I think I am correct in saying that the historian Nef considered that
the coal industry underwent its "industrial revolution" roughly from
1550-1700. I believe that his estimate of coal production in 1700 has
been pushed down by about 30% by more recent historians such as John
Hatcher. I am not sure what the current thinking is on production in
say 1550, but there is also the archaeological evidence from
Coleorton that shows a technically sophisticated industry in
existence in about 1450. Has anyone any views as to how far it is
still correct to highlight the Early Modern period as being
especially significant in the development of the coal industry,
compared to earlier and later periods?
David Poyner
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