GRIFFYDAM HISTORY

On Oct 6th 1886, an accident occurred at Staunton Harold Colliery because of a combination of “a complete lack of practical knowledge” and “disregard for all rules and regulations” by the management, when re-opening old workings, with the result that four persons – including John Lakin, owner (aged 60) and his two sons William (aged 30) and George (aged 35), plus a pony driver named John Stewart (aged 14), who were all overcome by “choke-damp”. The ventilation system was deficient in every respect, and all the necessary precautions required, such as making adequate bore holes, were neglected. The Lakins are all buried, along with their mother and wife in the Wesleyan Methodist Cemetery, Griffydam.