David
At the dissolution of Rievaulx in 1538 evidence - topographical,
documentary, geophysical, and from slag analysis - indicates that a high
bloomery was operating at Laskill one of the Cistercian Granges. The water
leat for the operation has been traced on the ground, magnetometry and earth
resistance both confirm the foundations of a square structure (approx. 5m x
5m), much larger than those associated with a bloomery shaft furnace. The
substantial slag dump contains slag associated with both bloomery and blast
furnace type of operation. Overall the structures and size of the slag tip
indicate an organised and permanent operation.
For more information see the following articles:-
McDonnell, G 1999 Monks and Miners: the iron industry of Bilsdale and
Rievaulx Abbey. Medieval Life 11 16-21
and
Vernon, R.W., McDonnell, G. and Schmidt, A. (1999) Medieval iron and lead
smelting works: a geophysical comparison. In Pollard, A.M. (Ed)
Geoarchaeology: exploration, environments, resources. Geological Society,
London Special Publication. 165 15-34
Rob Vernon
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
POYNERDR
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2002 3:32 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Medieval monks furnace at Rievaulx
Rob (or anybody else),
Can you explain what exactly has been found at Rievaulx? Trying to
read between the lines of the press release and the web page, is
English Heritage suggesting early production of cast iron here from a
high shaft bloomery? (Hope the terminology is correct; I don't know a
great deal about the finer points of iron production, hence the
question!)
David Poyner
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