I have found references (via A2A) of Robert Barber in the Nottingham
University Library, (Department of Manuscripts and Special Collections) in
amongst the Lord Middleton papers - Middleton having an interest in the
mines at Coalpit Heath.
It appears Barber was acting as "director of mining" for the landlords (eg
references to his trying to reform the management and appointing a new
underground bailiff). It is therefore possible that my earlier assumption
that he was an engineer is wrong, simply that he was in charge of the
project for the new engine.
(Also in the same set of papers is a reference to a Thomas Barber "More
notes on coal mining with reference to £6000 deal and land rent payments of
£3890 to Thomas Barber" - may or may not be related)
I have not yet determined whether either of these Barbers have anything to
do with those Keith has identified in his earlier reply and would appreciate
any more info on any of them.
Perhaps by coincidence also in Nottingham (but in the Nottingham Archives)
are documents relating to a Robert Barber taking the lease of GRIESELY
COLLIERY.
A final red herring (perhaps) is that back in the Nottingham University
Library are papers from a different collection relating to a John Barber
referring to coal in Denby and Smalley but specifically to Harthay Colliery
and Heanor Colliery
As a further comment, I think Moor Green colliery (again in Nottinghamshire)
was one of the pits sunk by Barber Walker and Co. It may be stretching
things a little far to note that a Mr (Michael) Walker was lessee at
Cromhall in the early 1800's. Later the Cromhall manager is a Mr Keeling
who's place of birth is given in the 1851 census as "Notts Moore Green"
Regards
David
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Keith Ramsey
Sent: 27 July 2006 18:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MINING-HISTORY] Engine Makers
According to the ODNB, John Barber designed an improved version of the
Newcomen engine.
His brother Robert (1737-1820) was also an inventor, but seems to have been
largely concerned with the textile industry.
John was bankrupt from 1780 to 1790, so could that explain why his brother's
name crops up in relation to the Coalpit heath engine?
Keith Ramsey
-----Original Message-----
From: mining-history [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
David Hardwick
Sent: 27 July 2006 18:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Engine Makers
Dear List
Relevant to investigations into a colliery site in the Coalpit Heath area
(Bristol Coalfield) is an agreement in the Bristol Record Office dated 1789
for the erection of a pumping engine.
It is to be erected "according to the model and other directions ..given by
Mr Robert Barber"
A quick internet search finds that a John Barber patented the first turbine
in 1791 and there is a reference to a John Barber
"John Barber (1734-1793) coalmaster & inventor" in the Oxford Dictionary of
National Biography (copy not sourced yet)
But I can find nothing on a Robert Barber
Any list members with any thoughts?
Regards
David Hardwick
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