|
A number of coal workings are known to have operated from
the early 19th century around Lumphinnans, between
Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly. To date, we have identified a
number of ironstone pits and several coal-works
including:
Lumphinnans Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7,
8, 9; Little Gig; Nottingham; Stair; Lumphinnans Nos. XI,
XII
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| Individual CENTRAL
FIFE INDEX entries are currently in preparation but
general information relating to facts and events of the
Lumphinnans Colliery will be held in this entry which
features the Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit. |
The Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit was located to the north of the
Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly road near the now disused rail bridge,
and almost due north of the present Lumphinnans bowling club
green. Until the sinking of the No. XI Pit in 1925, the No. 1
Pit was the main coal producer for the Lumphinnans Colliery.
Records indicate it was sunk to the Dunfermline Splint at a
depth of 175 fathoms.
The life of Lumphinnans Colliery began as a number of
small ironstone and coal pits dating from around 1826 when the
Oakley Iron Company was operating in Cowdenbeath. They were
prospecting initially for iron ore but they found much more
profitable coal seams instead.
| See also Ironstone
Mining information via the Early Mining Link. |
Lumphinnans Colliery - 1842
Mr. Adam Begg, lessee of the Lumphinnans Colliery, says:
" I do not employ any male or female in my
colliery under fourteen years of age. "
|
Lumphinnans Colliery opened: 1826 |
Lumphinnans
No. 1 Pit closed: January, 1957 |
| Source Date of
Information Supplied |
| Manager / Under-Manager /
Men underground / Men above ground / Coal seams worked / Shaft Details |
| 1833 |
Mr. Begg, Lessee
[Lumphinnans Colliery]
Report in Fifeshire Journal of coal donations
around Christmas. |
| 1842 |
| Mr. Adam Begg, Lessee
[Lumphinnans Colliery] |
| 1857 |
| Mr. A. Christie, Lessee
[Lumphinnans Colliery] |
| 1859 |
| March: Death of Mr. Alexander
Christie, Lumphinnans Iron Works, is announced. |
| 1869 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
| 1873 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / -- / -- / Splint and Parrot;
Mynheer; Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast (10 x
5½) 450 ft.
Natural ventilation. |
| 1874 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 68 / 18 / Splint and Parrot;
Mynheer; Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast (10 x
5½) 450 ft.
Furnace ventilation. |
| 1875 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 72 / 18 / Splint and Parrot;
Mynheer; Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast (10 x
5½) 450 ft.
Furnace ventilation. |
| 1876 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 72 / 18 / Splint and Parrot;
Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast (10 x
5½) 450 ft.
Furnace ventilation. |
| 1877 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 71 / 23 / Splint and Parrot; 14
feet; Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast (10 x
5½) 450 ft.
Furnace ventilation. |
| 1878 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 80 / 20 / Lochgelly Splint and
Parrot; 14 feet
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast (10 x
5½) 450 ft.
Furnace ventilation.
1 fatality recorded. |
| 1879 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 80 / 20 / Lochgelly Splint and
Parrot; 14 feet; Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast ------
[Fan 20' x 5' 6" at No. 7 Pit]
1 fatality recorded. |
| 1880 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 78 / 28 / Lochgelly Splint and
Parrot; 5 feet; Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast
------ |
| 1881 (Lumphinnans Iron
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 87 / 27 / Splint and Parrot; 14
feet; Dunfermline Splint; 5 feet
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast ------
2 fatalities recorded. |
| 1882 (Lumphinnans Iron
and Coal Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / ---------- / 85 / 26 / Parrot; Lochgelly
Splint; 5 feet; 14 feet
D'cast (15 x 5½) 612 ft. : U'cast (10 x
5½) 450 ft.
Fan ventilation - fan 20' x 5½'. |
| 1889 (Lumphinnans Iron
and Coal Co.) |
| October: Mr. James Paul,
clerk, Lumphinnans Colliery - leaves to fill another
situation in Dundee. |
| 1890 (Cowdenbeath Coal
Co.) |
No. 1: Peter
Cummings / John Thomson / 263 / 58 / Lochgelly Splint
& Parrot; Mynheer; 5 feet; Dunfermline Splint
D'cast (15 x 5½) 1,033 ft. : U'cast -----
Fan ventilation. |
| 1893 (Cowdenbeath Coal
Co.) |
| Peter
Cummings, manager; John Thomson, agent. |
| 1896 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
Thomas Borland /
---------- / 393 / 121 [Lumphinnans]
Gas, household, manufacturing and steam coals. |
| 1902 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
John Gray / A. Kelso /
610 / 141 [Lumphinnans]
Gas, household, manufacturing and steam coals. |
| 1904 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
John Gray / ---------- /
642 / 153 [Lumphinnans]
Gas, household, manufacturing and steam coals. |
| 1905 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| John Gray / ---------- /
814 / 206 [Lumphinnans] |
| 1908 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| John Gray / ---------- /
1094 / 233 [Lumphinnans] |
| 1910 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| Jun: Mr John Hunter, oversman,
transferred to Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit from No 11 Pit. |
| 1911 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| John Gray / ---------- /
1392 / 249 [Lumphinnans] |
| 1913 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
Nov: William E.
Richardson, Cowdenbeath manager, appointed manager.
Mr John Gray moved to manage Cowdenbeath district. |
| 1918 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| W. E. Richardson / John
McLean / 665 / 225 [Lumphinnans] |
| 1919 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| July: W. E. Richardson, manager. |
| 1922 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
W. E. Richardson, manager.
A. Martin, under-manager. Andrew Hutt, oversman.
|
| 1923 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
W. E. Richardson, manager.
Mar: Death of Alexander
Martin, under-manager. May: Mr Andrew Hutt, oversman, appointed
under-manager. |
| 1927 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
Mr H. Penman, manager,
appointed manager of No. 11 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. Mr
J. Alexander, from Kirkford Pit, appointed new manager. |
| 1928 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
John J. Alexander / James
Methven / 193 / 44 [No. 1]
Household coal. Jewel, Five Feet, Dunfermline Splint,
Mynheer and Glassee. |
| 1938 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| Samuel Benson / George
Wilson / 179 / 44 [No. 1] |
| 1943 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
| Mr Alexander Thomson, under-manager at
the Lindsay Colliery, appointed colliery manager. |
| 1945 (Fife Coal Co.
Ltd.) |
Thomas Barrie / George
Wilson / 131 / 51 [No. 1]
Household coal. Jersey and Glassee. |
| 1947 (NCB) |
George C. Hutchison /
George Wilson / 100 / 32 [No. 1]
Gas, household and industrial coals. Approx. annual
output = 47,800 tons |
|
|
| 1948 (NCB) |
George C. Hutchison /
George Wilson / 100 / 38 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Main, Jersey, Glassee, Mynheer
and Jewel. |
| 1949 (NCB) |
G. Hutchison, Junr. / George
Wilson / 95 / 32 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Main, Jersey, Mynheer
and Jewel. |
| 1950 (NCB) |
G. Hutchison, Junr. / George
Wilson / 148 / 30 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Jersey and Main. |
| 1951 (NCB) |
G. Hutchison, Junr. / George
Wilson / 162 / 29 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Jersey and Main. |
| 1952 (NCB) |
A. L. Weir / ----------- /
162 / 33 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Jersey and Main. |
| 1953/54 (NCB) |
A. L. Weir / ----------- /
169 / 33 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Jersey and Main. |
| 1955 (NCB) |
W. I. Adam / ----------- /
169 / 33 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Jersey and Main. |
| 1956 (NCB) |
G. Henshilwood / -----------
/ 169 / 33 [No. 1]
Gas and household coals. Jersey and Main. |
| 1957 (NCB) |
| Pit closed. |
| The Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit had
a system of ventilation partly in common with Lumphinnans
Nos. 11 and 12. |
Lumphinnans Colliery (19th century
report)
| Name of Coal |
|
Thickness |
Quality |
|
Class |
Lochgelly
Splint
and
Parrot Coal |
Foul |
> |
2 ft. |
Not stated |
> |
Household Coal |
| Splint |
> |
5 ft. |
Not stated |
> |
| Fire-clay |
> |
1 ft. |
Not stated |
> |
| Coal |
> |
9 in. |
Not stated |
> |
| Parrot |
> |
2 ft. |
Not stated |
|
Gas Coal |
| Coal |
> |
1 ft. 3 in. |
Not stated |
|
Household Coal |
| Mynheer Coal |
|
4 ft. |
Not stated |
|
Steam and Household |
| Five Feet Coal |
|
4 ft. 6 in. |
Not stated |
|
Steam and Household |
Dunfermline Splint
Coal |
|
4 ft. |
Not stated |
|
Household |
| Plans
of Abandoned Seams for Lumphinnans |
Pits or
Mines designated in Plans |
| IRONSTONE
(1850) |
Lumphinnans No. 9 |
| COAL;
Dunfermline Splint; Little Splint; Fourteen Feet; Mixed;
Parrot. IRONSTONE (1851-1883). |
Lumphinnans Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Little
Gig; Nottingham; Stair |
| COAL;
Dunfermline Splint (1856); Little Splint (1858); Diamond
(1880); Five Feet (1921); Lochgelly Splint (1923);
Fourteen Feet (1925). IRONSTONE (1875). |
Lumphinnans Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8
|
| COAL;
Little Splint. IRONSTONE (November, 1875) |
Lumphinnans Nos. 1, 2, 5 |
| COAL;
Diamond (1880) |
Lumphinnans Nos. 1, 4 |
| COAL;
Five Feet; Fourteen Feet; Glassee; Mynheer; Lochgelly
Parrot; Lochgelly Splint; Dunfermline Splint (May,
1896) |
Lumphinnans No. 7 |
| COAL;
Kinglassie Splint (March, 1925) |
Lumphinnans No. 11 |
COAL;
Five Feet; Main; Lochgelly Splint; Lochgelly Parrot
(December, 1926)
Later workings in the Five Feet seam have been added
to this plan.
The amended abandonment date is January, 1932.) |
Lumphinnans Nos. 1, 2, 7, 8 |
| COAL;
Five Feet; Mynheer (March, 1927) |
Lumphinnans No. 11 |
COAL;
Gorman (January, 1929); Little Splint (April, 1930)
Later workings have been added to the plan of the
Gorman seam.
The amended abandonment date is January, 1935. |
Lumphinnans Nos. 11, 12 |
| COAL;
Jewel (April, 1930) |
Lumphinnans No. 1 |
| COAL;
Mynheer; Two Feet or Wee (June, 1931) |
Lumphinnans No. 1 |
| COAL;
Diamond or Top and Lower Jersey (January, 1934) |
Lumphinnans Nos. 11, 12 |
| COAL;
Dunfermline Splint (July, 1933); Glassee (January,
1936) |
Lumphinnans No. 1 |
------------------------------------
Information on coals worked at Lumphinnans
No. 1 Pit
(based on reports from 1930 and 1934)
The deeper part of the Dunfermline Splint seam was
apparently not worked until the 1920s. The Mynheer Coal seam
in the Lumphinnans pits supplied a fair steam and good
household coal with 3 ft. 2 in. to 4 ft. of coal overlain by
a thin bed of coaly blaes separating the ironstone from the
top of the coal. An earlier report described the Blackband
Ironstone found in the area as being 2 ft. thick and of
second class quality.
The Glassee Coal wrought at the pit was around 4 ft. 8 in.
thick and the Lochgelly Splint and Parrot Coals were similar
to the seams found in the Lumphinnans No. 7 Pit. Here the
sandy layers above the Swallowdrum Coal were replaced by
finer-grained sediments and the seam was closer to the Jersey
Coals. It was in thin leaves with thick partings and was not
a workable proposition.
After the 1921 strike, the No. 1 pit workings were in a
particularly bad state when work resumed in July. Although,
in general, production suffered for several months in the
Cowdenbeath coalfield, it was not long before things
gradually resumed some sort of normality.
------------------------------------
"Fifeshire Journal"
4 May, 1848 LUMPHINANS COAL
A Regular Supply of this very Superior COAL, so
much famed in the West of Fife for House purposes, Bakers, and
Brewers, all fresh drawn from the Pit, can now be had at CUPAR and
FALKLAND ROAD STATIONS of the EDINBURGH and NORTHERN RAILWAY
COMPANY, by applying at CUPAR to MR WM. RAMSAY, Jun., and
at FALKLAND ROAD STATION to MR DUDGEON, the Railway
Company's Station Agent.
PRICES at CUPAR:-
Great Coal ... ... ... ... 10s. 6d. per Ton.
Chew do. ... ... ... ... 9s. 6d. do.
PRICES AT FALKLAND ROAD STATION
Great Coal ... ... ... ... 9s. 6d. per Ton.
Chew do. ... ... ... ... 8s. 6d. do.
Lumphinans Colliery, 1st May, 1848.
------------------------------------
"Fifeshire Journal"
8 March, 1849
Colliery and Minerals in Fifeshire
(ON THE LINE OF THE EDINBURGH AND NORTHERN RAILWAY)
TO BE LET ON LEASE
THE various SEAMS of COAL, on the ESTATE of
LUMPHINNANS, belonging to the EARL of ZETLAND, and immediately
adjoining the Village of LOCHGELLY, will be Let on Lease for such
period as may be agreed on, not exceeding 31 years.
The Seams are, at least, EIGHT IN NUMBER,
varying thickness from FOUR to SIX FEET each, and situated at
distances well adapted for profitable working. The whole Coal
raised since the works were opened, twenty years ago, has been from
one Seam and partially from another, the qualities of which are
well known to the trade. All the Seams are wrought in the immediate
neighbourhood. There are also seams of BLACKBAND and CLAY AND
IRONSTONE, as well as FIRE-CLAY, all of which will be Let either
along with the Coal or separately.
The Railway passes through the centre of the
Mineral Field, and presents great facilities for supplying the
markets both in the North and South.
Particulars will be communicated on application
to MR WILLIAMSON, Mining Engineer, Fingal Place; or MR HENRY G.
DICKSON, W. S., No. 3, Dundas Street, Edinburgh; and offers will be
received by MR DICKSON until the 30th of
April.
------------------------------------
"The Scotsman"
21 September, 1860 VALUABLE IRON AND COAL WORKS AND
LAND, IN FIFE, FOR SALE.
THE IRON AND COAL WORKS OF LUMPHINNANS, near Lochgelly, in the
Parish of Ballingry, and County of Fife, which belonged to the late Alexander Christie,
Esquire - all as more particularly described in former advertisements.
Both Coal and Ironstone are held under a Lease from the Right Honourable the Earl of
Zetland, of which twenty-three years are to run from Martinmas next. The field extends
to about 1200 Acres. ...
The Iron Works were recently erected, by the late Mr Christie, at great cost, chiefly
on a portion of Ground extending to upwards of 28 Acres, feud from the Earl of
Zetland. ...
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Monthly Advertiser"
December, 1862
An accident occurred at this colliery last week,
which fortunately, was not attended with fatal circumstances. Two
hutches were being drawn up filled with ironstone, weighing some
tons, when the rope broke, and the hutches fell down the pit. In
their descent, with fearful violence, they tore down the bratticing
which lines the pit, and also the mid wall, so that very soon the
pit was blocked up with the wreck, and all out-going completely
stopped. It was almost the Hartley Pit accident repeated, with the
difference, that the pit possessed an inclined outlet to the
surface in another part of the workings up which all the men and
boys in the pit speedily made their escape to upper air in safety.
The damage done is considerable, and it will be some time ere the
pit is again in working order.
------------------------------------
"The Scotsman"
Friday, 15 May, 1868 LOCHGELLY - FATAL PIT ACCIDENT.
Yesterday morning, a man named William Brown was killed in one of the pits
belonging to the Lumphinnans Iron Company. Brown, who wrought at the "face",
was in the act of throwing out some coal, when the head-piece gave way, and fell upon
him. When extricated, it was discovered that he was dead. It seems he had neglected
to prop up his place satisfactorily. The unfortunate man leaves a wife and family.
-------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
16 May, 1868
On Thursday morning an accident took place in No. 1 Pit,
belonging to the Lumphinnans Iron Company, by which a man
named William Brown lost his life. It appears that Brown, who
was a collier, was in the act of throwing out some coals from
the face when the head coal gave way and fell upon him. No
one was present at the time the accident happened, and it was
only when his son called him to breakfast that it was
discovered what had taken place. When extricated, life was
extinct. Brown leaves a wife and family in very destitute
circumstances.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 September, 1872
On Friday last, at the Lumphinnans pit, a man of the name
of James Izatt was deprived of life under very painful
circumstances. It appears that at the time the accident took
place which was occasioned by a boy who was in charge of the
hutches slipping his foot at the top of the hill on which
Izatt was at work, and the hutches, instead of remaining at
the hill-head, went down the incline with fearful force,
surprising Izatt, and dragging him for a distance of over
thirty yards - mangling him in a frightful manner. He was
only conscious for about two or three hours after suffering
excruciating agonies.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
26 April, 1879
On Friday last week, as James Paterson, sen., was at work
in the No. 1 Pit, a square block of coal, weighing several
cwts, came away upon his back, crushing him on a bing of
small stones. He was cut rather severely about the head, and
otherwise much bruised on the left side. Fortunately, his son
James was close by and had him speedily brought to bank, and
taken home, where he was properly cared for by Dr. Nelson, of
Lochgelly.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
3 December, 1881
On Wednesday forenoon, while a miner named Alexander Ross
was descending No. 1 coal-pit, Lumphinnans, he was caught
between the roof of the workings and the frame of the cage,
and before he could be extricated, life was found to be
extinct.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
21 February, 1885
A serious accident occurred at Lumphinnans Colliery on
Tuesday morning, whereby Janet Millar, a pithead worker, who
was engaged spragging a waggon, was terribly injured. The
girl unfortunately stood in front of the sprag, which knocked
her down, and the wheels of the waggon passed over her left
arm, destroying it completely.
Dr. Nasmyth attended and amputated the unfortunate
girl's arm at the shoulder joint. She is progressing
favourably.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
24 September, 1887
A sad accident occurred in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans,
belonging to the Cowdenbeath Coal Company, on Saturday
afternoon, by which a miner named Alexander Foote, lost his
life. He had been engaged as a brusher repairing the roads,
when the roof gave way, and he was killed on the spot. He was
found among the rubbish by a neighbour who had been working
in another part of the mine. The body was conveyed home to
Cowdenbeath, where the unfortunate man resided. He has left a
widow and grown-up family.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
20 October, 1888
James Malcolm (20), miner, Lumphinnans, met with an
accident on Thursday morning. He was engaged in No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans Colliery, when a piece of coal weighing about 2
cwt. fell from the face and struck him on the left leg. The
result was that the leg was broken above the ankle. He was
conveyed home and attended by Dr. Nasmyth, Cowdenbeath.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
13 April, 1889
An accident occurred on Friday evening last week at
Lumphinnans Colliery, whereby a young man named William
Butler lost his life. He had been engaged shunting waggons,
and was caught between the buffers. He was conveyed home, but
expired shortly afterwards. Deceased was about 20 years of
age.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
3 August, 1889
A man named Thomas Rattray was seriously injured at
Lumphinnans Colliery on Tuesday, by a fall of material from
the roof at the bottom of the shaft.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
8 August, 1891
ALARMING ACCIDENT AT LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY
MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF THREE MEN
At an early hour on Tuesday morning an alarming accident,
by which three men narrowly escaped with their lives,
occurred at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, belonging to the
Cowdenbeath Coal Company.
It appears that about an hour previous to the resumption of
labour for the day, William Hynd, William Simpson, and John
O'Hare, all resident in Lumphinnans, had descended the
shaft to a point about 55 fathoms from the surface, for the
purpose of carrying out some necessary repairs. Having
successfully executed the work, the men gave the signal to be
raised to a spot where it was proposed to carry out some
repairs, and which was little more than thirty fathoms from
the pit-mouth. Here the men accomplished the repairing work
without accident, and on giving the signal to be drawn to the
surface they were surprised to be driven at such a rate as
suggested that the engineman was not conscious of the short
distance they had to travel.
In a few seconds the men had passed the usual landing stage,
and the top of the cage went crashing against the top of the
pulley wheels. Happily, the tackling stood the strain, and
the steam was shut off in time to prevent the cage being
borne through the head gearing.
As it was, the occupants of the cage were thrown on to the
top of the roofs of the engine-houses, where they were in
danger of rolling into the pit-mouth. No time was lost in
rescuing the poor fellows from their perilous position, and
on medical gentlemen being summoned it was found that Hynd
was suffering from a fracture of the skull and a broken arm,
Simpson from a broken arm and severe shock to the system, and
O'Hare from bruises and a shock to the system.
At the time of the accident, the workmen had just begun to
collect on the pit-head to begin work for the day, and great
excitement prevailed when the cage was run up to the pulley
wheels and the three men were thrown out. The engineman is a
thoroughly experienced man, and he explains that the accident
occurred through his overlooking the fact that after the
first repairs were executed he had raised the men to a point
only thirty fathoms from the surface. He turned on the steam,
assuming that he had a clear run of 55 fathoms, and not
having looked at his indicator, he did not discover his error
until the cage was run through the ordinary landing
stage.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
4 June, 1892
While a miner named Alexander Skene was engaged at
Lumphinnans coal pit on Monday, he was struck on the back and
side by a large stone which fell from the roof. He was
conveyed home, and attended to by Dr Craig, who found that
his back had been seriously injured and some of his ribs
broken.
------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
13 August, 1892
THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY, LIMITED
The Cowdenbeath and Lumphinnans Collieries are henceforth
to be carried on by the New Company known as - The
Cowdenbeath Coal Company, Limited. As referred last week,
these works were thrown in the market to the public to be
taken up by £10 shares, with the result that by Friday
when the share list closed, the money was offered four times
over. Moneyed men were rushing after shares from all parts of
the country, thinking no doubt that they could invest their
capital and derive a profit such as the old Company realised
for the past three years.
The old Company announced in their prospectus that their
average profit for the last three years was £45,825,
8s., and as so many would-be shareholders have come forward,
many of them must be rejected. The new Company are to begin
shortly to sink shafts on the Moss-side ground, a little to
the west of Cowdenbeath, and on the north side of the burgh.
A new field is to be opened up, known as Leuchatsbeath.
Proving and experimenting on these places is to be gone into,
and should they turn out favourable, the district will be in
course of time one of the busiest coal centres in the
county.
---------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
12 November, 1892
A DANGEROUS WINDING ENGINE
At the Lumphinnans Colliery, the men of one of the pits
have been idle for some days. It appears that the engineman
detected one of the valves of the winding-machine somewhat
out of order on Monday morning, and no men were allowed to
descend.
On Tuesday, the miners, at a meeting, resolved that they
would not be justified in resuming work until the Inspector
of Mines, or some competent person, examined the machinery,
to inform them that they would be safe to ascend and descend
the shaft.
---------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
21 January, 1893
Alexander Bewick, miner, Lumphinnans, met with an accident
on Monday. While working at the wheel brae at No. 1
Lumphinnans Colliery, he was knocked down by a hutch and his
collar bone injured.
---------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 January, 1893
On Saturday morning last, William Smith, a brusher, got
one of his legs broken by a fall of coal in one of the
Cowdenbeath Coal Company's pits at Lumphinnans.
---------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
1 December, 1894
FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BOY
James Pow, 13 years of age, son of Henry Pow, miner,
Lumphinnans, met with a fatal accident on Thursday afternoon,
at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, Cowdenbeath Coal Company. The boy
had been amusing himself on the pithead, when he observed the
manager approach, and wishing to get quickly out of his way,
he slipped into the engine-house. While attempting to make
his escape through a hole in the engine-room, he fell between
two wheels in motion, and was killed instantaneously.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
4 July, 1896
A slight fire occurred at the pithead of No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans, on Saturday, but it was got under before much
damage was done.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
10 October, 1896
ACTION OF DAMAGES AGAINST THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY
In Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Tuesday, Sheriff Gillespie
closed the record in an action of damages at the instance of
John Ferris, Lumphinnans, against the Cowdenbeath Coal
Company, Limited. The pursuer was an oncost man in the
employment of the defenders at their No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans.
On 11 June, 1896, he was sent by the defenders' oversman
to get a shovel and clean one of the wheel-braes in the pit.
While the pursuer was so engaged he was knocked down, and
suffered severe injuries. He alleges that the defenders are
responsible for the accident, on the ground that while there
were sufficient man-holes in the wheel-brae to comply with
the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, these
man-holes were not, in terms of General Rule 16 of the Act,
kept constantly clear. At the time of the accident he was
unable to take refuge in them while the wheel-brae was being
run. The defenders admit that the pursuer received serious
injuries, but deny responsibility. They deny that there was
any redd or rubbish in the man-holes; but, alternatively,
state that if there was, it must have been put there by the
pursuer himself when he was cleaning the wheel-brae. The
damages claimed are £250 at common law, or £150
under Employers' Liability Act. The defenders deny that
there is any relevant case at common law. Sheriff Gillespie
has appointed the case to be debated on this plea on Tuesday
next. Agents - For pursuer, James Currie Macbeth, solicitor,
Dunfermline; for defenders, Mr Connell, of Ross &
Connell, solicitors, Dunfermline.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
24 October, 1896
Sheriff Gillespie has decided that in the action of
damages at the instance of John Ferris, Lumphinnans, against
the Cowdenbeath Coal Company, there is no relevant case at
common law. Pursuer claims £150 under the Employers'
Liability Act.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
19 December, 1896
This issue carried the report that John Ferris was awarded
damages, and expenses, in the Court of Session yesterday. The
jury, after fifteen minutes absence, returned a verdict for
the pursuer, and assessed the damages at £50.
------------------------------------------------
"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
30 June, 1897
We learn that Mr Thomas Borland, jun., of
Lumphinnans Colliery, has passed his examination for colliery
manager, and has received a first class certificate.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
2 July, 1898
William Hardie, roadsman, Lumphinnans, was employed at the
wheelbrae in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, Fife Coal
Company, on Tuesday, when a runaway hutch struck him on the
back and knocked him down. His back was bruised, but he was
able to walk home, where he was attended to by Dr Craig,
Cowdenbeath.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
14 January, 1899
An action has been raised in Dunfermline
Sheriff Court by William Hardie, roadsman, residing at Lumphinnans,
against the Fife Coal Company, Limited. The pursuer was in the
defenders' employment in June last as a roadsman or oncost man
in their No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
31 March, 1900
John Robertson, miner, Lumphinnans, met with an
accident on Monday in the underground workings of No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans Colliery. He was holing a piece of coal when the coal
came away suddenly, knocking him against a wooden post whereby his
collar bone was broken and his ribs were bruised. He was attended
to by Dr W. E. Craig, Cowdenbeath.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
7 April, 1900
On Tuesday, whilst Bridget Reilly, pithead
worker, Lumphinnans, was pulling an empty hutch on the cage at No.
1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, the safety gate descended and struck
her on the back of the head, cutting and bruising it
severely.
------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
1 September, 1900
John Hume, joiner, Lumphinnans, was seriously
injured while employed at the pithead of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans
Colliery, on Tuesday. He was working at the screen when he slipped
and fell to the ground, a distance of 18 feet. His nose and two
ribs on his left side were broken, and his left eyebrow and the
front of his left leg were severely cut. He was attended to by Dr
Wm. Craig, Cowdenbeath.
------------------------------------------------
"The Scotsman"
1 May, 1901
FATAL PIT ACCIDENT. - An accident occurred yesterday in the
Fife Coal Company's No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans, by which Walter
Brown, miner, aged thirty-four years, was killed. A fall of stone had
taken place from the roof, and Brown had been buried.
----------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
18 May, 1901
Thomas Boreland, colliery manager, deponed that
he was the manager of Lumphinnans Colliery, which included the No.
1 Pit. On 30th April last the now deceased Walter Brown
was working in the pit. The place where Brown was working was what
they called lipey; that was, the roof was apt to come away without
giving any warning. It was reported to witness that day that Brown
had been killed, and he was at the spot shortly
afterwards. The accident occurred in the Dunfermline splint
seam. That part had been standing for two or three years until
recently. The coal face had advanced about twenty yards since it
had been restarted. The five-feet seam was worked above. The only
effect of working the upper seam was to make rather a better roof.
This piece from the roof fell on the rib side. It was about six
feet long, two feet broad at one end, tapering to one foot at the
other end, and one foot six inches thick. It came away from two
lipes. There was timber set close to it. Brown had worked under
witness for many years, and was a very experienced man.
Additional witnesses included: David Hunter,
miner, Lumphinnans; Thomas Watt, miner, Lumphinnans; and, James
Rattray, pit inspector, Lumphinnans.
A formal verdict was returned.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
29 June, 1901
Margaret McGuire, 16 years of age, pithead
worker, daughter of James McGuire, fireman, 79 Main Street,
Lumphinnans, met with an accident at the No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans
Colliery, on Friday last. She was removing a piece of coal which
had stuck in the spout leading to the screen, when a hutch of coal
was emptied into the screen, with the result that she was forced
into the down screen for some distance. Her body was bruised and
she received a shock to the nervous system. She was removed home
and attended to by Dr Craig, Cowdenbeath.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
14 September, 1901
While Robert Craig, miner, 4 Sligo Street,
Lumphinnans, was employed at his working face in the Lochgelly
splint seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Monday, a piece
of coal fell from the roof upon him, breaking his right leg a
little above the ankle. He was attended by Dr Craig.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1902 TRAMP FALLS DOWN A PIT SHAFT
Between twelve and one o'clock on Sunday
morning, Peter Conway, 26 years of age, a tramp labourer, fell down
the shaft of No. 1 Pit of Lumphinnans Colliery, belonging to the
Fife Coal Company, Limited. The depth of the shaft is 150 fathoms,
and Conway was killed instantaneously. Deceased had been at
Cowdenbeath on Saturday night. On presenting himself at a
lodging-house at midnight he was refused admittance. He had then
gone to the pithead presumably with the object of finding shelter
there. His body was discovered by a company of workmen, who were
engaged at some repairs at the bottom of the shaft. They heard a
rumbling noise in the shaft as if a breakdown in some part of the
pumping gear, which was in operation, had occurred. All made for a
place of safety, and almost simultaneously the body of a man struck
the safety cover of the cage. Conway could only have got into the
pit by creeping through or climbing over the safety fence, which
the workmen had securely closed before descending, as a precaution
against anything coming down the shaft upon them.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
2 August, 1902
Robert Paterson, miner, Christie's
Buildings, Cowdenbeath, was injured on Saturday while at work in
the Dunfermline splint seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. A
large piece of coal fell from the face, striking Paterson, knocking
him down, and causing a compound fracture of his left leg between
the knew and ankle. He was attended to by Dr Fairweather, who
ordered his removal to the Dunfermline Cottage Hospital.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
23 August, 1902
William Shaw, miner, 69 Main Street,
Lumphinnans, accidentally knocked out a prop which was supporting
his working face in the Dunfermline splint seam of No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday. A quantity of coal came away, and
falling upon him, broke his left shoulder bone and cut and bruised
his left arm and breast.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
19 September, 1903 DEATH OF A COLLIERY MANAGER
Mr Peter Cummings, late colliery manager,
Lumphinnans, died at Wilcum Terrace, Cowdenbeath. The deceased
gentleman, who was a native of Prestonpans and came to Fife when a
young man, was for many years connected with the mining industry at
Lumphinnans. He obtained charge of No. 7 Pit, and in 1872, when a
new Mines Act came in force, he was promoted to manage the whole
colliery. About three years ago he retired on a pension from the
Fife Coal Company.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
Saturday, 14 November, 1903
A miner named McDonald had his foot badly
crushed at Lumphinnans Colliery yesterday. He was removed to
Dunfermline Cottage Hospital.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
5 December, 1903 DISTRESS AMONG FIFE MINERS
HARD TIMES AT LUMPHINNANS AND COWDENBEATH
The miners employed at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans,
have probably suffered more during the past few months through idle
time than any body of men in Fife. For many years this pit ranked
among the best for steady working in Scotland, but of late the
inflow of water has been so great as to task the pumping machinery
beyond its capabilities, with the result that it has frequently
broken down, and the workmen have been thrown idle for a number of
days each time. This week, matters have come to a crisis, as the
men have no work at all, and it is understood it will be most
likely some considerable time before operations are resumed again,
because of the necessary repairs and improvements to be effected.
It is expected that efforts will be made to find employment for
these men in some of the other pits belonging to the Fife Coal
Company while many that do not occupy the colliery houses are
searching for employment in different parts of the county. In
consequence of the frequent stoppages at this Lumphinnans pit,
there are cases of privation in several families, and it has been
suggested that a small part of the Union funds should be given to
relieve cases of the kind. Fully 300 persons were engaged at the
pit. The regrettable condition of affairs at
Lumphinnans, and the adverse influence it will have on the men at
the collieries around it by overcrowding, has been greatly
aggravated by the large pit at Kirkford having been brought to a
complete standstill on Tuesday by a breakdown of a part of the
great pumping machinery. This shaft is the deepest in the
Cowdenbeath district, and an enormous amount of water naturally
flows to it. With the enforced suspension of pumping operations, a
larger part of the workings will be flooded with the onrush of
water. It is considered probable that the damaged parts of the
machinery cannot be put in order again and the water cleared from
the pit much before the end of the year. The men, who number
something like 400, have, of course, been idle some days this week,
and, like their unfortunate Lumphinnans neighbours, they are
endeavouring to find work if possible in the other pits in the
district. ...
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
13 February, 1904
An accident occurred on Tuesday at one of the
Lumphinnans Pits, by which James Lindsay, Broad Street,
Cowdenbeath, was injured. While working on a wheel-brae, a large
stone fell from the roof upon his right leg, breaking the limb
above the ankle.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
13 February, 1904
In consequence of a breakdown of the pump at
Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit on Saturday, notices have been posted at the
pithead intimating that work will not be resumed in the pit for at
least a fortnight. By the accident, between 500 and 600 men are
affected. Arrangements were made for working a back shift at the
"Peewit" Pit, and thus a good number of the men have
found temporary employment. Owing to the previous scarcity of work,
however, the stoppage of the "Big" Pit may naturally be
expected to accentuate the great privation which has been
experienced for some months past in the village. With the stoppage
of the pump, the water is rising rapidly in the pit, and some time
must necessarily elapse after the repairs are completed ere the
workings can be cleared.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
5 March, 1904
It is now four weeks since winding operations
were suspended at No. 1 Lumphinnans Pit, owing to the breakdown of
the pumping engine. It has taken longer to get the machinery put
right and the water drawn from the pit than was at first expected,
the men only returning to work at the end of this week.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
3 September, 1904
A third accident was reported on Monday evening
as having occurred at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, that
forenoon. Hugh Kelso, the pit oversman, was ascending the shaft in
a cage, on which were placed two pipes fastened by means of a rope.
Owing to the vibration of the cage, the pipes caught the side of
the shaft at a pint about seventy fathoms from the surface. By a
couple of pitwrights, who descended the shaft, Kelso was found
imprisoned, his right leg being fixed between the shaft and the
cage. The injured man was removed home suffering from a broken leg
between the knee and the ankle, and a severe scalp
wound.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
12 November, 1904
George Blyth, a pony driver, residing at 54
Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, had his left leg fractured on Thursday
by being caught between two runaway hutches in the Mynheer seam of
No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
11 March, 1905
On Wednesday, Andrew Grieve, pony driver, Main
Street, Lumphinnans, was severely bruised on the right haunch and
side, by being knocked over by a race of hutches in No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
29 April, 1905
At an early hour on Tuesday morning, Bernard
Fox, pit inspector, sustained a severe injury to his left hand as
the result of a stone bursting from the roof in the underground
workings of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. Dr Young found it
necessary to amputate the second and third fingers at the knuckle
joints.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
8 July, 1905
Robert Torrance, miner, residing at Lumphinnans
Road, Cowdenbeath, met with a serious accident in No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans Colliery, on Monday. He was employed at the face, when
the roof gave way, and fell upon him. One of his legs was broken in
two places, and his spine was also injured. He was attended to by
Drs. Craig and Young.
--------------
"Dunfermline Press"
22 July, 1905
Robert Torrance (38), who resided at Lumphinnans
Road, Cowdenbeath, has died in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary from
the effects of a serious accident he sustained in No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans Colliery, a fortnight ago by a roof fall. He has left a
widow and six young children. The funeral of Torrance took place on
Thursday afternoon. It was attended by members of the "Thane
of Fife" Lodge of Free Masons.
------------
"Dunfermline Press"
16 September, 1905
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an
inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday -
before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of a miner named Robert Torrance, Lumphinnans,
who on 3rd July was injured by a fall from the roof in
No. 11 Pit, Lumphinnans, and who died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
on 17th July. Those giving evidence included:- John
Gray, manager; Christopher Innes, pit inspector, 15 Beveridge
Place, Lumphinnans; and Abraham Jamieson, miner, 11 Union Street,
Cowdenbeath. The Jury returned a formal verdict after hearing all
the evidence.
---------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
21 October, 1905
While engaged in shunting waggons at a level
crossing at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday, William
Bain, residing at 12 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, had his ankle
broken and his foot severely crushed by being run over by one of
the waggons.
---------------------------------------------------
"The Scotsman"
10 November 1905 NOTICE TO PIT SINKERS
CONTRACTORS wanted to undertake the WORK of ENLARGING
a SHAFT, from the Surface, to a depth of about 180 Fathoms. Specifications
and full particulars can be had by applying to the Manager at Lumphinnans
Colliery, and Offers, addressed to the Fife Coal Co., Ltd., are to be lodged at
Cowdenbeath Office not later than SATURDAY, 18th instantaneous.
---------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
26 May, 1906
While Alexander Bremner, pit engineman, Main
Street, Lumphinnans, was engaged on Saturday at the Fife Coal
Company's No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, in putting a strand on a
crab engine rope, the pinion wheel of the engine broke. He was
struck on various parts of the body by the broken pieces of
metal, and sustained a fracture of the skull, a compound fracture
of the left leg, and also received severe injuries to his left
arm. After being attended to by Dr Young, Cowdenbeath, he was
conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died
two hours after admission, without regaining
consciousness.
-------------
"Dunfermline Press"
2 June, 1906
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an
inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday -
before Sheriff Gillespie and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of engineman Alexander Bremner, lately residing
at 133 Main Street, Lumphinnans, who on 20th May died in
the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from the effects of injuries
received in the crab enginehouse of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans
Colliery, by the engine pinion wheels breaking. Those giving
evidence included:- Nurse Birrell; David Muir, engineer, Pit
Cottages, Lumphinnans; William Sinclair, pit sinker, 16 Reform
Street, Dunfermline; and George Cousin, surface fireman, 35 Mungall
Street, Lumphinnans. A formal verdict was returned.
-------------
"Dunfermline Press"
17 November, 1906
This issue carried the news that Mr David Muir, lately engineer at Lumphinnans Colliery, was
leaving to fill a situation under the Bowhill Coal Co.
-------------
"Dunfermline Press"
17 November, 1906
Andrew Clark, pit sinker, belonging to Hamilton, and residing in a lodging-house at Lumphinnans,
met with his death in a shocking manner yesterday morning. Along with others, Clark was working in
the shaft of the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Pit at Lumphinnans. A platform on which he was
standing tilted, and the unfortunate man was dashed to the pit bottom. When the body was removed
from the "sump", it was found to have been terribly bruised, death apparently having been
instantaneous.
"Dunfermline Press"
1 December, 1906
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Friday - before
Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Andrew Clark, pit sinker, lately residing at
65 Union Street, Cowdenbeath, who was killed on 16th November in No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by falling
down the shaft from a scaffold hanging therein. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- John Gray, manager;
Daniel Sinclair, pit sinker, 15 South Inglis Street, Dunfermline; Alexander Campbell, pit sinker, 11 Sligo Street,
Lumphinnans; and Edward Reynolds, pit sinker, 33 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans. The jury returned a formal verdict.
-------------
H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report
Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
25 January, 1907
George Duff, 30, Miner. Deceased apparently was at
work at the coal face, when a part of the roof fell upon him,
and caused his death.
H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report
Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
1 April, 1907
James McCallum, 37, Drawer. Deceased was filling a
tub, when a mass of coal fell off the face and crushed him,
causing death six days later.
----------------------------------------------
H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report
Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
2 April, 1907
George Auld, 19, Miner. Deceased was taking down
coal, which, when it fell relieved the roof, and it came away
on him, causing instant death.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
4 January, 1908
The last day of the year was marred by a sad calamity occurring at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans.
For some time back, Mr Henry Crawford, contractor, has been carting material from the burning
bing for the making of the roadway in Mungall Street, and, on Tuesday, when one of his carts
was sent back for filling, several tons of the burning mass fell and enveloped the driver and a
labourer, besides the horse and cart.
The cries of the unfortunate men were heard at the pithead, and Mr A. Ramsay, fireman, and
several workmen, ran to the scene and gave every assistance. The driver of the cart, Walter Scott,
an old man residing at Millar's Buildings, Park Street, Cowdenbeath, was badly burned about
the hands and arms and mouth, his tongue in particular being much singed. Patrick Hanley, labourer,
suffered from burns on the legs, hands, and arms, and right side of the body, and Mr Ramsay
dressed his wounds.
Another labourer, named David Walker, managed to run clear of the falling debris. For a time it was
feared that the man had been buried, but he was not long in appearing after the thick of the dust
had blown away. Scott was attended to by Dr Craig at his home, and Hanley was conveyed to
Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. The horse was scorched on the sides and head. The affair
created a great sensation in the village. Scott succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.
----------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1908
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of Walter Scott, carter, lately residing at Miller's Buildings, East
Park Street, Cowdenbeath, and Patrick Hanley, labourer, lately residing at 2 Sligo Street,
Lumphinnans.
On 31 December, the men were working on an ash bing at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery,
when a quantity of red hot ashes fell upon them. Scott died at his own house on 2 January,
and Hanley, at the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 9 January.
Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- Jeannie Anderson, nurse, Dunfermline and
West Fife Hospital; David Walker, labourer, 19 Hall Place, Kirkcaldy; Henry Crawford, carting
contractor, Foulford Farm, Cowdenbeath; Archibald Ramsay, surface foreman, 143 Main Street,
Lumphinnans; and Ann Sanderson or Scott, widow. There was a suggestion made to the jury
by solicitor Mr MacBain, that a rider might be added to their verdict to the effect that a different
system might be employed and better precautions taken, in removing the overhanging top,
to prevent slides down the bing in future. The jury gave effect to Mr MacBain's suggestion.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1908
Patrick Lalley, a miner, employed in the five-feet seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, was conveyed
to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, on Saturday, suffering from severe bruises caused by
a fall of stone in his working place. Lalley resides at Richmond Place, Lochgelly.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
13 June, 1908
On Tuesday William Graham, miner, residing at Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, was
admitted to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from internal injures received
while at work in the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Pit at Lumphinnans Colliery. Without
any warning having been given, a large stone burst from the roof at his working place.
Falling in a slanting direction, the stone struck a hutch, which, being derailed, pushed
Graham violently against a prop supporting the roof. The unfortunate man, who was
caught about the lower part of the body, succumbed to his injuries late on Tuesday
evening.
--------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
27 June, 1908
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline,
on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of
William Graham due to material falling upon him from the roof in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on 8 June.
On the day of the accident he was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital where he
died on 9 June. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- Nurse Duncan, Dunfermline and
West Fife Hospital; and James Gray, colliery manager. After further evidence, the Sheriff remarked
that nothing had been proved in the way of blame, and on his Lordship's suggestion the jury
added to their verdict that "the accident was caused by a burst of coal which could not have
been foreseen."
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
15 August, 1908
Alexander Ewan, boilermaker, Union Street, Cowdenbeath, was struck on the eyebrow with
a flying rivet while working at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, yesterday. It is feared that he will lose the
sight of an eye.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
21 November, 1908
James Wilson (26), miner, Park Avenue, Cowdenbeath, was injured in the Glassee Seam,
No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, yesterday. In pulling a hutch he injured himself internally, and had
to be conveyed home in the ambulance van. He was attended to by Dr Primmer.
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
6 February, 1909
A pitwright, named John Fowler, thirty-five years of age, residing at the Co-operative Buildings, Main Street,
Lumphinnans, met with his death by falling down No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Sunday afternoon. Deceased,
along with others, had been taking down material for a service pump that was being put in at the pit bottom.
A long wooden rod, slung from one of the cages was on the point of leaving the surface, and Fowler had
stepped on a spar, known as a bunting, stretched across the shaft to steady the rod. After doing this, he was
stepping back when he overbalanced and fell to the bottom, a distance of over 1000 feet. The other men, who
had noticed his disappearance, immediately had the rod taken from the cage so that they could descend, and
they found the body in the sump. Deceased was well known in the district. The unfortunate man took an active
interest in the public life of the village, and was a member of the local "Gothenburg" Committee.
The funeral of John Fowler took place on Tuesday afternoon. There attended a number of the members of the Masonic
Lodge "Thane of Fife", No. 781, of which deceased was a member, besides a large representation of
the general public. The scene was very impressive, and at many points people gathered to watch the cortege
pass on its way to the Beath Cemetery.
-----------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
27 March, 1909
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on
Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of John
Ramsay Fowler, pit shanksman, Main Street, Lumphinnans, who fell down the shaft of the Fife Coal
Company's No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, and was killed. Those giving evidence included:- John Dewar,
engineer, Bridgend Cottages, Lumphinnans; William Fulton, engineer; and Alexander Anderson Malcolm,
oversman. A formal verdict was returned with the addition that the accident was probably due to
deceased's foot slipping when he was in the act of coming off the bunting.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
11 September, 1909
Mr Hamilton Graham, an oversman in No. 11 Pit, Lumphinnans, was on the occasion of his transference to
No. 1 Pit, presented with a gold albert, along with a silver tea service for Mrs Graham. The ceremony took
place in the Gothenburg on Saturday. Mr D. Campbell presided, and Mr W. Mulligan made the presentation.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
4 June, 1910
Mr John Hunter, oversman, was on the occasion of his being transferred from No. XI Pit to
No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, met by a number of the workmen of No. XI in the Masonic Arms,
Cowdenbeath, on Saturday, and presented with a roll top desk, a barometer, and umbrella
together with a gold brooch and umbrella for Mrs Hunter. The presentation was made by Mr J.
H. Campbell, Milesmark, Dunfermline. Mr. J. Bruce, presided.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
17 September, 1910
James Phillips (15), drawer, residing with his parents at 9 Dundas Street, Lochgelly,
received severe injuries in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Monday. He had been "drawing",
and when at the bench on the wheelbrae it was supposed that he was knocked down by the
running hutches. He was cut about the face, and his nose was broken. He was also crushed
about the body.
and later,
On Tuesday, James Phillips, brusher, 9 Dundas Street, Lochgelly, was admitted to the
Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from injuries sustained while at work in the
old five feet dook of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. Phillips, who was struck by three runaway
hutches, sustained lacerated wounds about the face, and body bruises.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
24 December, 1910
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of John Bissett, pit repairer, Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, who
died on 26 November as the result of an accident stated to have taken place on 17
February 1909 in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. Those giving evidence included:- Allison Lawrie,
Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, a daughter of deceased; John Gray, colliery manager; John
Robertson; pit fireman; David Moffat, pit worker; and Dr Young, Cowdenbeath. The jury
returned a formal verdict.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
24 December, 1910
On Wednesday, Robert Pollock, son of David Pollock, Norwood Place,
Cowdenbeath, had a foot badly injured by being crushed by the moving tables at
No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. The lad was removed to Dunfermline and West of Fife
Hospital.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
15 March, 1913
Alexander Graham, miner, Beveridge Place, had his right leg broken below the knee, and
John McDonald, 49 Sligo Street, his head cut in No. 1 Pit on Tuesday. The men sustained
their injuries through a "fall" taking place in No. 3 old five feet section.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
21 June, 1913
John Blair, 17 years of age, who resided with his widowed mother at 121 Main
Street, Lumphinnans, met with his death in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Tuesday.
He was driving a race of loaded hutches in No. 1 Road at the time, but how the
accident exactly happened is not known. A fellow-worker hearing an unusual
sound of harness rattling, went to ascertain the cause, and found Blair lying
between the two hutches, one of which was off the road. Dr Craig, Cowdenbeath,
who examined the body, found death to have been due to severe internal injuries.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
2 August, 1913
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of John Blair, pony driver, lately residing at Main Street, Lumphinnans,
who died on 17 June in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, by being crushed between two loaded hutches.
Those giving evidence included:- James Sneddon, hanger-on, Perth Road, Cowdenbeath;
Edward Gormley, pony driver; Thomas Rattray, miner; William Rattray, miner, Main Street,
Lumphinnans; and James Herd, pit fireman, Perth Road, Cowdenbeath.
The Sheriff said it was for the jury to suggest that sprags might have been provided,
although not necessarily under Act of Parliament. There was no reason, his Lordship added,
why the jury should not, in particular, place where an accident had occurred, make a
suggestion which would prevent a similar accident occurring. The jury indicated that they
preferred to add no rider to their formal verdict.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
1 November, 1913 FIFE COLLIERY APPOINTMENTS
Mr William Richardson, who has had charge of the Fife Coal Company's collieries at
Cowdenbeath for several years, has been appointed to the Company's extensive
colliery at Lumphinnans. This colliery includes No. 1 and No. 11 pits at which nearly 2000
men are employed, the daily output of coal being 2000 tons. Mr Richardson, who belongs
to the West of Scotland, has been about thirteen years a manager with the Fife Coal
Company. Mr John Gray, who has been ten years in charge of Lumphinnans Colliery,
has been transferred to Cowdenbeath district, which includes Moss-side Nos. 1 and 2 pits,
Foulford, and No. 9. Mr Gray has an extensive knowledge of mining in various parts of
Scotland, and is one of the best known managers in the county.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
17 January, 1914
... On Saturday, James Kerr, brusher, Perth Road, and William West, miner, Moss-side Road,
had each a leg broken in Lumphinnans No. 1 pit and the Alice Pit, Fordell, respectively. ...
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
14 February, 1914
Henry Beveridge (15), pony driver, Moss-side Road, Cowdenbeath, received
a compound fracture of one of his legs in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Wednesday
evening.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
25 April, 1914 COWDENBEATH MINER'S SUDDEN DEATH
William Scott, thirty-one years of age, a miner residing at 230 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath,
died suddenly yesterday. He took ill while at work in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, and died
within an hour after being raised to the surface. Dr Young, who was called in, found that death
was due to natural causes.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
9 May, 1914
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of a miner named William Scott, lately residing at 230 Perth Road,
Cowdenbeath, who became suddenly ill on 24 April when at work in No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans Colliery, and died later on the same day in the workshop at the pithead.
Those giving evidence included:- Margaret Scott, widow; Dr Craig; Arthur Scott, miner,
Natal Place, Cowdenbeath; John Hunter, jun; and John Hunter, sen. The jury returned
a formal verdict, finding that death was due to angina pectoris.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
29 August, 1914
James Morgan (31), who resided at 38 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, was instantaneously
killed in the Lochgelly Splint seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, yesterday. He had been in the
act of filling his lamp at the "face" when a piece of coal fell upon him, breaking his
neck.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
13 March, 1915
Mary Duffy (16), a pithead worker, residing at 1 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans,
met with an accident at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Tuesday. The girl was engaged
at a hoist, which she inadvertently set in motion. Falling to the bottom of the hoist,
she was badly injured, there being a large wound on the right side of the head, and
slight brain concussion. Dr Young, who was called, had the girl removed home.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
4 September, 1915
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of John McNiven, shunter, lately residing at 27 Mungall Street,
Lumphinnans, who died on 25 August on a lye at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, from injuries
received by being run over by loaded waggons. Those giving evidence included:- Neil Mitchell,
despatch clerk, Fife Coal Company; John Graham, shunter; and Archibald Ramsay, surface
foreman, who stated that deceased had been for 11 years in his employment. The jury returned
a formal verdict.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
2 October, 1915
A haulageman, named Andrew Lindsay Paton, residing at 16 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans,
met with an accident in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Monday. He was engaged in the
new five feet section dook when a race of hutches unexpectedly left the rails. The wheels
of one of the hutches passed over his right foot, causing a compound fracture. The injured
man was taken home and attended to by Dr Young.
On the same day, also in No. 1 Pit, George Wilson Findlay, miner, 61 Main Street, Lumphinnans,
had his right leg fractured above the knee by a fall of stone from the roof.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
20 May, 1916
Fire broke out in the report box on the pithead at No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, on Monday
night, and it was assuming serious proportions when it was checked and extinguished. After
the fire had started, it quickly spread along the insulation of the electric wires until it caught
the woodwork around the shaft. Some workmen raised the alarm, and soon a plentiful supply
of water was playing on the flames. Within twenty minutes all danger was past. The damage
was estimated at £15.
--------------------------------------------
Lumphinnans Memorabilia
Pay Tickets 1916-20
A quantity of Pay Tickets issued by the
Fife Coal Company to individual miners have been presented
to Fife Pits Webmaster, Chris Sparling, Dunfermline. They were rescued from the office of Lumphinnans
No. 1 Pit many years ago but have only recently been presented. Dates of payment range from
October, 1916, to January 1920 and the named miners are:- Dan Menzies, Arthur Reid, Archibald
Ramsay, John Marshall, William Hunter, and John Ness.
Are these names known/familiar to anyone? |
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
10 February, 1917
... Yesterday morning, Thomas Conoby (58), a pit repairer, residing at 9 Beveridge Place,
Lumphinnans, met with a serious accident at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. He was engaged
on a scaffold or gangway along which hutches were drawn by an endless chain. The rope slipped
the drum, causing the chain to jerk and break. The result was that the hutches were sent out of
control and jammed Conoby against the pithead staging. He was conveyed to the Dunfermline
and West Fife Hospital, where his injuries proved fatal.
-------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
24 February, 1917
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline,
on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of
Thomas Conoby, pithead labourer, lately residing at 9 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, who died in the
Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 9 February from injuries received that day at the redd hill at No. 1
Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by hutches which had run away in consequence of the haulage rope breaking.
Those giving evidence included:- James York (15), haulage engine attendant; William Hunter, pitheadman;
Archibald Ramsay, surface foreman; and W. E. Richardson, colliery manager. The jury returned a formal
verdict, to which they added a rider to the effect that they were of opinion that a person in charge of a
haulage engine ought to have some mechanical knowledge, and that there had been an absence of
proper supervision and examination of the haulage rope which was in use.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
14 April, 1917
Thomas Brady (36), hanger-on, Foulford Place, Cowdenbeath, met with an accident in No. 1
Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Saturday forenoon. While attempting to fasten a gate on the cage
at the side of the shaft, his foot slipped and he fell down the shaft, a distance of twelve fathoms.
Landing on an empty hutch, he was rendered unconscious. He was attended to by Dr Primmer.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
20 June, 1917
A miner named Andrew Adamson, who resided at Main Street, Lumphinnans, was found
dead in his working place in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Tuesday. His head was injured as if
by an explosion, but it is not known how the accident happened. Deceased leaves a widow
and seven of a family.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
28 July, 1917
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of Andrew Adamson, miner, lately residing at 89 Main Street,
Lumphinnans, who died on 26 June in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, from injuries
caused by the ignition of some explosive material. Those giving evidence included:- Dr J. B.
Primmer, Cowdenbeath; Robert Skelton Watters, explosive storekeeper; James D. S.
Bremner, pit fireman; Alexander Kellock, drawer; James Bathgate, repairer, 43 Bridge Street,
Cowdenbeath; John Bayne, miner; James Japp, pit fireman; William Ormsby (78), explosives
storekeeper; William Edward Richardson, manager; Adam Adamson, miner, a brother of
deceased; James Adamson, a brother of deceased; Catherine Beveridge Nicholson
or Adamson, the widow. By the direction of the Sheriff, the Jury returned an open verdict,
finding that the man died from injuries received from the ignition of some explosive material.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
8 September, 1917
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of a miner named James Kelly, lately residing at 114 Main Street,
Lumphinnans, who died on 24 July in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. Those giving
evidence at the inquiry included:- Dr Wm. Craig, Cowdenbeath; James Kelly, junior (40),
miner, 16 Nivingston Place, Lumphinnans, son of deceased; John Brown (38), miner,
15 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans; and James Japp (49), pit fireman, Main Street,
Lumphinnans. The jury returned a formal verdict finding that death was due to heart
failure.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
5 October, 1918
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of Henry Malcolm, tail runner, lately residing at 103 Main Street, Lumphinnans,
who died on 7th August in an ambulance on the public road in Dunfermline Parish, between
Crossgates and Halbeath, from injuries received on said date in No. 1 Pit of Lumphinnans Colliery
from a race of loaded hutches of which he was in charge. Among those giving evidence at the inquiry
were:- George Gilliard, oncost worker, 42 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans; Thomas Watt, oncost worker,
73 Main Street, Lumphinnans; and W. E. Richardson, colliery manager. The Jury returned
a formal verdict.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
29 March, 1919
George Mathewson, pit repairer, Dunfermline Road, Crossgates, was injured by a fall in
No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Saturday.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
14 June, 1919
Between six and seven o'clock on Monday morning, James Millar (53), residing at
55 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, met with his death at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. He
was working at the coal face alone in the Lochgelly splint seam. A fellow-workman, James
Moffat, in passing his working-place, observed that a large fall of coal had taken place. Calling
to Millar, Moffat received no reply. The surmise that Millar had been buried by the fall proved
correct. A number of men at once began the work of clearing away the accumulation. At the
expiring of a couple of hours the rescue party came upon Millar, who was dead. Deceased
was a widower, and leaves a family of six children.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
12 July, 1919
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of a miner, James Millar, lately residing at 55 Mungall Street,
Lumphinnans, who died on 9 June in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, from injuries
received by a fall of material on him from the roof. Those giving evidence included:-
W. E. Richardson, colliery manager; Peter Ryan, miner; and Adam Brockie, fireman.
A formal verdict was returned by the jury.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
6 September, 1919
A miner named John Colville was killed in the five feet seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans
Colliery on Tuesday by a shot going off prematurely. A young man named Thomas
Canavan, who was working beside him, was so badly injured, chiefly about the face,
that he had to be taken to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Colville was
married, and lived at 33 James Street, Dunfermline.
--------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
18 October, 1919
In connection with the death of John Colville, stone miner, 33 James Street,
Dunfermline, which occurred in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on 2 September, it
was elicited that two shots of gelignite had been ignited in a stone mine. One shot
was heard to go off. Deceased, under the impression that the fuse had not lit in the
second shot, returned to the place, when a second explosion took place, killing Colville,
and severely injuring Thomas Canavan, a miner who had accompanied deceased.
The Sheriff said that if the Jury desired to add anything to their verdict they had a
perfectly clear case. Deceased went back to the shot after a few minutes, and he
ought not to have done so. The Jury could add, either that the deceased committed
a breach of the Explosives Order, or say that the cause of the accident was the man
going back too soon to a shot which he had attempted to light.
The Jury added a rider, embodying the Sheriff's alternative suggestion.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
17 January, 1920
Thomas Laing, pithead worker, 77 Main Street, Lumphinnans, received a foot injury
at a steam hoist at the colliery. He was getting a hutch ready for hoisting, when the cage
came down and crushed his foot so badly that he had to be removed to the Dunfermline
and West Fife Hospital, where the big toe was amputated.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
17 July, 1920
On Wednesday, Thomas Forrest (45), 34 Main Street, Lumphinnans, was seriously injured
while employed as a waggon shunter at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. In course of shunting
operations, he was accidentally caught between the buffers of two moving waggons. His injuries
were so serious that he was at once removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where
he died shortly after admission.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
18 September, 1920
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court,
Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances
attending the death of Thomas Forrest, labourer, lately residing at 34 Main Street, Lumphinnans,
who died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 14th July from injuries received at No. 1
Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by being crushed between two waggons. ... The jury returned a
verdict and rider in accordance with the Sheriff's suggestion that this accident might
have been prevented if sufficient protection against the shunting waggons had been
given in accordance with the General Regulations.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
16 April, 1921
An oil store at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, containing 12 barrels of
oil and other colliery supplies, was totally destroyed by fire early on Thursday
morning. The loss is estimated at £1000.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
14 May, 1921 COMMUNAL MINING AT LUMPHINNANS.
Business principles are being applied to the coal-getting in Games Park, at
Lumphinnans, where a seam, three feet thick, of fairly good quality, is yielding
a rich return. Officials of the local branch of the Union have taken the matter in
hand. Shifts of men are selected to work the coal, which, after the men's
own domestic requirements have been met, is distributed among necessitous
persons in the village. Even transport of the coal has been arranged for,
although the scheme appears to be somewhat deficient in respect that, if it is
not permissible to sell the coal, there will be no remuneration for those who
undertake the cartage of the coal from the Games Park to the houses in the
village.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
9 July, 1921
... A breakdown in the pumping plant has retarded the resumption of No. 1
Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, and there has been nothing done so far in the way
of coal getting in Kirkford and other pits at which pumping apparatus is installed
for a series of collieries. ...
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
23 July, 1921 COWDENBEATH PITS
All the pits at Cowdenbeath are producing coal again with the exception of Kirkford Pit,
where the water is very heavy. At Lumphinnans, everything is being done to put the two
pits into working order.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
1 October, 1921 DEATH OF COLLIERY FOREMAN.
Mr Arch. Ramsay, Stenhouse Street, who for many years was a foreman of the
aboveground workers at Lumphinnans Colliery, died on Sunday. ...
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
31 December, 1921
A miner named John Henderson, residing at 27 Main Street, Lumphinnans,
had his ribs and back injured by a stone falling on him in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans,
on Wednesday.
--------------------------------------------
"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly
Times"
24 May, 1922
Mr Andrew Hutt, Bowling Green Street, Cowdenbeath, has
been promoted by the management of the Fife Coal Company from
Donibristle Colliery, to be undermanager at No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans.
--------------------------------------------
"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
30 August, 1922
A boy, named Myles Doolan, residing with his
parents at 23 South Glencraig, had his hand so badly bruised while
at work in Lumphinnans Pit that a portion had to be
amputated. William Brown, residing at 127 South Glencraig,
while at work, was accidentally caught by the haulage rope, and was
so badly injured that he was removed direct to the Dunfermline and
West Fife Hospital. One leg was fractured, and various other
bruises made his removal necessary.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
17 March, 1923
Robert Kean (33), who resided at 1 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, died in
the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday afternoon from the
effects of an accident which he received in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery,
earlier in the day. Employed as a tail-runner, he was at work on a wheel brae in
the Dunfermline splint seam, when a steel haulage rope sprang off the wheel
and struck him with great force on his legs. At the hospital, it was found
necessary to amputate one of the injured limbs. Death took place from
shock. Deceased leaves a widow and a family of four.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
31 March, 1923
Alexander Martin, under-manger of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery,
had just descended the shaft on Wednesday, and was talking to the
oversman at the pit-bottom, when he suddenly dropped dead. Deceased,
who belonged to Leven, had been employed for two years at the
colliery, and resided in Main Street, Lumphinnans. He leaves a widow and
family.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
5 May, 1923
Mr Hutt, who has acted as section oversman in the Fife Coal
Company's No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, has been appointed
under-manager at that pit in succession to Mr Martin, who recently
died in the pit while attending to his duties.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
19 May, 1923
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the
Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Monday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a
Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Robert Rodgers,
tail-runner, lately residing at 1 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, who died
on 16th March in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries
received that day in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by his left leg
being crushed between a wire haulage rope and the wall of the
haulage motor house. A pathetic circumstance disclosed was that
one of the colliery officials who knew most about the accident was
Alexander Currie Martin, whose sudden death in the pit on 28th
March was also the subject of an inquiry.
Those giving evidence included:- W. E. Richardson, colliery manager;
Henry Westwater, fireman, Zetland Place, Lochgelly; and Thomas
Ward, motorman, Main Street, Lumphinnans. The jury returned a
formal verdict.
------------------
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in
the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Monday - before Sheriff Umpherston
and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Alexander
Currie Martin, under-manager, lately residing at Bridgend Cottage,
Lumphinnans, who died on 28th March in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans
Colliery, when convening with other employees.
Those giving evidence included:- Dr Edwin Brooke Young,
Cowdenbeath; Robert Syme, fireman, Moss-side Road, Cowdenbeath;
Henry Westwater, fireman; and Andrew Hutt, oversman. The jury
returned a formal verdict, death being due to heart failure.
--------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
26 May, 1923
FIRE AT LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY WORKSHOPS.
Fire broke out at the colliery workshops at Lumphinnans on
Monday forenoon, and so rapidly did it spread that soon the engineering
shop, the joinery, and oil store were gutted. ... Recently new workshops
have been in course of erection nearer the pits, and these will be brought
into use now.
--------------------------------------------
"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
16 July, 1924
James Bradford, son of Adam Bradford, 67
Foulford Street, Cowdenbeath, was the victim of an accident which
took place at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans on Monday. Bradford is said to
have been partaking of his lunch when a fall took place, crushing
him badly. It took the miners who came to his assistance over an
hour to get him from underneath the stone. He was removed home
suffering from injuries to his back and arms.
--------------------------------------------
"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
19 November, 1924 WHAT FOLLOWED A TWISTED KNEE
An inquiry was held at Dunfermline, on
Thursday, relating to the death of Peter Mooney, miner, lately
residing at 79 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, who died on 30
September in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, in consequence
of an injury to his right leg, received on 23 September, in No.
Lumphinnans Pit, when going to get a piece of prop wood. Among
those giving evidence were:- Adam Brockie, fireman, Glenfarg
Cottages, Cowdenbeath; Alexander Davidson, miner, Arthur Street,
Cowdenbeath; and Mr George Robertson, F.R.C.S.,
Dunfermline. The cause of his death was general
septicaemia. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the
medical evidence.
"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
18 February, 1925
William Baxter (62), Cowden Place, Hill of
Beath, has died as the result of injuries received in the pit last
week. Baxter was employed in the fourteen feet seam of No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday of last week, when he was struck
by a fall from the roof. When he was extricated it was seen he was
in a serious condition, and he was removed to West Fife Hospital,
where he passed away on Saturday morning. Deceased was a widower,
and leaves a grown-up family. One of his sons was a centre-half for
two years with Cowdenbeath, and he also played for Hearts of
Beath.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
27 March, 1926
While at work in No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery on Thursday, James Kerr, a
miner, residing at Rose Street, Dunfermline, met with a serious accident. He
was in the act of placing a supporting bar in his working place when a fall of
stone occurred. Suffering from severe injuries to his back, he was removed to
Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he lies in a critical condition.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
10 April, 1926
UNEMPLOYED MINERS. - Owing to a section in No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans,
having been stopped, about forty men have been thrown idle.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
25 December, 1926
Andrew Penman (21), residing with his parents at Murrayfield, Lochgelly
Road, met with an accident to his left hand in No. 1 Colliery on Tuesday.
Three of his fingers were badly bruised between the pans and an empty
hutch. Mr Robert Hunter, pitheadman, rendered first-aid at the ambulance
room before the injured man proceeded to his home, where he was
attended to by Dr Young.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
1 June, 1929
IDLE DAY. - Owing to congestion of waggons, No. 1 Pit was idle
on Wednesday.
-------------------------------------------------
"Dunfermline Press"
10 August, 1929
PRESENTATION TO DR VEITCH. - Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery (Fife
Coal Company Limited) Ambulance Class have presented Dr Veitch with
medical books in recognition of his services as lecturer during the last
session.
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"Dunfermline Press"
31 August, 1929
PIT ACCIDENTS. - William Lowe, stone mine worker, 5 Mungall Street, while
at work in No. 1 Pit on Wednesday morning received an injury to his left
hand. While turning a hutch on the plates, a piece of stone fell from the
roof causing him the loss of his middle finger.
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"Dunfermline Press"
19 October, 1929 SUDDEN DEATH IN COWDENBEATH PIT.
An underground repairer named George Cook was found to have died in
the Mynheer section of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Wednesday morning.
He had been erecting props, but the cause of death has not been given.
Deceased was 65 years of age. He was a widower, and lived with his
daughter at Park Street, Cowdenbeath.
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"Dunfermline Press"
8 February, 1930
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the
Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and
a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of a miner named
Gabriel McEwan, 15 Shamrock Place, Cowdenbeath, who died on
10th January at his home from injuries received by him on 3rd September,
1929, in No. 1 Pit of Lumphinnans Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company,
Limited, as a result of a roof fall. Those giving evidence included:-
Robert Russell, underground fireman, 57 Main Street, Lumphinnans,
and Dr Neilson, Cowdenbeath. A formal verdict was returned by the
jury.
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"Dunfermline Press"
22 February, 1930
PITS ON SHORT TIME. - The Lumphinnans pits have been on
short time this week owing to dull trade. They were idle on Wednesday
and at a late hour on Thurs night word was sent from the colliery office
that they would be also idle yesterday.
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"Dunfermline Press"
7 June, 1930
Andrew Johnstone (16), residing at 234 Foulford Road,
Cowdenbeath, met with an accident in No. 1 Colliery on
Thursday. Johnstone was employed in the Mynheer Seam.
A rope came off the pulley and gripped his leg, causing severe
bruises. He received first-aid from Mr Robert Hunter, and was
afterwards conveyed home, where he was attended to by Dr Young.
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"Dunfermline Press"
9 August, 1930
James Bain (14), rope splicer, Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans,
met with an accident in course of his employment in No. 1 Pit,
Lumphinnans yesterday afternoon. A race of hutches ran down
an incline and caught him, causing serious injuries to his back
and head. After medical treatment at the colliery he was
conveyed to his home in an ambulance waggon.
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"Dunfermline Press"
6 March, 1943 COLLIERY BREAKDOWN CRITICAL SITUATION SAVED
Early on Sunday morning, 28 February, a serious main shaft cable breakdown occurred
at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery of the Fife Coal Company Ltd., resulting in the cutting off of the
electrical supply to the main pump. The fault was quickly located and a new portion of cable
joined into position and the supply restored. For a time the position was distinctly critical as
there was danger of the colliery being drowned out with the consequent loss of plant and output.
The prompt action of the local electrician and engineer, combined with the Company's mobile
staff, saved the situation. Credit is due to Mr A. H. Hoggan, No. 1 electrician; Mr J. Fowler, No. 1
Engineer; Mr H. Birnie, mobile transmission staff; Mr A. Banks, mobile transmission staff; Mr W. Todd,
mobile transmission staff; and Mr Mitchell Ramsay, electrical inspector.
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"Dunfermline Press"
3 July, 1943
Mr Alex. Thomson, recently under-manager, Lindsay Colliery, and now manager at
No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery, was met by officials and workmen in No. 1 Gothenburg supper
room on Saturday evening and presented with a wallet and notes. Mr Keddie, who succeeded
Mr Thomson, presided, and Mr Robert Penman made the presentation. Songs and recitations
were contributed by members of the company.
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"Dunfermline Press"
6 November, 1943
William McKay (62), pitheadman, residing c/o Oliver, 20 Viewfield Terrace, Lumphinnans,
died in hospital on Thursday from the effects of injuries which he received at his work at No. 1
Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday night. He fell from a platform on which he was engaged
on the pithead.
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"Dunfermline Press"
25 December, 1943
Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline,
on Thursday - before Sheriff MacLean and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of
William McKay, colliery pitheadman, 20 Viewfield Terrace, Lumphinnans, who died on 4 November
in Larbert Hospital from injuries received on 2 November at Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery, caused by
a fall to the ground from the tippler platform of the pithead gear at the colliery. Those giving evidence
included:- Alexander Thomson, Viewfield House, Lumphinnans, manager; Robert J. Stevenson,
winding engineman, Main Street, Lumphinnans; and Thomas Dunn, electrician, Perth Road,
Cowdenbeath. The Sheriff recorded a formal verdict.
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"Dunfermline Press"
8 July, 1944 KELTY - PRESENTATION
Mr George Thomson, foreman engineer, Lindsay Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd.,
has been appointed chargehand at the Company's No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery. He was
met by a representative gathering of the management and employees in No. 2 Gothenburg supper
room on Saturday and presented with a wristlet watch. Mr Alex. Drysdale, chief engineer, presided,
and Mr Reid, colliery manager, made the presentation. Songs and recitations were contributed by
members of the company. The arrangements were made and tea served by Messrs Miller, Smillie
and T. Boyd.
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"The Lochgelly Times"
15 September, 1955
Pithead baths erected at a cost of £5000 at No. 1 Colliery,
Lumphinnans, were officially opened on Sunday. Mr George
Henshilwood, manager of the colliery, presided and the opening
ceremony was performed by the oldest employee, Mr John Ross, who is
68 years of age and has worked in the pit for 56 years. The
principal speaker was Mr James Hutchison, Area Production Manager
for West Fife. In his opening remarks, Mr Henshilwood said it was a
memorable day in the life of No. 1 Pit which had been existence for
a long number of years. He hoped the baths would prove a boon to
the workmen and the wives of the men who would also benefit
directly from the scheme.
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"The Lochgelly Times"
10 January, 1957 Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit to Close Down
Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery, one of the oldest coal-producing pits in the Cowdenbeath
district, is due to close down at the end of January. Arrangements have already been
made for the 160 men employed at the colliery to be transferred to the other units
of the N. C. B. in the area. The earliest record of workings from the No. 1 shaft date
back to 1826.
PIT SUNK ORIGINALLY TO WORK IRONSTONE
The original owners were the Christie brothers who sank the shaft to work ironstone.
It was acquired and developed by the Cowdenbeath Coal Company in 1881.
This led to the growth of the Lumphinnans village, and today, two of the streets,
namely Mungall and Sligo, bear the names of the proprietors of the old Cowdenbeath
Coal Company.
PEAK OUTPUT WAS 400 TONS A DAY
In 1896, the pit was taken over by the Fife Coal Company and continued to give
employment to a large number of men. At its peak, the colliery had an output of 400 tons
a day. With the gradual working out of the various seams of coal, output in more
recent years has been reduced to about 180 tons a day.
Most of the men are to be absorbed at Bowhill Colliery but in the re-allocation of work
due consideration has been given to the area in which the displaced men live.
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