Bramah Lecture 2026: Oaks Disaster 1866 - Presentation by Paul Darlow & Paul Hardman

A colourised image of the Oaks disaster with smoke and flames coming from the pit top

Council Chamber, Barnsley Town Hall, S70 2TA, Monday 16 March, 6.30pm-8pm

The Oaks Disaster in Barnsley in 1866 saw the deaths of 361+ men and boys a few days before Christmas that year 160 years later, it is still the biggest mining disaster in England.

The Annual Bramah Lecture in 2026 is an illustrated presentation by Paul Darlow, author of the book on the disaster, and Paul Hardman. Both were involved in the Oaks Disaster Memorial Appeal.

The Bramah Lecture is presented in a partnership of South Yorkshire Industrial History Society and Barnsley Civic Trust in partnership with Barnsley Archives & Local Studies.

Admission is free and there's no need to book in advance. Donations welcome.