Errors in mining history are nothing new!!!
In the 1871 Royal Commission Report John Anstie was employed to report on
the Gloucestershire & Somerset areas and later reported his findings in his
book "The Coalfields of Gloucestershire & Somerset" - 1873
In that he states that Cromhall Colliery was reopened in 1815 & worked for
three years "since which date they have entirely ceased" his source being a
Geological article from 1819. In fact the footnote of that very article
states that they had recently been reopened, coal working in Cromhall
continued into at least the mid 1850's with the New Engine Works not even
started until 1827 as far as we can tell, and the Tapwell site possibly
later..
The closure date of 1818 has however been quoted in many articles on the
Bristol Coalfield.
My point is that any secondary source (even if over 100 years old) can have
errors. There is no substitute for thorough research and recording first
hand evidence wherever possible (Write it all down Bernard - your knowledge
is important for future generations) Always quote sources and if using
someelses work use there original sources not just their interpretation
However also be careful of people "correcting" others work
Eg
an article saying Cromhall was still working in the 1850's could be wrongly
corrected by someone who had read Anstie and therefore thought it actually
did close in 1818.
Regards
David
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