Dear list,
Does anyone have a list of very long flatrod runs on metal mines in the UK, but especially South-West England?
Recent research in the Tamar Valley on the Devon/Cornwall border, has identified three exceptionally long runs of 500m, 920m and 2,100m. The latter was working between 1808 and 1816 on the Tavistock Canal tunnel works, working four lifts of pumps, plus one on Wheal Crebor. All used 40ft diameter by 4ft/5ft breast water wheels.
What I want to know is: How rare are such long runs, which engineers were responsible, and when?
Robert Waterhouse
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