----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Claughton" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: A review of the Video Deep. Dark and Dusty
> > Is this really mining history?
Does the "History" of a mine include what went on before and after
extraction or just when the mine was actively working ?
I'd say all three myself, I certainly find it interesting.
(there was discussion recently about storing cars in mines on this list)
Who held the mineral rights before work commenced is important as is what
happened to the land and rights during any periods when the works were
closed and maybe reopened. What happened afterwards is also important,
where did the plant go, what happened to the miners, did the shafts get
capped etc etc. even who owns it now and what are the chances of
preservation work.
For an example, I have just confirmed that a Roman road went through one of
the colliery sites in South Gloucestershire. The Roman history of the site
is perhaps less relevant to this discussion list, until of course such time
as proof can be given that they were mining coal in South Gloucestershire.
However what is important is that a building which may be an engine house
appears on the site (after 1880) & sits directly on the line of the road.
Should this site later be excavated it is essential that this is realised as
confusion could otherwise occur. A few hundred yards up the track is a site
of an alleged roman staging post. The grid reference for this is exactly
the same as the site of an 18th century colliery. My gut feeling is that
the remains found (although close to the roman road) are more likely to be
mine buildings than Roman. I can't however find the details of the work
done at the site.
Anyone on the list got any good contacts regarding where to track down Roman
History information? I appreciate this may be nearly 1500 years before
mining took place on the site but I think you'll see why I think it still
relates to it's mining history.
Hope I'm not being too controversial!!
Regards
David
|