Casgliadau Arlein

Memorial card in memory of 264 men and boys killed in Prince of Wales Pit, Abercarn, Monmouthshire on 11 September 1878.

The biggest killer in many industrial areas was not cholera or any of the other infectious diseases - but accidents or ill health caused by work. The disaster at the Prince of Wales Colliery, Abercarn was one of the worst in the history of the South Wales Coalfield, with the death of 268 men and boys. It left 131 widows, 9 elderly parents, 17 young brothers and sisters and also affected 360 children. 26 boys aged 16 and under died in the explosion. The youngest was 13.