Poor health and safety within the industry meant that serious injury, and death were commonplace. In Brayton Domain’s worst accident, a total of seven miners lost their lives.

07 May 1901 – Two miners injured

On Tuesday, May 7 1901, two miners were injured in separate incidents at Brayton Domain No. 4 pit.  They were:

  1. Richard JOHNSTON
  2. Joseph HARKER

The West Cumberland Times – Wednesday May 8 1901

ACCIDENTS AT THE ASPATRIA COLLIERY

Yesterday (Tuesday) morning an accident happened to Richard Johnston at No. 4, Brayton Domain Colliery. The unfortunate man was working at the face when a fall of roof took place. Thomas Rumney who was in the same working, speedily extracted his mate who was brought home on an ambulance, and Dr. Briggs was soon in attendance. Johnston was found to be suffering from a badly bruised back and ankle. The ambulance had almost just returned to the colliery when it was announced that Joseph Harker, another miner, had met with an accident through a very large stone falling upon him. The ambulance was at once requisitioned and all possible assistance rendered. This turned out to be an accident of a more serious nature, as Harker’s thigh was fractured and many parts of his body much bruised. Dr. Briggs assistant rendered medical aid.


26 March 1903 – One miner killed

On March 26 1903, John SANDWITH was killed at Brayton Domain No. 4 pit.

03 March 1908 – One miner killed

On March 3 1908, Alexander SEWELL was killed at Brayton Domain No. 4 pit.

Monumental Inscription in the churchyard of St. Kentigern’s, Aspatria:
‘IN MEMORY OF MY DEAR HUSBAND ALEXANDER SEWELL, WHO WAS ACCIDENTALLY KILLED AT NO. 4 BRAYTON DOMAIN COLLIERY MARCH 3RD 1908 AGED 32 YEARS.’

The West Cumberland Times – 4 March 1908, Page 3
Fatal Accident at Aspatria
Yesterday (Tuesday) morning a fatal accident occurred to Alex. Sewell, of Harriston. He was employed as a shiftman at No. 4, Brayton Domain Colliery, and was preparing a working when a large quantity of roof fell and killed him instantly. He was 32 years of age and leaves a wife and a family of two.
An inquest was opened in the Reading Room, Harriston before Mr Atter, Coroner for West Cumberland, and a Jury of which Mr Cephas Bouch, Market Place, was foreman. After evidence of identification had been given by John Sewell, the deceased’s brother, the inquest was adjourned until next Tuesday, in order that H.M. Inspector of Mines may view the place. The adjourned inquest will be heard in the Reading Rooms, Aspatria.


18 November 1908 – One sinker killed
14 December 1908 – One fitter killed
26 April 1915 – Seven miners killed