Extract 1: The Pretoria Pit Disaster

Westhoughton Council contributed a large vault for the unidentified bodies. Thirteen interments took place at a service conducted by the Revd Garrett, and among those laid to rest were the bodies of 4 boys aged about 14 years old. The final total of bodies unidentified at the time of burial was 24. The Bolton Evening News and The Chronicle published detailed descriptions whenever possible, of those unidentified. For example, 'Body No. 250. Tally No. 1159. Male aged about 26, round features, 5'9", good teeth in upper jaw, none in lower jaw. Pair of clogs, 3 lace holes, size 9s, with leather laces, square toed, steel toecaps and newly ironed. Thin rope, apparently used as a belt, heather-mixture woollen ribbed stockings, far worn, light calico pit drawers, no buttons.'