The Sir Francis Lead mine in Swaledale was the first mine in Yorkshire to
use compressed air rock drills. The McKeen rock borers used had been seen in
action at Grennock, probably in the late 1860s by Sir George Denys who
promoted their introduction at Sir Francis. It apears that the waterwheel
powered air compressor used at Sir Francis was probably bought 2nd hand from
Grennock. I suspect that the work at Gennock was connected with the supply
of water to Glasgow. Would anyone be aware of any published work on this?
Martin Roe
_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
|