Reply-To: | | [log in to unmask][log in to unmask], 4 Mar 2000 22:04:43 GMT447_us-ascii > I believe I have seen 'smith coals' mentioned as an export commodity in early 16th century Customs Accounts. When did smiths begin to use coal?
Peter,
There is archaeological evidene for the use of coal in smithing during the Roman period and documentary evidence from at least the early 14th century. Mineral coal was shipped to south Devon for use in the Crown silver mines in 1306 (PRO E101/260/30) [...]45_4Mar200022:04:[log in to unmask] |