There is a theory, in Shropshire anyway, that a shaft quite near to the
entrance seems to ventilate an adit for a relatively great distance inby of
the shaft. And it does seem to work.
Mike Worsfold
Shropshire Mines Trust
-----Original Message-----
From: GRAHAM BROOKS [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 08 January 2003 15:08
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: North Pennine coal mining
I have recently been looking at late C18th early C19th coal mines that
belonged to the Earl of Carlisle in the Gelt Valley in the north Pennines.
There are two types of mine represented in the area
either the standerd bell which now shows as a conical depression surounded
by a ring of spoil, or adits running into the fell sidewith a spoil heap
outside.
My query concerns these adit type mines the majority of them appear to have
shafts sunk from the surface to the adit approximately 50 - 150 metres from
the adit enterance. Most of these shafts will be fairly shallow as the
ground into which the adits are driven is not particularly steeply sloping.
Can any one suggest a reason for these shafts. They occur on both single
adit sites and also sites where two or more adits enter close together.
My thoughts are
1. original exploration sites to determine thickness of coal etc.
2. Ventilation
3. haulage. But in all cases the road access to the site is to the adit
enterance.
If anyone can give references to similar sites I would be very grateful.
Graham Brooks
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