The new Guisborough Cemetery opened in 1873, however one miner is recorded on a gravestone in the much older St Nicholas Church (there could be more but I am only investigating inscriptions that mention a mine)
I located the headstone which was broken and now rests against a wall, it was also partially buried, the inscription about the mine was not actually visible so a little digging and brushing was required.
In affectionate remembrance of Joseph SEATON who fell asleep in Jesus 9 Dec 1868 aged 60 years. Farewell, farewell, farewell. Also of Mary, his wife, who died 18 Jun 1838 aged 32 years. Also two children who died in infancy. Also George SEATON, son of the above, killed at Skelton Mine.
It is most likely they are referring to Skelton Old Shaft which was the first of many mines linked to Skelton, opening in 1861, but geographically closer to Guisborough.
The census shows George and his six siblings were living on Westgate in Guisborough in 1861, three propeties down from the Ship Inn, so most likely one of these cottages.
Joseph Seaton had first married Mary Oliver in 1832, she died at a young age in 1838, he then married Jane Marshall in 1842. It seems a little unusual that the headstone only mentions Mary and not Jane the mother of his 6 children.
There is no date specified for Georges death and the Durham Mining Museum website does not currently hold any record for a “George Seaton” killed locally, however the death of a George Seaton was registered in Guisborough in 1863 which seems to fit with the timeline (after 1861 for mine opening, before his fathers death in 1868)
A search of the British Newspaper Archive for 1863 then turned up a report in the Whitby Gazette, the accident itself occurred on Wednesday 2nd December 1863.
Bell Brothers Mine at Guisborough must be Skelton Old Shaft as I suspected now the owner is specified.
I shall be submitting all these details to the Durham Mining Museum so George’s death is added to the 17 already listed from this mine.
Very interesting read thank you
Very interesting, thank you, they would have known my grandad (Thomas Campion) and family.