Botany Bay Colliery
of Clifton, near Manchester
1869 'FATAL COLLIERY ACCIDENT. — On Monday an inquest was held at Pendlebnry, before F. Price, Esq., deputy coroner, touching the death of William Johnson, collier, residing at Oak-street, Pendlebury. From the evidence taken it appears that whilst the deceased was following his occupation in the Botany Bay colliery, Clifton, belonging to Messrs. Edward Pilkington and Co., the morning of the 10th instant, and whilst engaged in "hauling" a quantity of coal, about 18 cwt. fell upon him from the roof. He was conveyed to his home as soon as possible and a medical man was promptly attendance, but the internal injuries he had received were of so serious nature that death resulted on Saturday last. Deceased was about 22 years of age. A ver. diet accidental death was returned.' [1]
1895 'Closing of a Colliery at Clifton.— A correspondent writes: —
The Botany Bay Colliery, one of the oldest a series of coalpits owned by the Clifton and Kersley Coal Company, has just been closed. The shaft was sunk during the latter part of the last century, and the pit was worked for many years by the Fletchers. The machinery was originally run by a water-wheel, and afterwards by atmospheric engine. Soon after the present proprietors took over the workings modern plant was substituted. The workings have been carried to depth of 400 yards below ground. There has been remarkable absence of fatalities at the pit during the past half century. The firm have foreseen the completion of the mine and the colliers have been gradually reduced from between 300 and 400 to between 70 and 80, most of whom will now be found employment at other of the collieries belonging to the firm. The sinking of new shaft close by had to be abandoned a few years ago owing water being met with.' [2]