The Courage of John Willie Bell: A Heroic Tale at Wentworth Woodhouse Mining Exhibition

The heartwarming and heroic story of a young miner, John Willie Bell, and his selfless act to save his pit pony during a mining disaster is the highlight of the new exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire.

This compelling narrative showcases the bravery and compassion of a teenage miner who risked everything for the life of his beloved pony, offering visitors a poignant glimpse into the harsh realities and profound humanity of coal mining life.

A Heroic Act of Compassion

During a catastrophic roof collapse at the Elsecar pit, while his fellow miners scrambled for safety amid the chaos of falling debris and suffocating dust, John Willie Bell ran towards the danger.

His goal was clear—to rescue his pit pony. When the rescue team found them, John Willie’s words captured the depth of his courage:

“I knew you would dig for a man, but not for a pony.”

Celebrating John Willie Bell’s Legacy

The remarkable story of John Willie Bell is now being shared with the public thanks to the efforts of his grandchildren, Steve Hardy and Val Noble. Their contributions to the Wentworth Woodhouse Coal Story Exhibition, which runs from July 9 to October 6, include details of John Willie’s brave actions and the prestigious silver medal he received for his heroism.

The Fitzwilliam Medal for Kindness

In 1904, Countess Maud Fitzwilliam presented John Willie with the coal wagon-shaped Fitzwilliam Medal for Kindness. The family’s research suggests that the Countess was so moved by his bravery that she created the medal specifically for him and was inspired to establish an association to prevent cruelty to pit ponies.

This unique medal has remained a treasured family heirloom and was brought to wider attention when Val showcased it on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow in 2013.

A Touching Family Memory

Val recounts that before their appearance on the Antiques Roadshow, they knew little about the medal’s history, despite it being in their family for over a century. Their cousin Joy vividly remembered stories their grandfather had shared about how he protected his pony, Flo, during the roof collapse, wrapping his jacket around her head to shield her from debris. By sheer fortune, they found themselves in a part of the mine where the roof supports held, allowing them to survive.

A Life-long Bond

After the rescue, John Willie’s bond with Flo continued. When Flo retired, John Willie asked Earl Fitzwilliam if he could purchase her. The Earl, touched by the request, sold Flo to John Willie for a penny, allowing her to live out her days in peace, grazing in his garden and nearby fields.

In a touching yet unusual tribute, John Willie had two of Flo’s hooves made into poker stands after her passing, much to his wife’s chagrin.

Further Recognition and Research

Following their appearance on Antiques Roadshow Detectives in 2014, the family worked with local historian Roy Young, who confirmed the story’s details and further highlighted Countess Maud Fitzwilliam’s admiration for John Willie’s courage, which likely led her to establish the Fitzwilliam Medal.

Visiting the Exhibition

To delve deeper into John Willie Bell’s story and explore a rich collection of mining memorabilia, visitors can attend the Wentworth Woodhouse Coal Story Exhibition. Tickets can be booked through the Wentworth Woodhouse website.

Capturing the Past

The exhibition not only honors John Willie Bell but also provides a broader look at the region’s 200-year coal mining history, featuring personal artifacts and photographs donated by the descendants of local miners.