>===== Original Message From "The mining-history list."
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>I was saddened but not surprised to learn from Harald the international
nature of the desire of inhabitants of former mining areas to forget the
undesirable parts of history.
Simon,
Unfortunately, coal mining in Britain is within living memory of many people
for whom it has a poor image. A reaction to the exploitation of the days
before nationalisation and the political struggles of the inter-war period
when the industry was in decline? Perhaps we will have to wait 50 years before
the technological advances in 20th century coal mining can be addressed
without a risk social bias.
The non-ferrous mining industry in the south-west of England appears to suffer
from the same problem albeit on a smaller scale, with greater emphasis on the
period of peak production in the 19th century than in the vestiges of recent
mining. I believe the South Crofty site would now be a business or retail park
if the mine was not clinging to the idea of some form of revival. I'm told
that monuments like Robinson's engine house, and the engine, are being allowed
to deteriorate. If so, one has to ask why? Particularly as some sectors of
Cornwall have adopted the engine house as a unique retail image.
Peter
Dr Peter Claughton
Blaenpant Morfil, Clynderwen, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1437 532578 Fax: +44 (0)1437 532921 Mobile +44 (0)7831 427599 E-mail [log in to unmask]
SHiPSS (Centre for South Western Historical Studies)
University of Exeter
Co-owner mining-history e-mail discussion list.
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