The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP), supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), is delivering a series of free guided walks around important locations related to the 1866 Oaks Colliery Disaster.
2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the disaster at Hoyle Mill, Barnsley, the worst mining disaster in English history. The DVLP is co-ordinating commemorative events for the disaster and has worked with a team of volunteers to reveal the death toll for the disaster was higher than previously thought.
Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership community officer Stephen Miller said: “The walks are a great chance to highlight the important buildings and memorials related to the disaster. There will also be an opportunity to reveal hidden locations, lost to modern developments and the passage of time.”
The three walks will take people around Hoyle Mill, Barnsley Cemetery and between the Oaks Disaster Memorial at Christ Church, Ardsley, and the better known memorial to the rescuers at Kendray.
Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet spokesperson for Place, said: said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for people to get out and about and learn more about this important event in Barnsley’s history. It’s part of a series of commemorative events the DVLP are working on with Barnsley Museums and Archives.”
The walks are on 31st May, 7th June and 14th June, all starting at 6:30pm from different locations. Places on the walks are free but must be booked in advance. For more details please visit www.discoverdearne.org.uk or contact the DVLP on 01226 772414 or [email protected].
Locations in the Dearne
This event can be found at the following locations:
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Barnsley Cemetery
Barnsley Municipal Cemetery was first laid out in 1861.
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Christ Church
Built in Ardsley in 1841, Christ Church takes an active role in the local community.
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Barnsley Main Colliery, Barnsley
The Barnsley Main Colliery is the remains of large deep mining site located in the Barnsley area in South Yorkshire.
