Derbyshire lead mining history: Encyclopedia II - Derbyshire lead mining history - Accidents

Derbyshire lead mining history - Accidents

In conjunction with the jury of twenty-four sitting at the Barmote Courts, the deputy barmasters adjudicated in disputes and enforced compliance with the customs of the mines. Their duties extended to acting as the coroner in the case of fatal accidents, where a specially summoned jury of twelve or thirteen local miners decided the cause of death. In an eighteenth century example the Brassington barmaster, Edward Ashton, followed the rules after a death in Throstle Nest mine.

Wirksworth Wapentake March 26th 1761. We, whose names are under written, being this day summoned by Mr. Edward Ashton, Bar-Master for the Liberty of Brassington, to a groove called by the name of Throstle Nest on Brassington Pasture; to enquire into the cause of the death of T.W. now lying before us; accordingly we have been down the shaft to the Foot thereof, and down one sump or turn to the foot thereof, and on a gate North-wardly about sixteen yards to the Forefield, where the deceased had been at work; and by the information of William Briddon who was working near him; it appears that a large stone fell upon him out of the roof, and it is our opinions the said stone was the cause of his death”.

In addition to helping the barmasters to carry out their duties the twenty-four jurors brought practical experience to bear when the Barmote Court was adjudicating in disputes and trials. The main requirement of the jurymen was that they should be knowledgeable in mining matters and they included both working miners and, when it was thought necessary,local gentry.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Accidents", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki