The Master and the mine at Brodsworth Hall

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 July 2012

The final part of the story of King George V’s visit to South Yorkshire in 1912 will be told on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June, as the Master of Brodsworth Hall, Charles Thellusson, recounts the reason that the King cut short his official duties in a moment that changed the monarchy.

King George and Queen Mary were on official duties touring South Yorkshire when news came in of a major mining accident at the nearby Cadeby Colliery. An initial explosion had killed 30 of the 32 men who had been working down the mine, but then a second explosion during the rescue attempt more than doubled the casualty list. On hearing the news, they diverted the route so that they could visit the colliery, and meet some of the families who had lost loved ones.

“Whilst it was not uncommon for members of the royal household to send messages of sympathy in cases of disaster, this was the first time that they were seen to personally visit and meet victims – a tradition that carries on today. The King and Queen were visibly moved during their visit, empathising with the families of the victims and in doing so, they showed a far more compassionate side to the monarchy,” explains event manager, Jon Hogan.

Throughout the weekend, visitors to Brodsworth Hall will meet the Hall’s 1912 owner, Charles Thellusson, who will tell the story of the accident, which took place on 9 July 1912. After hearing the owner’s story, they can also meet the Hall’s cook in the Victorian kitchen to hear about the disaster from her perspective.

Charles Thellusson and his cook will be welcoming visitors into Brodsworth Hall from 1.00pm to 4.30pm on Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 July. Admission prices to the event are £9.30 for adults, £8.40 for concessions and £5.60 for children, which includes Hall admission. English Heritage members get in free.

Visitors on Sunday 8 July can also enjoy the bold brass sounds of the Barnsley Brass Band on the lawns to the rear of the hall, part of Brodworth’s season of Sunday afternoon band concerts. The band will perform from 3.00pm to 5.00pm, with visitors invited to bring deckchairs and picnics to enjoy the music.

For more information, please call 01302 722598 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Jay Commins

PRO – English Heritage

Tel:         0113 251 5698

Mob:     07810 546567

Email:    jay@fim.org.uk