Although the shaft is now infilled, the site is memorialised with a statue in the distinctive `Eric Gill’ style, depicting two trapped miners embracing—a poignant tribute to those affected by the 1902 disaster.
1925-1930 Baynham, Brown & Hamblin
1938-1950 Baldwin Brothers
1967-1980 W.J. Jenkins
Once featured a 260-foot deep shaft with extensive level roadways extending approximately a mile both north and south. These levels worked the inclined coal seams above them. A major disaster occurred in 1902 when the northern workings unexpectedly broke into a body of water. The resulting inrush flooded the mine, tragically drowning four colliers and trapping three others underground for five days before they were rescued.
Publications (7)
Anstis 1992 pp 9 – 33
GSIA 1987 pp 28 – 29
Oldham, Tony (1998); Mines of the Forest of Dean; 86 pages
Phelps 1984 p 48
Pope, Ian 1990 Union Pit Disaster, Bixslade, 1902.