Union


Coal Mine
Worked from 1925 to 1980

Jan 1st, 2024 from NMRS by Buddle-Bot

Jul 14th, 2025 by BertyBasset



Forest of Dean
West Dean
51.7874184, -2.576957
SO 6030 1002
Private Land
107m
#21,031


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.
  • Pope, Ian 1996 Union Pit Disaster
  • The New Regard No 6 pp 4-18 illus.





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