I have to say how much I agree with the comments below from Tony. Several
times in the past few years I have read reports compiled by professional
archaeologists regarding the sites of former mining and ironworking sites
and have been frustrated simply by the lack of knowledge displayed and the
incorrect conclusions drawn. I have a report compiled by English Heritage of
a site which is a real eye-opener because of its careful and detailed
investigation of a previously uninvestigated site and the conclusions drawn
are food for thought. About the same time a separate EH group but from the
same office investigated a similar site and their report is significantly
poor in spite of some local advice.
Being able to pick holes in the work of professionals studying industrial
archaeological remains makes me, a non-professional, wonder what clangers
they may have dropped in reporting on pre-industrial and other historic
sites.
Simon.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Brooks" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 4:00 PM
Subject: Re: Callington mining area - help!
I agree with Alasdair Neill's comments.
I would not use these reports (ie CES which was CAU)as a first line of
research. To do any sensible research on a single mine, let alone an area,
is a major exercise even for someone who knows that mine/area well. There
appears to be a reluctance from the experts - i.e. those who are paid to
write reports - to run their findings in front of the unpaid, and thus
perhaps by inference non-expert, amateurs who are probably willing to help
at no cost to the project. I should add that this is also usually the case
with those who plan and execute highly funded 'preservation' projects.
Nobody knows everything and some people know less than others.
Cheers
Tony Brooks
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