Pit disaster recalled in new library glass

Sep 24 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

ECHOES of a mining disaster are included in a new £1m library which opened this week. High Heaton Library in Newcastle is next to the site of the old Heaton Main Colliery.

In 1815, 41 men and 34 boys were entombed when water from old workings burst into the colliery.

The workers sought refuge in a part of the pit which the water did not flood and had tried over weeks to burrow into an old shaft in a bid to escape.

But after pit ponies which had also been trapped had been eaten, the men and youngsters are thought to have starved to death.

Despite strenuous rescue attempts, the first body was not recovered until nine months later.

The youngest victim was just seven years old and the oldest 82. A total of 77 children were orphaned.

Trees representing each victim were planted at The Spinney in High Heaton, which has survived as a public open space adjacent to the new library.

The children’s area in the library is separated from the adult section by a ceiling-to-floor glass screen, featuring artwork designed by local artist Kathryn Hodgkinson and inspired by The Spinney memorial trees.

“A lot of my work is site-responsive and I wanted to make something of these trees which are connected to the mining disaster. It also brings the outside inside, ” said Kathryn, who has made glass works for Newcastle’s new city-centre library.

The Heaton library is also a satellite customer service centre, with video link advice line allowing users to contact council staff at sites across the city. There is also a free telephone link to key council departments, and Your Homes Newcastle.

Pauline Allen, council executive member for culture, leisure and customer service, said: “There has been a library on this site for many years providing a very valuable resource to the local community and we are delighted to be able to upgrade it.”