Many thanks to Dave Linton, David Hardwick, Michael Shaw, and Alan Mills for
more info. on women.

Re those who were owners/operators/shareholders; There is quite a bit of
evidence of women shareholders in Cornwall (and not just widows who have
inherited), and certainly some women being paid and listed as 'tributers'
(eg. see displays in Helston Museum). It has been assumed that the latter
are widows of miners, with sons still working tribute. I haven't yet found
any evidence of the women shareholders being active in any way.

Re the Swaledale lead dressers; this is a significant late female labour
force - total 43 (if I can count as well!). How interesting. It is always
difficult to know how to read the 'one off' entries (Jane Hillary 69 miner).
In the same way I don't know what to make of the supposedly 93 yr old Mary
Thomas (Illogan) 'tin miner' in 1891. Just have to approach with a big dose
of caution, until any evidence suggests otherwise I suppose.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Mills" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2005 7:53 AM
Subject: Re: [MINING-HISTORY] Women at mines


>I have searched my database of the 1861 census of the Reeth Registration
> District which comprises virtually all the mining areas of Swaledale. It
> comprises 6125 people of whom 989 are shown as (male) lead miners. aged 10
> and over. There are 1003 of the 6125 shown as female aged over 7 (to omit
> scholars) with an occupation although often this is simply "farmer's wife"
> or similar. Of these 1003, 89 have an occupation related to mining (incl
> coal); many of these are lead miner's widow. In terms of  lead-mining
> related employment there are:
> 16 x female lead ore washer
> 1 x female lead miner
> 2 x Lead mines labourer
> 24 x lead ore dresser
> (assuming I can count!)
>
>
> Alan Mills
>
> PS this is the entry for the single female lead miner; a widow, aged 69
> born
> in Longmartin, Westmoreland and living in Whaw, Arkengarthdale. The
> occupation may be a transcription error of course.
>
> 8. HILLARY Jane Head W 69 lead miner Westm Longmartin F Whaw 1861
> HILLARY John son U 36 lead miner Yks Arkindale M Whaw 1861
> HILLARY Isaac son U 25 lead miner Yks Arkindale M Whaw 1861
>