Cornwall's worst mining disaster to be commemorated

The victims of Cornwall's worst mining disaster are to be remembered on Thursday, 180 years after the tragedy.

Thirty-nine miners lost their lives in the East and North Wheal Rose disaster near Newlyn East on 9 July 1846 after torrential rain caused floodwater to surge into the workings.

At the time, East Wheal Rose was one of Cornwall's most productive mines, employing more than 1,200 men, women and children.

Contemporary reports say a violent thunderstorm swept across the area shortly after 1pm, sending huge volumes of water down surrounding hillsides and rapidly flooding the mine.

Thirty-eight miners died at East Wheal Rose, many drowning underground or being crushed by falling debris. Another miner, Frederick Sanders, died at nearby North Wheal Rose while attempting to escape the floodwaters.

Accounts from the time describe desperate attempts to escape using ladders, chains and the mine's kibbles as floodwater poured through the workings, extinguishing candles and leaving many miners in darkness.

Families gathered at the mine's count house hoping for news of loved ones as rescue efforts continued.

Despite the scale of the disaster, the mine returned to production just four months later after workers cleared floodwater and debris.

The victims were buried across 16 parishes throughout Cornwall. Only six of their gravestones have been identified, with many believed to have been lost or never marked.

Among the hardest-hit communities was St Allen, where eight of the victims were buried, leaving 33 children without fathers and seven women widowed, four of whom were expecting children.

The East and North Wheal Rose disaster remains the deadliest mining tragedy in Cornwall's history.

On Thursday, church bells will ring 39 times at Truro Cathedral and churches across Cornwall. There will also be a special commemoration event at the mine.

We spoke to Cornish historian Barry West about the tragedy, its impact on local communities and why it remains such an important part of Cornwall's history. ▶️ Press play to listen...