Dragging the Mill Pond, Great Haywood

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Date:1905

Description:The fire brigade and villagers draining the mill pond. The steam engine was from Ingestre.

In March 1905 Mrs Challenor, the wife of the Town Clerk of Hanley, and her niece, were being driven across the bridge at Great Haywood Mill when their car plunged into the mill pond. The chauffeur and Mrs Challenor survived, but Mrs Challenor's niece could not be found.

The pond was dragged and divers from the Manchester Ship Canal were brought in, but without success. Eventually the mill pond was pumped dry, several fire engines being brought in from the surrounding districts. The body was only recovered downstream three weeks later.

After the accident the road was straightened and a new bridge was built.