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Black Harry and Clifton Hall Tunnel Collapse bronze plaque

Commemorative plaque

Overview

Black Harry and Clifton Hall Tunnel Collapse bronze plaque is recorded as Commemorative plaque in England Salford. This bronze commemorative plaque records: Clifton Hall Tunnel Collapse ‘Black Harry’ Tunnel 1953 The Clifton Hall Tunnel, known locally as ‘Black Harry Tunnel’ was once an important railway link, passing below much of Swinton, on the Patricroft to Clifton section of the London and North Western Railway. Disaster struck on the night of the 28 April 1953 after a construction shaft collapsed, causing a part of the tunnel to give way.

Why it was made

The saved account records: This bronze commemorative plaque records: Clifton Hall Tunnel Collapse ‘Black Harry’ Tunnel 1953 The Clifton Hall Tunnel, known locally as ‘Black Harry Tunnel’ was once an important railway link, passing below much of Swinton, on the Patricroft to Clifton section of the London and North Western Railway.

People and events

The saved account records: The tunnel was reinforced to prevent such a tragedy happening again.

How it worked

The saved account records: Disaster struck on the night of the 28 April 1953 after a construction shaft collapsed, causing a part of the tunnel to give way.

What remains

The saved account records: 26 were rescued after the end wall of their property also fell down.

Why it mattered

Black Harry and Clifton Hall Tunnel Collapse bronze plaque matters because its inscription ties a person, group, event or old local practice to this exact place. The source records: Clifton Hall Tunnel Collapse ‘Black Harry’ Tunnel 1953 The Clifton Hall Tunnel, known locally as ‘Black Harry Tunnel’ was once an important railway link, passing below much of Swinton, on the Patricroft to Clifton section of the London and North Western Railway. Disaster struck on the night of the 28 April 1953 after a construction shaft collapsed, causing a part of the tunnel to give way. A large hole formed directly underneath two properties on Temple Drive. The houses, (no. 22 and 24) suddenly collapsed into the ground killing… The importance lies in the life remembered here, not in the plaque as a piece of metal.

History checked 15 August 2026 against the named sources below.

A monument record does not grant access to the land or permission to touch, climb or disturb it. Check current paths, ownership and protection before visiting.

Sources

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