History of Whitehaven
A more descriptive sub heading.
The William Pit Disaster (Whitehaven) occured on 15th August 1947. 104 men died - but only 14 were killed by the blast itself.
The William Pit Disaster (Whitehaven) occurred on 15th August 1947 (it recently passed its seventieth anniversary). 104 men died but only 14 were killed by the blast itself. This fact was suggested by Melvyn Bragg – Lord Bragg of Wigton – who remembers the disaster vividly from childhood (he was eight years old at the time).
For further information, see:
‘William Pit, Whitehaven, a brief history’:
http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/eLibrary/Content/Internet/542/795/41379171326.pdf
The above image, from the Whitehaven News of 21 Aug 1947, is taken from that website
Fact and Background Information submitted by Lord Bragg of Wigton
Lowther Street
Tangier Street
Over 1,000 vessels were built in the Whitehaven shipyards.
Clipper in Whitehaven
1666 The export of coal from Whitehaven began.
1689 55 ships were based in the port of Whitehaven