I am starting a dissertation for an MA at Huddersfield University on
C18/early C19 coal mining in the Hudds/Halifax (Yorkshire) area. Looking at
MS sources for the late C18, payments are frequently made to miners
(particularly sinkers) for 'feighing' (spelt in a variety of ways). This
seems to mean something like cleaning out soughs or drifts, but I can't find
a clear or unambiguous definition - I rather get the feeling that everybody
except me knows exactly what it means! Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
This is my first post on this list, so I would be grateful if I could be
advised if this is an inappropriate question, or if I am otherwise
infringing list conventions.
David Cross
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