Enhancement of Memorial to the Hartley Mining Disaster of 1862, and Environs

We will enhance access to the memorial to the Hartley mining disater of 1862, in which 204 men and boys lost their lives when a pumping engine beam collapsed into the single mine shaft. The memorial will be the focal point of a wide ranging programme of arts, heritage and civic events to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the disaster, in January 2012, drawing public attention to this important aspect of local heritage. We are collaborating with local people to make the memorial and its setting a more accessible, attractive and informative place for those wishing to learn about and reflect on one of the country’s worst industrial accidents.