Biography:
1. Peter Page was employed as a Carpenter. A letter dated 23rd June 1801 (Supply 5/195) stated,"we beg to represent the situation of the poor men who were burnt when the Corning House took fire 16th instant while under repair." The list included Peter Page, Carpenter, and goes on to say "These men are burnt in a dreadful manner, their pain is very great..." and "Our surgeon has represented the necessity of the men most burnt having immediate assistance in wine, as a considerable Suppuration (?) is come on their constitutions. They cannot Support it without wine, and we have directed wine to be immediately provided to them, and request your permission for our continuing to Supply these poor men with such wine or other proper Support as their surgeon may think their respective situations require."
2. Winters in his book, "Centenary Memorial" (p.59) made it clear that the men were employed in repairing the Corning House which blew up on the 18th April 1801, and that the fire was caused "from the blow of a copper hammer on pit wheel."
3. In a letter to the Board dated the 29 July 1801 (Supply 5/221), it was recorded that the men who were burnt at the Corning House on the 16th June had requested that they were reimbursed for the loss of clothing. The list included Mr. Page, whose claim amounted to £2.17.6d in all - for a hat (10/-d) waistcoat (6/-d.) handkerchiefs (3/6d) a shirt (6/-d) coat (12/-d) breeches (14/-d) and pillow cases (6/-d). The same letter went on to say that Mr. Page, amongst others, suffered so much that he wished for death to release him from his torture, and that it was a matter of surprise that he was recovering. The constant attention the men needed meant that their wives could not undertake seasonal work (haymaking) at which they could earn sufficient to pay the rent. It was requested that financial allowances be made.
