3-070-972 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Subsidence of land at the Northwich Salt-Mines, 1881. '...remarkable disturbances in the surface of the land...Great rifts and clearings and the bodily dropping of the surface by slips make it appear as if an earthquake had occurred, accompanied by volcanic action, the surface being loaded with mud from the geyser-like action before subsidence. Should the flooding extend to Messrs. Fletcher's mine, which is said to be the largest in the world, very serious consequences would ensue, as this mine extends a very great distance under extremely populous districts surrounding Northwich. The subterranean effects of the great engulfment of surface waters which has taken place may be estimated by the fact that the neighbouring brine beds have had their levels raised 76 yards'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.