Vol. 62.] THE DOXCASTER EARTHQUAKE OF 1905. 



2. The Doncaster Earthquake of April 23rd, 1905. By Charles 

 Davison, ScD., E.G.S. (Read November 22nd, 1905.) 



[Plate II— Map.] 



I. Introduction. 



On April 13th, 1902, a slight earthquake occurred in the north of 

 Lincolnshire. Its intensity was not more than 4, and the area 

 disturbed by it included about 600 square miles. The shock was of 

 the simplest character, lasting on an average for 4 seconds, and 

 consisting of a single series of vibrations, which increased in intensity 

 to a maximum and then died away. 1 Though of little consequence 

 when considered as an isolated event, the shock derives interest 

 from its probable connection with the much stronger twin-earth- 

 quake which occurred in the same district three years later, on 

 April 23rd, 1905. 2 



On this day, there were two undoubted earthquakes, namely : — 



(a) About 1.30 a.m. 



(b) 1.37 a.m. (principal earthquake). 



In addition to these, several disturbances of uncertain seismic 

 origin are reported : — 



April 23rd, about 1.39 a.m. : Barton-on-Humber. — A very slight shock, 

 similar to that of the principal earthquake, and accompanied by a sound 

 like distant thunder. 



April 23rd, about 2.5 a.m. : Farnsfield and Norman ton-on-Trent. — A slight 

 shock, without any attendant sound, was felt at these places, both of 

 which are more than 15 miles from the principal epicentre. 



At Farndon (near Newark) subterranean noises are said to have been heard 

 on several occasions, especially on April 27th, at 11.30 p.m., and on 

 April 29th, about midnight. 



II. Fore-Shock. 

 {a) April 23rd, about 1.30 a.m. 



Number of records 2, from 2 places. 



A slight shock was felt at Epworth, and a rumbling souud was 

 heard at Norton. Epworth lies between the two portions of the 



1 Geol. Mag. 1904, pp. 536-37. 



2 In the investigation of this earthquake, I have received great and welcome 

 assistance from the following gentlemen, to whom my best thanks are offered : — 

 Dr. Tempest Anderson, F.G-.S., Mr. L. W. Bunting (of South Carlton, near 

 Lincoln), Mr. Gr. Hibberd (of Laughton, near Rotherham), Mr. J v . Dennis 

 (station-master at Sutton, near Retford), the Rev. F. S. F. Jannings (rector of 

 Warmsworth, near Doncaster), Mr. T. J. Moore (of Hatfield, near Doncaster), 

 Mr. E. P. Richards (of Hathersage), and the Rev. A. P. Woodhouse (vicar of 

 Tuxford), and the superintendents of police of the Dewsbury, Eckington, and 

 Pocklington Divisions. The expenses of the investigation were defrayed from 

 a grant received from the Government Research-Fund. 



