Mains Colliery, Bamfurlong, was between Dover Lock and Bolton Road. Sunk in the late 1840s it was owned by Cross Tetley and Co. Ltd. from 1866 to 1934 and later by Wigan Coal Corporation from 1934 to Vesting Day 1947. The colliery closed in 1960.
In December 1892 there was an underground fire which led to sixteen men and boys losing their lives. An engine boy made a torch from a paraffin rag to prevent a compressed air engine freezing. Paraffin got on the cylinder and ignited starting a fire.
Those who lost their lives:
Henry Edwards aged 49 years. Collier
Joshua Mann aged 42 years. Collier
John Morrison aged 31 years. Collier
James Towey aged 26 years. Collier
Joseph Mills aged 24 years. Collier
William Evans aged 22 years. years. Drawer
John Ovington aged 19 years. years. Drawer
John Colebeck aged 18 years. Drawer
George Cleary aged 17 years. Lasher on
Richard Fairclough aged 14 years. Lasher on
Charles Mann aged 14 years. Lasher on
William Owen aged 14 years. Pony boy
William Banche aged 14 years. Pony boy
Simeon Ashcroft aged 13 years. Pony boy
Michael Cave aged 16 years. Spare boy
John Dolan aged 13 years. Spare boy
Print of Bamfurlong Colliery 14th. December 1892 from the Illustrated London News
In 1908 Bamfurlong Nos.1 2 3& 4. Manager: TF Ritson, Undermanager: James Tickle. The colliery employed below ground 1500 and above ground 270
and
Mains Nos.1 & 2. Manager: Thomas Robson. The colliery employed 700 below ground and 60 above ground.
Headgear and Screens c.1910
Mains Colliery c.1950
Walking Home for a Bath, Mains Colliery.
