If Ian Pope is still a list member I expect He'll also be responding to you
with more information.
Yes there are freemining rights in the Forest
Yes there are still freeminers
(the forest folk are proud of this - ask anyone who knows about it eg many
involved in the Royal Forest of Dean Caving Club)
Also try "Forest Voices" Tony Oldham and Mike Moore will give you the
details and probably sell you a copy
The 1842 Children's commission report on the forest also has reference to
these rights.
You could also contact Clearwell Caves.
If you want me to send details of web sites/emails/address re the above let
me know
Regards
DAVID
P.S. the freemining rights require the individual to be born in the forest
and have worked in a mine for the set period of time. Since there are now
no maternity hospitals within the boundaries of the forest and very few
mines there are few who are likely to be able to continue this tradition.
---Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 19 February 2000 08:46
Subject: Coal Mining in the Forest of Dean
>
>
>Could anyone throw light on the story of a certain king in the Forest of
Dean
>who requested the services of local coal miners to help tunnel under and
into
>his castle to reclaim his property. After the successful undertaking the
king
>rewarded the miners with free coal mining rights which last to the present
day,
>providing the miners have been residents of the Forest of Dean for 101
days.
>
>I would like to know the truth of the tale, the name of the king and castle
and
>whether the free coal mining rights do actually exits.
>
>Kindest regards,
>
>Ross Thomas
>
>
>
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