The Gresford colliery disaster records from the National Archives are to go on show in Wrexham to mark the tragedy’s 91st anniversary weekend.
Falsified Air Measurements
A pocket notebook with falsified air measurements ordered by mine manager William Bonsall after the explosion on 22nd September 1934 will be among the items available to view. There will also be witness statements about the circumstances leading to the disaster, correspondence, interview records and records from the inquiry.
Previously unseen petitions and letters from grieving relatives will be included in the two-day Gresford: Voices from the Archives event at Wrexham Library. The display will start with transcriptions of urgent telephone messages to the Mines Inspectorate as the catastrophe unfolded.
Emmajane Avery, Director of Public Engagement at The National Archives, said, “These documents, permanently preserved at The National Archives, bear witness to the events surrounding this unimaginable disaster and the tragic loss of so many lives. Partnering with colleagues in archives in North Wales to bring this material to the community in Wrexham is a great privilege.”
Kippers, Apples and Lamb
This free community event is a collaboration between The National Archives, North-East Wales Archives and Wrexham Archives. NEWA will show letters about the immediate nationwide response to the disaster. This prompted gifts of kippers, apples and even lamb from Australia, as well as thousands of pounds in relief funds for the 162 widows and 220 children left fatherless. Wrexham Archives will display photographs and newspaper accounts of the disaster.
Claire Harrington is Principal Archivist at North East Wales Archives (Hawarden). She said, “National newspaper appeals prompted a host of heartwarming letters in support of the victims’ families. These were usually accompanied by gifts, either of money or in kind. We are delighted to share these records with the people of Wrexham, many of whom will have lost family in this catastrophic event.”
Free Family Activities
Slots for Gresford: Voices from the Archives at Wrexham Library on Monday, 22nd September (10am-6pm) and Tuesday, 23rd September (10am-1pm) can be booked here. Walk-in visitors are also welcome.
On Sunday, 21st September, a day of free family activities will take place at The Miners Rescue Station, Wrexham. The day will include talks from Alan Jones, former ventilation officer at Gresford Colliery. Sarah Castagnetti, Visual Collections Team Manager, who has researched the Gresford records in The National Archives will also participate. These activities are available to book here.
Natalie Brown is Head of Audiences in The National Archives’ conservation team. She will offer advice on preserving personal archives and family photos. Natalie will also run papermaking workshops for families.
For more information or images, email Deborah Partridge in The National Archives’ Media team at press@nationalarchives.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can call 020 8392 5277.
About the National Archives
The National Archives is a non-ministerial government department and the official archive for the UK Government, and England and Wales. They look after and make available to the public a collection of historical records. These date back more than 1,000 years, including records as diverse as the Domesday Book and MI5 files. The archives are also a cultural, heritage and academic organisation with leadership responsibility for the archives sector.
About North East Wales Archives
At North East Wales Archives, we are dedicated to preserving collections for future generations. We aim to engage people with the documentary heritage of North East Wales, using it to inspire, educate, and entertain. To find out more about North East Wales Archives, visit newa.wales.
