends.

High Peak News

1 April 1893

The Accident at Fernilee.

We are glad to hear that the two workmen employed at the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, who were injured by an explosion there a few days since, are progressing satisfactorily.

The Powder Mill Fire Brigade

Ashton Reporter

14 August 1909

TERRIFIC EXPLOSION AT WHALEY

ONE MAN KILLED AND TWO INJURED

AT THE GUNPOWDER WORKS

Walking in Flames to the River.

The Whaley Bridge Wakes holidays were overshadowed by a terrible explosion which occurred on Thursday afternoon at the Fernilee gunpowder works, owned by the Chilworth Gunpowder Company.

The works are midway between Whaley Bridge and Buxton, and cover about half a mile of ground in a secluded valley.

What was the exact cause of the explosion is not known at the time of writing, nor would the officials advance any theories. The report was terrific, and could be heard as far away as Bridgemont on the New Mills side of Whaley, and nearly at Buxton. The explosion occurred in what is known as the “corning magazine,” and “corning” is one of the last processes through which the powder passes before it leaves the works. The building was practically destroyed. The roof was torn off, and the slates were hurled yards away. The lane leading to the works was strewn with them, and even branches were cut off the trees.

In charge of this magazine was George Raven, and working with him was a man named Jos. Hill, of Bridgemont.

Hill was killed outright. His skull was fractured, and he had also received a compound fracture of the leg. One arm was completely blown off, and two hours after the accident the limb had not been found.

Raven was blown through into a field close by, through the top of the building, which was open through the roof being displaced. He was not rendered unconscious, but his clothing was all in flames. He had the presence of mind to rush down to the river which runs close by, and by that means extinguished the flames. He was in a thoroughly exhausted condition, and was got out of the river by his brother, James Raven, and Job Wright.

At the time the explosion occurred, Percy Southern, a young man, was crossing a bridge which connects one part of the works with another. He was hit on the chest by some of the flying stone from the building and rendered unconscious. He was also badly burned. There were about 80 pounds of gunpowder in the magazine.

Dr Flint and Dr Cox, of Buxton, were shooting on the Errwood Moors, and hearing the explosion immediately went to the works, and rendered what assistance they could.

Drs Johnston and Welch, of Whaley Bridge, and the matron of Devonshire Hospital, Buxton, were early on the scene to help. The injured were taken to the Devonshire Hospital, Buxton, on the works ambulance. Both of them were suffering from frightful shock and collapse, and were in a critical condition; Raven was badly burned about the head, chest and hands, and Southern was badly scorched. When they were removed it was not known whether they had any internal injuries.

The firemen connected with the works turned out immediately after the explosion, and played with water on the other magazines, to prevent any further disaster. Fully a hundred men are employed at the works.

Joseph Hill, who was killed, was a single young fellow about 30 years of age. He was a quiet, steady-going young man, and connected with the Bridgemont Mission Room.

Raven and Southern are also single young men, and are about 20 years of age.

AN EYE-WITNESS’S STORY

The occurrence was witnessed by Mr Albert Goddard, a farmer, who said to a press representative: “I was at the top of a load of hay, and happened to be looking in that direction. It put me in mind of being at Belle Vue fireworks last night. The roof was hurled many yards in the air. You would hardly believe how high it went. Then it came down with a rattling noise.”

The affair caused a very painful sensation throughout the district. An explosion occurred a dozen years or more ago at the same works, when several people were killed. Some people are of opinion that the explosion was caused by the heat. That question will be gone into at the inquest, which will probably be opened today (Friday.)

ANOTHER ACCOUNT

A terrible catastrophe occurred at the Chilworth Gunpowder Works, Fernilee, on Thursday afternoon. The manufacture of the explosive in which about a hundred men and boys are engaged is mainly carried on in a series of small buildings, and in one of these, known as the “corning” shed, Joseph Hill, aged 32 years, of Bridgemont, and George Raven, aged 26, of Fernilee, were engaged, when the building suddenly blew up. The motive power to this part of the works is supplied by a water wheel, over which the debris of the wrecked building collapsed, whilst slates and other material were scattered about for hundreds of yards. On rushing to the spot the workmen from the other buildings found Percy Southern aged 19, of Old-road, Whaley Bridge, who had been working outside the demolished shed, lying rather badly hurt and scorched from the effects of the explosion.

The work of removing the debris was quickly commenced under the direction of Mr John Ashling, the cashier, who was in charge of the works at the time, and it was a terrible task that confronted them.

Hill had been blown to pieces, and Raven had sustained shocking injuries.

Two doctors, who were in the vicinity at the time, were soon present, and shortly afterwards the injured men were attended by Doctors Johnson and Welch, and removed to the Buxton Hospital.

The work of recovering Hill’s remains occupied a considerable time.

THE INQUEST ON RAVEN

The inquest on the body of George Raven was opened on Monday evening in the Fernilee Reading and Recreation Room by Mr S. Taylor, the High Peak coroner.

The jury was exactly the same as that empanelled for the inquest on Hill, with Mr Hutton as foreman.

It was necessary, the Coroner said, that they should be sworn again, because this was an independent inquiry.

All that he proposed to do now was to take evidence of identification and then adjourn the inquiry to the time fixed for the resumption of the inquest on Hill.

The jury proceeded to view the body, which was lying in a cottage at Fernilee. The gruesomeness of the task was lessened by the fact that the face of the deceased was covered with a mask.

The Coroner, to save the time and trouble of going back to the Recreation Room, took the evidence in the room, the jurors standing round the coffin.

James Raven, Horwich End, Whaley Bridge, a cooper, stated that deceased was his brother, Geo. Raven, and he was 26 years of age. He was a powder man employed at the Fernilee powder works.

The Coroner: “Were you at the works on the day of the explosion?”

“Yes”.

“You saw him soon afterwards?”

“Yes”.

“Before he was taken to the Devonshire Hospital did he make any statement to you?”

“No.”

“Did he make any statement to anybody else in your presence?”

“Yes; to Mr Ashby”.

“What did he say?”

“He said that something had gone through the machine, and he heard a bump”.

“Did he say anything else?”

“No”.

“Nothing of any description that would explain how the explosion occurred?”

“No.”

The Coroner: “The inquiry is now adjourned until August 26th in the Parish Room at Whaley to hear what else there is. I don’t think it will be very much, but we must hear it, and then we shall conclude.”

FUNERAL OF GEORGE RAVEN

The funeral of George Raven, the second victim of the calamity, took place on Tuesday afternoon, at the Fernilee Wesleyan burial ground, there being every evidence of respect and sympathy.

The Gunpowder Works were closed for the day, and the whole hamlet mourned with the widowed mother.

At the head of the procession walked members of the Court of Foresters, with which deceased was associated, including Bros A. Shaw, D. Sherwood, T. Redfern, G. Vaughan, James Sherwood, M. Wilson, T. Wilson, W. Wilson, J. Holmes, E. Holmes, J. Roberts, G. Clayton, Herbert Lowe, Chas Lowe, Horace Allen, John Bennett, George Lomas, W. Lomas.

Over 80 of the deceased’s fellow workmen and officials at the works were present, including Messrs H.S.C. Cox (manager), Chas Smith, J.T. Mellor, J. Ashby, R.D. James, G.S. Maclean and J.W. Southern (foreman.)

The occupants of the coaches were: Mrs Raven (mother), Mr Jas Raven (brother), Miss Florence Smith (fiancée of the deceased), Miss Edith Southern, Mr & Mrs T. Salt, Mr & Mrs W. Nadin, Miss Raven, Mr John Raven, Mrs Collier, Mrs Ball, Mr Horace Allen, Miss Maggie Raven, Master George Woolcock, Mrs Lomas, Mrs Horsfield, Mrs James Raven, Miss Collier, Miss Doris Southern.

Other friends present included Miss Annie Salt, Miss Lily Collier, Mr & Mrs J. Boothby, Mr & Mrs C. West, Mr W. Lomas, Miss Hill, Mrs J. Bennett.

Mr & Mrs Gosselin Grimshaw, of Errwood Hall, the Hon Mrs Preston, of Errwood Hall, Mrs H.S. Cox and Mrs Oyarzabul also attended the interment.

The obsequies were of a most impressive character, and most of the people were moved to tears as the remains of the deceased were reverently lowered into the ground, and also during the service in the chapel.

The minister was the Rev. W. Allen, Wesleyan superintendent, who delayed his departure to Bath so that he might show his sympathy with the bereaved by conducting the last rites. The bearers were Messrs Jas Lomas, H. Southern, C. Lupton and A. Porter, friends of the deceased.

The floral tributes were very numerous and beautiful, and were sent by the following:- Mother, brother and sister Fanny, Mr A. Porter (deceased’s “old pal”), Uncle John, Uncle Jim and family, Aunt Lizzie and family, Aunt Martha, Aunt Hannah Mary and family, Masters George and Jim Maclean, Mr Victor Smith and Miss Lily Turner, Mr and Mrs E. Lomas, Mr and Mrs R. Lupton, Mr C. Lupton, Mr and Mrs John Bennett and family, Mr and Mrs James Boothby, Cousins Jim, Sydney, Lily and Mary, Mrs Lomas and family (Royal Oak), the Chilworth Gunpowder Co. Ltd., Mr E. Kraftmeier (managing director), Mr & Mrs H.S. Cox, the staff at Fernilee Gunpowder Works and Mr Willcock.

The Fernilee Flower Show and Sports should have been held on Saturday (August 21st) but have been postponed indefinitely owing to the recent sad occurrence. George Raven was a member of the committee.

When the explosion occurred Mrs A.P. Shaw, of Whitehall, was early on the scene, bringing with her a trained nurse and a supply of stimulants. Mr Gosselin Grimshaw, of Errwood Hall, was soon down in his carriage ready to render any assistance, and with him was the Rev. Father Fouchere.

It will take about three months to get everything in order again. In the meantime the works will have to be closed, after the present “covered” material has been got out. It is hoped, however, that employment will be found for the men at other works in the neighbourhood until work can again be found for them at the Gunpowder Works.

PERCY SOUTHERN’S CONDITION

From inquiries made on Thursday it was ascertained that Percy Southern, the other man who was injured, was doing very nicely, although he is not yet out of danger.

PREVIOUS DISASTERS

Considering the many and great dangers which attend the manufacture of gunpowder, and how slight a thing will cause an explosion, the disasters at Fernilee have been few in number. There was one about 70 years ago, in which two brothers named Heap were killed.

About 11 years ago three magazines exploded, but happily, this occurred during the night when nobody was working.

It is about 17 years ago since the last fatality occurred, and on that occasion a man and a girl were killed.

There was also an accident in the 70s.

The company are most careful in the proper management of the works, and also take a great interest in the welfare of the men.

Mr H.S. Cox, of Fernilee Hall, the manager, does all that he can to make them happy and comfortable both inside and outside the works. He was away at the time of the explosion, and was most distressed when informed of it.

He returned home on Friday afternoon.