John Buddle died at his home in Wallsend on 10 October 1843, aged 70. He was an influential mining engineer and colliery manager in North East England.

Born in County Durham in 1773, Buddle learned about mining from his father, who was also a colliery viewer. He succeeded him as manager of Wallsend Colliery in 1806.

In 1810, Buddle introduced improvements to underground ventilation that were later adopted at other collieries. He also helped test and promote Humphry Davy’s safety lamp, which reduced the risk of igniting flammable gases underground.

Buddle became a wealthy mine owner and an important figure in the North East coal trade. From 1819, he managed the Marquess of Londonderry’s mining interests. He also helped develop Seaham Harbour, providing another route for transporting coal from County Durham.

Despite his work on ventilation and safety equipment, serious mining accidents continued.

Buddle was buried at St James’s Church in Benwell, Newcastle. His funeral procession reportedly extended for more than a mile and included miners and prominent local figures.