John,
Magnetite is not uncommon in South Devon (Dines, The Metalliferous Mining
Region of South-West England, 1956, lists a number of occurences). I would
presume the mine referred to is in the area of Haytor, Smallacombe and Atlas
mines. There magnetite was worked in the 19th century for its iron content
with no reference to its magnetic properties. However I would not be
surprised if, in the pre industrial periods, it was worked on a small scale
for use as 'lodestone'. Hamilton Jenkin (Mines of Devon; vol. 2, p. 136)
suggests as much but with little real evidence. Perhaps you have new
documentary evidence?
Peter
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Peter Claughton, Blaenpant Morfil, Rosebush, Clynderwen,
Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE.
Tel. 01437 532578; Fax. 01437 532921; Mobile 07831 427599
University of Exeter - Department of History
School of Historical, Political and Sociological Studies
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