Colliery Explosion Monument Approximately 5 Metres To South Of Porch To Church Of St Thomas And St James

This is a colliery explosion monument dating from around 1875, located approximately 5 metres south of the porch to the Church of St. Thomas and St. James. The monument is made of ashlar sandstone and features cast-iron railings. It is enclosed in a square area with railings that rise to the north, and it stands on a four-step plinth leading up to the square-sectioned monument.

The enclosure has square corner posts, and the railing bars are infilled with floral panels that include masks and fleur-de-lys finials. The monument itself has a chamfered base and a die with a panel on the south side that is inscribed with the following text:

"ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION TO THE MEMORY OF THE 143 MEN AND BOYS WHO WERE KILLED BY AN EXPLOSION IN SWAITHE MAIN COLLIERY ON DECEMBER 6th 1875 'IN THE MIDST OF LIFE WE ARE IN DEATH' "

The cornice beneath the block features granite corner shafts and panels that depict tools and a colliery scene. At the top, there is a scaled dome with rounded panels carved with grapes, grain, passion flowers, and primulas, culminating in a cross at the apex.