Collections Online

Bravery certificate awarded to Mr Owen William Humphreys by the Royal Humane Society, 6 December 1966.

On the 8 September 1966 Mr Eric Lyall (a quarry Steward) was the last person to be killed by an accident at Dinorwig Quarry. Mr Lyall fell 120 feet while trying to free a large block of slate from the rock face, and as a result fractured his skull. At the time of his death Mr Lyall was 45 years old, and was a father to three children (aged 20, 17, and 10 years old). Mr Owen William Humphreys (who was also a steward at Dinorwig Quarry) risked his own life by trying to save Mr Lyall. Following the accident Mr O.W. Humphreys was nominated for a bravery award and received an Honorary Testimonial on Vellum by the Royal Humane Society.

The Royal Humane Society was founded in London in 1774 by William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, who were keen to promote techniques of resuscitation. It became apparent that people were putting their own lives in danger rescuing others and awards were given in recognition of these acts of bravery. This remains the purpose of the society today. The awards granted for acts of bravery include bronze, silver and gold medals and Testimonials on Vellum or Parchment. The Testimonial on Vellum is awarded where someone has put themselves in considerable danger to save, or attempt to save, someone else.