M. B. Donald in 'Elizabethan Copper' suggests the use of peat and coal as a
fuel with a higher proportion per load of the former.
I have found this very interesting as the early results of analysis of fuel
residues discovered from 16th century contexts of excavations here in Combe
Martin also show the use of peat and coal, possibly culm (poor quality
anthracite) from the Bideford beds.
Kindest regards,
Trevor.
----- Original Message -----
From: "D.R.Poyner" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2002 9:48 AM
Subject: Re: Cornish Copper and the Neath Smelter
> Thanks for the comments on the Neath smelter. As an iron master,
> Weston would have been very familiar with blast furnace technology,
> which might be relevant to whether Neath was a blast or reverberatory
> furnace.
>
> As a follow-up question (and displaying my considerable ignorance
> about copper smelting), at what stage(s) was coal used in the process?
> As I recall, there were several smelting stages after the ore roasting
> stage. I think the argument has been that Neath was selected for the
> furnace rather than Cornwall due to the proximity of fuel (although
> perhaps charcoal supplies were a more important consideration than
> coal).
>
> David
>
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