CHILDREN’S lives which were tragically lost more than a century ago in Barnsley town centre’s Public Hall disaster will be remembered tomorrow (Friday) when a plaque in their honour is unveiled.
Part of the Barnsley Civic’s restoration - which used to be known as the Public Hall - it will remember the 16 children, aged between four and nine, who died.
Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton and Civic chief executive will reveal the plaque before unveiling the venue’s full restoration which also includes the reopening of its Eldon Street entrance following a multi-million pound project.
There were several hundred youngsters in the hall on the afternoon of January 11, 1908, as the World’s Animated Picture Company put on a special children’s matinee.
It was common for seats - sold for a penny - to be taken by more than one child but an attendant, seeing the gallery was packed, began to turn children back down the stairs as many had squeezed into a gallery on the hall’s upper floor.
Sixteen died and 40 were injured in the tragedy, with the disaster having national repercussions, being one of the principal drivers for the passing of the Cinematograph Act 1909 - which meant cinemas had to be inspected and licensed by the local authority.
The news travelled as far as the United States, with a story in the New York Times describing the ‘mad rush’.
Documentarian Dave Cherry, who released a film on the disaster, said the knock-on impacts of the disaster impacted the town for decades.
He told the Chronicle: “It was extremely harrowing when I made the documentary as I uncovered things which were sadly a representation of the time, such as the rushed inquests which were a whitewash with little respect for the lives lost.
“I was shocked to find the inquest held in the wake of the incident settled on a verdict of negligence - not criminal negligence, as it would be today, or even corporate manslaughter.
“That should have been the case - if it would have happened today there would be an outcry, no doubt multi-million pound fines and criminal trials.
“All the children’s graves are marked ‘accidental’ following the verdict.
“It was if they couldn’t wait to paper over the dreadful incident.
“It’s a tragic event in Barnsley’s history but it’s one that should be remembered - it seems to be little known these days and hopefully this plaque, and the visitors who will see it, will help towards achieving that.”
Anthony Baker, chief executive at Barnsley Civic, said the Eldon Street side’s reopening gave bosses tasked with its refurbishment an opportunity to remember the children’s lives.
“As part of our reopening, we have also made it a priority to honour the memory of the children lost in the tragic disaster by placing a memorial plaque in a prominent position,” he added.
“This serves as a poignant reminder of our shared history and the importance of coming together as a community.
“We can’t wait to swing open the doors of the Eldon Street entrance to Barnsley Civic on Saturday and welcome everyone into our incredible, newly-developed space that celebrates our town’s rich culture and heritage.
“The day will be filled with exciting activities, performances and exhibitions for everyone to enjoy.”
