The traditional view is that lead smelting bales/boles were situated on
edges which faced the prevailing wind. Certainly in N. Yorks there are
many which meet this criterion - but several which do not. Unless you
find a sheltered spot, the wind in Swaledale can be pretty vicious and
there is plenty around to conduct smelting at lower levels. Smelting on
the lee side of a plateau could be conducted and there would be an adequate
supply of wind on many of the sites I have seen but the subsequent smoke
would be subject to a downdraught (analogous to that exerted by large
buildings with discharges at roof level).
For more considerations on siting of these sites read the paper by Murphy
and Baldwin, Historical Metallurgy 2001.
Regards
Richard
Richard Smith
3M UK Bracknell, B2-3N,
Environment, Safety and Security [log in to unmask]
Tel: 01344-858154 (Trim. 8-230-2154)
Fax: 01344-858367 (Trim. 8-230-2367)
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