Blythes Chemical Works

janet · 14-10-2006, 11:56

I am trying to find out information about an explosion at the works many many years ago that killed a lot of people and destroyed some houses in the area around Lion street and Barnes street is this fact. How do I find out if it actually happened. Maybe Tealeaf would have some info on the subject.

Ianto.W. · 14-10-2006, 21:34

I think the 'Canary Island' munitions factory is what your after, exploded during WW1, people that worked there it's said had a yellow tint to their skin. I'm sure someone will have more in depth information, thats all I know sorry.

Doug · 14-10-2006, 21:57

Hi Janet,

You might have already seen this? I remember reading a few months ago.

http://www.accringtonobserver.co.uk/...nds_blast.html

Retlaw · 14-10-2006, 22:23

The incident happened at 0445 hours on Friday April 27th 1917.
The location was Cateholme Chemical Works Church a subsidiary of Blythes. The news was suppressed because of wartime censure.
Police Constable 819 J Hardacre lost his life whilst closing the magazine doors, if he had failed Church would be no more.

They were manufacturing and explosive derived from Picric Acid, and Trinitrotoluene, which tainted every thing yellow that was why it was known as Canary Island.

There was some damage to property in Church, but not as bad as would have been but for P.C. Hardacres heroc deed.

The superintendant of Accrington Fire Brigade had already drawn up contingency plans. Three members of Accrington Fire Brigade and three from Church Fire Brigade were awarded the O.B.E.

Walter.

janet · 15-10-2006, 10:43

Thanks very much to you all for answering.
Doug, checked out observer report and copied it. Thank you.

Letti · 25-08-2015, 09:37

Hiya
Apparently my great grandad worked here ...Thomas Murphy and we are looking to gain some understanding of when he worked here ( to enable us to trace family)
Would anyone know whether there were historical records for Blythe please

cashman · 25-08-2015, 11:08

DId he work at the Church works or Hapton? I was at Church from early 77 and he wasn't yon then, If Church yer best bet is ring up and ask personnel, Haptons demolished and long gone, so yeh may have a struggle wi that, but personnel should know.